Impact of fishery association management on fishery community

Tam Giang lagoon system has got an area size of around 22.100 ha; a length of 68 km along the coast of central Vietnam. In which, the animal system is abundant, including many kinds of shrimp, fish and crab. Vinh Giang is a commune which belongs to the Tam Giang lagoon system. It is a place, where fishing activities started long time ago and developed strong fishery culture. There are many fishery groups who use this resource, including fixed gears fishing, mobile gears fishing and aquaculture. The numbers of fishers are increasing; meanwhile the resource under harvest is limited. Accordingly, conflict becomes common among household groups in aquatic resource exploitation and use. They use many methods to increase their efficiency, like event destructive fishing. This situation led to overexploitation and depletes resources. The local government tries to take some measures in resource management, but the effectiveness was not significant. Specially, they give emphasis for administrative management mechanism and coercion to reduce approach level, exploit resource in general and fisheries management in particular. The centralized management mechanism didn’t seem suitable in common pool resource (Tuyen, 2008). Thus, the most important is to renew management system in aquaculture, fishing and other resource in lagoon. The fisheries management system improverment is implemented comprehensive in fishing technology, fishing method and management regulations in order to reach a goal that is not harmful to environment and biodiversity in aquatic resource. Although, the Local Government and other organizations coordinated management in aquculture and fishery is there, the connection has not been close enough to bring a change. The fishing and aquculture area planning were not suitable and clearly. In addition, whereas, government organization, local government weren’t enough official, time, expenditure and resource to remain management activities on large area. Fisher has not participated actively in in the protection of aquatic resource in the community yet. Because of this, the overexploitation continuied growing from time to time. These reasons affect aquatic resource and fisher’s livelihood.To solve this problem, the community has to clear property right regime to reinforce aquatic resource management capacity (Tuyen, 2010). Therefore, the fishery management model base on community was establishment in many communes. In which, fishery association is subject of the model. Moreover, Vinh Giang commune, that the first commune is right allocated in water surface resource management, exploitation and using. The nature of the community based fisheries management model is decentralized in participation of fisher and local government. Fishery association is social-professional organization. The participation of fisher in the association is voluntary; they participate in activities such as: fishing, aquaculture, consuming, processing and logistic services fisheries. Fishery association establishment created the change in aquatic resource management. In which, it included the change in the number of fisher, area, fishing equipment, yield, income and fisher’s awareness. From this research, it will show the advantages and disadvantages in aquatic resource management process, the changes and improvements in the livelihood of fisher through support by fishery association.</jats:p

Shrimp farming in Central Vietnam: A value chain analysis

White shrimp has become a key commodity in Vietnamese aquaculture. White shrimp farming does not only enable the participation of smallholders, but also attracts companies and other stakeholders along the value chain. The value generating activities in white shrimp farming have contributed to improved livelihood opportunities of its stakeholders, and the socioeconomic growth of coastal communities in general. However, low accessibility to high value markets, low bargaining power and high dependence are existing issues for farmers, which affect the efficiency of white shrimp farming, as well as the development of the white shrimp value chain. Based on a qualitative analysis of the white shrimp value chain in Vietnam, the presented research explores the current situation of production and consumption of the white shrimp industry, as well as advantages, disadvantages and development strategies in white shrimp farming. The value chain analysis approaches are theoretically based on the concepts of global production networks and global value chains (e.g. Gerreffi et al., 1994, 2005, 2016; Humphrey and Schmitz, 2001; Dicken, 2015; Coe and Yeung, 2015). Gereffi et al.’s (2005) approach of five types of governance and Humphrey and Schmitz’ (2002) concept of four types of upgrading within the concept of value chain analysis are the backbone of this study. The goal of this study was to provide information on the current status and sustainability issues in white shrimp farming, the differences among marketing channels and response ability of farmers to access each channel. Additionally, the power relationships among actors within the white shrimp value chain and the impact of these relationships on farmers are also outlined. Qualitative research methods were applied by conducting 24 semi-structured interviews. Interviewed stakeholders include white shrimp farmers, suppliers, middlemen, wholesalers, retailers, and relevant representatives of local governments. Further, secondary data was collected through socio-economic reports of government levels and related previous research. Thua Thien Hue province in central Vietnam was selected as the case study area. The first part of this thesis is an introduction on global food, the importance of aquaculture and the rationale behind conducting research on value chain analysis. Afterwards, the framework of value chain analysis, governance and upgrading dimensions and the agri-food value chain, Vietnamese aquaculture with regard to development processes, distribution and existing issues, as well as the research methodology are outlined before presenting the empirical results, discussion and conclusion. The research results are outlined in four stand-alone research papers (chapters 5-8), which have the following common characteristics: the research focuses on small-scale white shrimp farmers; the theoretical approach of global production networks and global value chains is used for the analysis; governance dimensions are also a theoretical lens used throughout the research; furthermore, informal transactions and informal relationships often coin the white shrimp value chain and are thus integral parts of the empirical work. The results show that the volume of white shrimp has significantly increased in central Vietnam in both, production and export since 2002. White shrimp farming requires high investments while it can provide comparably high revenue for farmers; normally, farmers can gain profit margins from 4.5 to 10%. However, lack of expertise, low availability of relevant infrastructure, missing access to capital and traditional production routines of farmers are affecting sustainability as well as resilient livelihoods with regard to the quality of white shrimp seed, changing technical knowledge, use of aquatic medicine, water pollution and curing diseases. Furthermore, there is a dependency of farmers on input suppliers because farmers are often debtors of input suppliers, especially of industrial feed suppliers. Meanwhile, the output market of white shrimp is controlled by intermediaries and most of the Vietnamese white shrimp production is traded via these middlemen before being distributed to consumers or processors. Although farmers can access the processing plant to capture a higher share of value, international standards appear as barriers for these kinds of direct business relations. The change from informal relationships to formal relationships is constrained by the gap between the quality requirements of processing plants and the ability of farmers to adapt to those requirements. Thus, selecting intermediaries is currently the easiest solution for farmers for accessing sales markets. This development led to ignoring the regulations on using antibiotics for shrimp production and wastewater treatment among farmers; instead, they solely focused on growing the production and maximizing revenues, which can be considered an attempt of farmers to compensate their disadvantages. Compared to other actors in the white shrimp value chain, farmers have less bargaining power, and little to no possibilities of independent decision-making, which leaves them only able to react instead of act within business relations. The relationships among actors in the chain were established based on personal trust, regular face-to-face interaction and the exchange of tacit information. The typical feature of the relationships is a high degree of informality and that the binding character can be stronger than with a formal contract. Local governments and farmers have implemented various strategies to upgrade the white shrimp value chain. That might result in issuing the regulations in white shrimp farming, establishing cooperative organizations. However, these activities are still limited and the majority of farmers are still facing major issues of access to distribution channels and dependencies on middlemen and suppliers. Hence, the thesis concludes, that in order to be competitive and ecologically sustainable, white shrimp farmers need to change production habits and improve product quality to respond to the requirements of domestic and international markets. The local government needs to continue to support farmers with infrastructure, capital and technology

DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE AGE FOR ESTIMATING SITE INDEX OF Acacia hybrid PLANTATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIETNAM

This article introduces the research results of a site index classification for Acacia hybrid plantations in Dong Nai Province. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine a baseline age of Acacia hybrid plantations to establish their site indices and (ii) develop site index curves for Acacia hybrid plantations. Three standard plots were established for each age group of 1-10 years with 111 trees per plot; 108 trees were measured for the estimation of growth criteria. Three trees were used for tree truncation, and truncated trees did not count for the estimation of tree growth criteria. In this study, the site index (SI) for Acacia hybrid plantations was divided into three levels according to the total height of the dominant trees. The heights collected from 108 trees were used to build the functions of the SI, and three truncated trees were used to examine the possibilities of the functions of SI. Research results showed that the appropriate baseline age of Acacia hybrid plantations at Dong Nai Province is 8 years. The site indices of hybrid plantations were divided into three site levels of I, II, and III, corresponding to heights of 24, 20 and 16 m, respectively. To improve the effectiveness of Acacia hybrid plantation businesses, owners should focus on growing plantations at site index levels of I or II

The Situation of New Religious Studies in Vietnam

There is a prominent phenomenon in the religious life of Vietnam, which is the emergence of “new religions”. These phenomena have not only made the religious space of the nation more complex and multi-dimensional but also challenged stability and sustainable development within the religious communities in this key economic region. Having studied the new religious phenomenon in recent years, we have noted its progress and widespread characteristics within the ethnic communities. While it may appear that "new religion" is a simple and gentle concept and practice, it is in fact, intrinsically related to and has significant implications on the social life of the community members. However, there is a growing concern, considerable suspicion and anxiety with regards to its impacts on individuals, families, social and cultural traditions, beliefs and religions; many have opined that it is radically changing the peaceful cohabitation of diverse religious traditions, revealing a potential for conflicts across groups. Based on the religious reality of the Southern region of Vietnam, the Center for Religion Studies has implemented a project regarding new religions in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the problems faced by the religious policy in Vietnam. This article is an overview of the results of this project

CREDIT RISK AMID BANKING UNCERTAINTY IN VIETNAM

Using a new measure of micro uncertainty based on the cross-sectional dispersion of bank-level shocks, we analyze the impact of banking uncertainty on credit risk in Vietnam during the period 2007–2019. We document that a higher level of banking uncertainty may increase credit risk, and this unfavorable impact is mitigated at larger, better capitalized, and more liquid banks. As compared to private-owned banks, stateowned banks experience higher credit risk during periods of uncertainty. Further analysis supports the “search for yield” hypothesis and helps to better understand why credit risk increases amid uncertainty

Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method for Two-Dimensional Linear Multi-Field Media

This paper presents an efficient and accurate numerical technique, based on a scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM), that is capable of solving two-dimensional, second-order, linear, multi-field boundary value problems. Basic governing equations are established in a general, unified context allowing the treatment of various classes of linear problems such as steady-state heat conduction problems, steady-state flow in porous media, linear elasticity, linear piezoelectricity, and linear piezomagnetic and piezoelectromagnetic problems. A scaled boundary finite element approximation is also formulated within a general framework integrating the influence of the distributed body source, general boundary conditions, contributions of the general side-face data, and the flexibility of scale boundary approximations. Standard procedures for numerical integration, search of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determination of particular solutions, and solving a system of linear algebraic equations are adopted. After fully tested with available benchmark solutions, the proposed SBFEM is applied to solve various classes of linear problems under different scenarios to demonstrate its vast capability, computational efficiency and robustness.This paper presents an efficient and accurate numerical technique, based on a scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) that is capable of solving two-dimensional, second-order, linear, multi-field boundary value problems. Basic governing equations are established in a general, unified context allowing the treatment of various classes of linear problems such as steady-state heat conduction problems, steady-state flow in porous media, linear elasticity, linear piezoelectricity, and linear piezomagnetic and piezoelectromagnetic problems. A scaled boundary finite element approximation is also formulated within a general framework integrating the influence of the distributed body source, general boundary conditions, contributions of the general side-face data, and the flexibility of scaled boundary approximations. Standard procedures for numerical integration, search of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determination of particular solutions, and solving a system of linear algebraic equations are adopted. After fully tested with available benchmark solutions, the proposed SBFEM is applied to solve various classes of linear problems under different scenarios to demonstrate its vast capability, computational efficiency and robustness

The challenge of upgrading white shrimp production in central Vietnam and the potential of farming cooperatives

Aquaculture in Vietnam expanded significantly over the past two decades and contributed to poverty alleviation among smallholders. Upstream value chains of shrimp farming in Vietnam are characterized by a high degree of informality, a high number of intermediate layers in trade and power asymmetries between farmers, suppliers and buyers. Input supply such as feed and fingerlings for shrimps account for 60% to 80% of overall cost in white shrimp production. Reducing the cost of input supply would therefore significantly improve income and welfare of farmers. Hence, this study focuses on the characteristics of business relationships between farmers and input suppliers and explores the possibilities of farmers to improve their bargaining position. In particular, the potential of horizontal coordination in the form of cooperatives is evaluated. Characteristics of business relationships and possibilities to (individually and collectively) improve their bargaining positions of farmers are evaluated within the conceptual frame of global value chains and upgrading. The paper argues that despite previous unsuccessful attempts to establish cooperatives, horizontal coordination is an important measure in order to counter high dependencies from supply agents. However, in order to be successful, attempts to coordinate need a clear value proposition for farmers, engagement and communication among farmers and government support in funding the necessary infrastructure. &nbsp

Power allocation algorithm in OFDM-based cognitive radio systems

In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based cognitive radio (CR) systems, the optimized algorithms for sub-carrier power allocation face the problems of complex iterative calculation and difficult realization. In this paper, we propose an exponential power distribution function and derive a sub-optimal power allocation algorithm. This algorithm aims to allocate power of in-band subcarriers of cognitive users according to the numerical characteristics of the power distribution function by using a convex optimization numerical method under linear constraints. This algorithm has the advantages of fast calculation speed and easy realization, and reduces the interference to the authorized users, which is caused by the power leakage of the in-band subcarriers of cognitive users to the out-of-band subcarriers. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm maximizes the inband channel capacity of the cognitive users under certain interference thresholds of the authorized users, thus increasing their transmission rate