Establishing an Evolutionary Learning Lab - I

Research Paper:

Title: Establishing an Evolutionary Learning

Laboratory for Improving the Quality of

Life of Vietnamese Women in Small-scale

Agriculture: Part I—The Current Situation

Authors: Tuan M. Ha*, Ockie J. H. Bosch and Nam C. Nguyen

Ockie Bosch

Nam Nguyen

Summary:

The study was carried out in Haiphong, a typical lowland area of the Red River Delta of

Northern Vietnam. The main objective of this research was to analyse the current

conditions under which women smallholders are operating (Part I), in order to serve as

a basis to identify major challenges and potential intervention strategies to reduce labour

hardship and improve their quality of life (Part II). Both qualitative and quantitative data

collection methods were employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the current

conditions. It was found that issues associated with the target group were multi-dimensional,

requiring multi-stakeholder related interventions. These varied from interrelated problems

such as a lack of capital and production devices to market constraints, production

capability and gender-biased domestic chores and production tasks. A comprehensive

and informed approach is therefore required that focuses on (i) coordinated planning

and multi-stakeholder cooperation; (ii) enhanced transparency and accountability; and

(iii) utilization and mobilization of available resources. Although the suggested solutions

are legitimate as based on the traditional approach of context and problem analyses,

it is clearly insufficient to understand the systemic interplays among different issues

and to address the real issues and root causes of the difficulties the women are facing.

Keywords: women smallholder farmers; gender; livelihood; labour; quality of life

Citation: Systems Research and Behavioral Science

Syst. Res (2015)

Published online in Wiley Online Library

(wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI: 10.1002/sres.2346

19/05/2026, 10:48:33

Attachments