Case study on the living standard of rice famers in An Giang province in the period of 2005-2014

Abstract

For a more comprehensive look at the life of rice farmers in the context of environmental change, research on the change of the living standards of rice farming households in the period of 2005-2014 is done. In this study, social survey is utilized with sample size of 46 rice farming households in 6 districts in An Giang province (7-8 households/district on average) with the tool for data collection and analyzing having been the chart of self-evaluation of rice farmers on their living standards in the last 10 years. The study results showed that rice farming livelihood improves the life of farmers. However, if considered it during a long time, the living standard of the majority of rice farming households did not increase. Rice production is a kind of livelihood related to risks caused by negative change of the natural environment and the rice market's volatility. To adapt with the change of environment and to maintain the living standard, the rice farmers have implemented such solutions as livelihood diversification, plant transformation, increase of the cultivated areas and of investment in education for their children. Together with the goal of ensuring food security and enhancing rice exports, it is necessary to ensure profit, living standards of rice farmers, to strengthen their resources adapting to climate change, and to link the production with the market and international integration.