RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABILITY OF FARM HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOODS IN PHU DO COMMUNE, PHU LUONG DISTRICT, THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE

Abstract

The paper focuses on assessing the sustainability of agricultural livelihoods in Phu Do commune, Phu Luong district, Thai Nguyen province, where livelihoods are mainly based on agriculture. Based on the theoretical framework of sustainable livelihoods and analysis of 5 capital sources (human capital, natural capital, social capital, physical capital and financial capital), the study surveyed 180 households in 5 typical hamlets of Phu Do commune. The analysis results show that all livelihoods are relatively sustainable, of which tea cultivation has the highest index (0.5935), followed by the tea-rice model (0.5916) and the lowest is rice cultivation (0.5421). The study also points out limitations such as low labor skills, access to credit and high dependence on natural resources. Based on the research results, the authors proposed solutions to improve sustainability including: improving labor resources, effectively managing land and water resources, improving infrastructure, increasing capital support and production equipment, diversifying livelihoods, developing livelihood models and valuable agricultural product chains. The research results are the basis for managers to develop appropriate livelihood development policies for local farmers.