THE ROLE OF THE CANAL SYSTEM IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEKONG DELTA IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Abstract

During the first half of the 19th century, the Mekong Delta was a strategically important agricultural region. Accordingly, the canal system has occupied an important position in the process of supporting the implementation of farming and agricultural production activities as well as connecting agricultural economic trade between regions in this Delta. The purpose of this study is to analyze and clarify the role of the canal system in the development of agricultural economy in the Mekong Delta in the first half of the 19th century. In this paper, the author has approached the research mainly by historical method and logical method. The research results not only contribute to highlighting the appearance, value and meaning of the canal system in the Mekong Delta, but also reflect the situation of irrigation in the Delta in the first half of the 19th century. Through this study, it also contributes to summarizing valuable experience in making policies to orient the development of irrigation systems in agricultural production activities in the Mekong Delta today.