Impact of saline intrusion and adaptation options on rice- and fish-farming households in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Abstract

Saline intrusion is threatening rice- and fish-farming households in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. This study was conducted, based on interviews with 390 rice- and fish-farming households in An Giang, Can Tho, and Soc Trang-upstream, midstream, and downstream provinces, respectively-in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The results revealed that saltwater intensively intruded inland during the dry season and seriously affected rice- and fish-farming households. Not only the productivity of rice and fish was affected, but also household income, and the quality of natural resources and environment deteriorated. The fish-farming households faced the most serious effects and had fewer adaptation options compared to households undertaking farming with rice and integrated rice- and fish-farming. Households in all groups have developed adaptation options following the increasing degree of salinity, including: (1) changing their agricultural activity calendar, (2) using tolerant rice varieties and fish species, (3) changing cropping patterns and farming practices, (4) applying integrated production models, and (5) diversifying non-farming activities.