Cassava and sweetpotato cropping practices and farmer communication networks in Quaang Biinh Province, Vietnam : identifying gaps between existing root and tuber crops farming practices and climate smart agriculture practices and characterizing communication systems to support livelihoods

Recognizing the potential of RTCs in increasing the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate change impacts in Vietnam, this research was done with the goal of determining potential gaps in farmer knowledge about climate smart practices for cassava and sweetpotato production. It also aimed to characterize farmer communication networks and knowledge-sharing within the village as well as at the commune-level. Using qualitative methods, data was gathered from 30 RTC farmers in three villages per commune and other stakeholders such cassava traders, cassava starch factory representatives, and agricultural extension officers. Research results showed that farmers growing RTCs in Quảng Thạch are well integrated into the local and regional processing markets while farmers in Cao Quảng have little access to such profitable markets, particularly for cassava. They also experience quality issues that preclude their entrance into local sweetpotato markets. In both communes, there were gaps in actual practice and climate smart cassava farming including inefficient fertilizer use and plant spacing, limited erosion control, and inadequate pest management. Pests are a major problem for sweetpotato farmers in Cao Quảng, who are in urgent need for significant pest and disease management strategies. Most farmers’ knowledge about RTC cropping is learned through interpersonal communication with family and neighbors. Knowledge about market-related information such as new products, varieties, and prices are often communicated through networks outside the village including fertilizer sales agents, cassava traders and commune agricultural officers. This research also found out that although there is some variety in farmer cropping activities, most farmers act similarly to their neighbors. Therefore, interventions on RTC planting technologies or markets are likely to be taken up by all farmers, by none or very few.