Article info.

ABSTRACT

Received date: 27/12/2015

Accepted date: 30/03/2017

This study is aimed to assess the sustainability of the integrated mangrove shrimp system and livelihood improvement opportunities for farmers in the coastal areas. A baseline assessment (focus group discussion-3 groups of 24 participants and households’ interviews of 35 farmers) and on-farm studies were carried out. Data and indicators related to sustainability including natural, financial and environmental aspects were gathered and analyzed. Study results show that the integrated mangrove shrimp was sustainable system overtime. It has very low production costs and investment that suits to farmers’ existing resources. Farmers invested 3.6 ±0.9 million VND per hectare of water surface a year, which could earn a net revenue approximately 24 million VND/ha/year. Beside shrimp as a primary main product, several secondary products such as crab and other aquatic animals are harvested as well from the system. Livelihoods and income sources of farmers in coastal areas could be improved through intervening farming techniques and diversifying livelihood activities. Along with the above achievement, the system is currently facing problems and challenges. Of which, inaccessibility to good quality shrimp seeds, diseases on shrimp, sedimentation, climate change impacts, and policies of timbering limitation, were key limiting factors to the integrated mangrove shrimp system. So far, technical intervention and flexible management on mangrove forest need to be considered and adjusted.

Keywords

Agro-forestry system, forest land allocation, integrated mangrove-shrimp system, sustainability

Cited as: Tin, N. H., Phuong, T. L., Nhan, D. K., Si, L. T., Bosma, R., 2017. Sustainability and livelihood opportunities for mangrove-shrimp farmers in the coastal areas of SocTrang province. Can Tho University Journal of Science. Vol 5: 18-29.