Background
Agricultural service provision and science-technology transfer play a crucial role in boosting farmers' productivity, improving product quality, lowering production costs, and enhancing competitiveness Current channels delivering these essential agricultural services include agriculture and rural development banks, policy banks, fertilizer companies, seed and breeding animal suppliers, as well as farmer organizations such as cooperatives and groups.
To enhance agricultural production, linking input and output operations is essential, and organizing agricultural cooperatives (ACs) is an effective solution ACs offer numerous advantages to farmers, including access to high-quality inputs at reasonable prices and streamlined selling processes with stable prices and good consumption plans They also boost farmers' competitiveness and negotiation power in the market while fostering connections among farmers to optimize machinery usage and reduce production costs Additionally, ACs support farmers in improving their self-management skills and adopting advanced technologies.
This study highlights the crucial role of cooperatives in delivering services and facilitating science and technology transfer for farmers, emphasizing the importance of direct agents involved in these processes.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), by late
2013, Vietnam had 10,154 cooperatives including 9,363 ACs, 594 aquaculture cooperatives, 118 forestry cooperatives, and 79 salt-making cooperatives Particularly, in Mekong Delta, there were 1,180 cooperatives including 924 ACs Mekong Delta is
Vietnam's second-largest agro-ecological zone and granary has significant potential for cooperative economy development, yet the area's agricultural cooperatives (ACs) are underperforming compared to national standards Currently, most ACs offer only limited services, including land preparation, irrigation, agricultural extension, input supply, internal credit, crop harvesting, storage, processing, and marketing.
Despite their potential, cooperatives in Vietnam face significant operational challenges, including small-scale production and low profitability They primarily focus on input services, neglecting processing and output services, which leads to service quality that often fails to meet member demands This inefficiency hinders their economic development potential and diminishes market competitiveness, making it difficult to attract new members Additionally, many cooperative managers lack expertise, facilities are outdated, and there is insufficient investment in new technologies Overall, the operations of these cooperatives tend to be formalistic, inefficient, and non-compliant with legal standards.
The government has implemented various policies to promote the growth of cooperatives, including Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs), training over 4,000 cooperative managers annually from 2005 to 2007 and establishing infrastructure for more than 1,800 ACs, which encouraged around 120,000 individuals to engage in agriculture However, many of these policies lacked specificity and feasibility, leading to challenges in meeting international economic integration requirements Additionally, local authority interventions have further hindered the development of ACs.
The role of service provision and science-technology transfer in cooperatives is crucial for transforming agricultural production structures, enhancing product quality, and lowering production costs, particularly in the context of a market economy and global integration This research aims to identify effective types of service provision and technology transfer within agricultural cooperatives (ACs), explore policies that can foster cooperative development, and determine necessary measures to improve AC operations in these areas This focus underpins the study titled “Assessing the Situation of Service Provision and Science Technology.”
Transfer and Studying Supportive Policies on Agricultural Cooperatives - A Case Study of Mekong Delta in Vietnam ”.
Objectives of the study
The general objective was to put forward scientific solutions and policies to assist the ACs in improving service provision and agricultural science-technology transfer activities in Mekong Delta - Vietnam
- To study the scientific basis of service provision and science-technology transfer in ACs;
- To assess the actual situation of service provision and science-technology transfer activities in ACs;
- To identify factors affecting service provision and science-technology transfer activities in ACs;
- To analysis of the actual situation of supportive policies on AC development;
- To define the shortcomings of AC supportive policies;
- To put forward solutions and policies to help cooperatives improving service provision and agricultural science-technology transfer activities.
Assumptions of the study
The research assumes that cooperatives significantly contribute to service delivery and the transfer of agricultural science and technology, benefiting both their members and farm households.
4 b The current policies and rural institutions have not really encouraged and promoted cooperatives engaged in service provision and agricultural science- technology transfer in agricultural production.
Research questions
The current state of service provision and science-technology transfer in agricultural cooperatives (ACs) in the Mekong Delta raises questions about their effectiveness in meeting household needs It is essential to evaluate whether these services are sustainable and competitive against other entities Furthermore, the role of State policies in fostering cooperative economic development is under scrutiny The impact of local authorities on AC activities is also critical, as their intervention may either hinder or enhance the effectiveness of service provision and technology transfer in agricultural production To improve these activities, targeted policies are necessary to encourage and promote the capabilities of ACs in the region.
Subjects of the study
The subjects of this study included:
- The types of service: input, output and agricultural science-technology transfer
- The effectiveness of the service movements of ACs
- The policies to improve service provision and science-technology transfer activities in ACs
The survey targeted various stakeholders involved in agricultural production, including service-providing agricultural cooperatives, member and non-member households, district and provincial management agencies, the cooperative alliance, the Department of Cooperative Economics and Rural Development, and extension centers.
Scope of study
A survey was conducted across five provinces in the Mekong Delta—Tien Giang, Kien Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, and An Giang—focusing on cooperative development Three cooperatives from two districts in each province were selected for their roles in service provision and technology transfer To assess the effectiveness of their services, five members from each cooperative were interviewed.
Table 1.1 Number of sample intended in survey area
Provincial level District level Cooperatives Households
Data sources and data collection methods
The secondary data encompasses an analysis of state and local policies related to the development and management of Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs), as well as studies examining service provision and science-technology transfer within these cooperatives Additionally, it includes insights from international models of service provision and technology transfer in ACs, highlighting best practices and lessons learned from foreign experiences.
Primary data for this study was collected through a combination of executive interviews, expert seminars, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires, focusing on the implementation of agricultural cooperative (AC) development policies in the Mekong Delta.
- Studying on data and documents of service provision and science technology transfer; the policies, decrees, decisions, circulars, etc for development and management of cooperatives
- Method of description: to determine and assess the real situation of the ACs in the study area and the current legal documents
- Method of causality: to find what is the cause for advantage and disadvantage for development of the ACs in the study area
To investigate the activities of agricultural cooperatives in the study area, we conducted interviews with cooperative managers, member households, non-member households, and district and provincial management agencies.
- Statistical method: to synthesize and analyze the data has been investigated
To effectively develop cooperatives, it is essential to engage in discussions with experts and leaders regarding the implementation of AC development policies This professional approach serves as a foundation for proposing targeted strategies and solutions aimed at enhancing cooperative growth.
Map 1.1 Map of Viet Nam showing the study area
Fig 1.1 Analytical framework of research
ASSESSING THE SITUATION OF SERVICE PROVISION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND STUDYING SUPPORTIVE
Basic and reality foundation of service provision and science-technology transfer in
Situation assessment and analysis of service provision and science-technology transfer in
Overview of policies for service provision and science technology transfer in ACs
The basic theory of collective economy, service provision and science- technology transfer in ACs
Lessons learned on service provision and science technology transfer in ACs
Situation assessment and analysis of service provision and science technology transfer in ACs
Assessing the performance of service provision and science technology transfer in ACs
Analysis of factors affecting service provision and science- technology transfer in ACs
To put forward solutions and policies to support cooperatives improve the efficiency of service provision and agricultural science-technology transfer to households
1.10 The structure of the study
1 Introduction , we presented the reasons, objectives, questions, subjects, scope and analytical framework of the study, as well as data collection and analysis methods in this chapter
In the literature review, we examined both national and international research related to agricultural services and technology transfer Key concepts such as the theories of science-technology transfer, cooperative links in agricultural production, and theoretical perspectives on cooperatives were introduced This analysis provided the essential foundation for developing our theoretical framework and research design.
The cooperative movement has evolved significantly worldwide, with distinct phases of formation and development that reflect varying social and economic contexts In Vietnam, the cooperative movement has its unique trajectory, shaped by historical, cultural, and political factors This article explores both the global evolution of cooperatives and the specific development process in Vietnam, highlighting key milestones and influences that have shaped the cooperative landscape in both contexts.
This chapter analyzes the current policies on agricultural cooperative (AC) development in Vietnam, focusing on the essential components and the actual implementation of these cooperative development policies It highlights the shortcomings in both the policy content and its execution, while also drawing lessons from the real-world application of these cooperative policies.
The analysis of service provision and science technology transfer in agricultural cooperatives (ACs) in the Mekong Delta reveals the current state of these cooperatives, the effectiveness of service delivery, and the challenges faced in technology transfer By examining the factors influencing service provision and technology dissemination, we can draw valuable lessons that inform the development of targeted solutions and policies These measures aim to enhance the efficiency of service delivery and improve agricultural science and technology transfer to local households, ultimately supporting the growth and sustainability of ACs in the region.
6 Experiences from other countries and lessons for Vietnam, we outlined some experiences from other countries (Japan, Korea, Thailand and China) and lessons for
This article presents seven solutions and policies aimed at enhancing service provision and agricultural science-technology transfer activities within cooperatives We propose two categories of strategies: general policies applicable to all cooperatives and specific policies tailored to each type of service These recommendations are designed to help cooperatives improve their efficiency in delivering services and transferring agricultural science and technology to households.
This chapter presents eight key conclusions based on the findings from earlier sections, alongside recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficiency of service delivery and the transfer of agricultural science and technology to households within cooperatives.
Kofi Annan emphasized the importance of the cooperative movement as a significant part of civil society, highlighting its role in addressing various human needs, including health, housing, and banking services Cooperatives not only advance education and gender equality but also safeguard the environment and workers' rights, positively impacting communities in over a hundred countries Evidence shows that policies and programs supporting agricultural cooperatives have effectively reduced food insecurity and rural poverty, while also creating employment opportunities.
Agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in rural development by enhancing livelihoods and alleviating poverty According to research by Kindie and Tsegaye (2012) on "Agricultural Cooperatives and Rural Livelihoods: Evidence from Ethiopia," these cooperatives significantly benefit farmers by increasing their income, fostering savings, and lowering input costs.
Agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in poverty reduction, as highlighted by Fatemeh (2011) in her case study of Marvdasht, Iran The research indicates that these cooperatives enable impoverished farmers to increase their incomes while empowering rural communities to take charge of their own solutions.
Research by Zhilu Zhang, Xinyu Zhang, and Yitao Huang (2009) highlights that the characteristics of being "dispersed, weak, small, and poor" hinder farmers' wealth in China Their study on agricultural cooperatives indicates that participation in these cooperatives can transform the dynamics of small households, ultimately helping to bridge the income gap between urban and rural areas Numerous authors recognize the significant role that agricultural cooperatives (ACs) play in enhancing the economic conditions of farmers.
Agricultural cooperatives (ACs) play a crucial role in agricultural and rural development by supporting farmers through essential services and activities According to Farshid A (2011), ACs are vital organizations that provide farmers with necessary inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and breeding resources for both plants and livestock Additionally, they offer guidance on new scientific advancements and technologies, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance agricultural production and foster rural community growth Hendrikse (2004) also emphasized the significance of restructuring agricultural systems to further improve these contributions.