Sustainability and livelihood opportunities for mangrove-shrimp farmers in the coastal areas of SocTrang province

Abstract

This study aims 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 analysed. 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/year. Beside shrimp as a primary main harvested product, the system also harvests several second products such as crab and other aquatic animals. Farmers in coastal areas could improve their livelihoods and income sources through intervening farming techniques and diversifying livelihood activities. Along with above achievement, the system is currently facing problems and challenges. On top of that, inaccessibility to good quality shrimp seeds, diseases on shrimp, sedimentation, climate change impacts, and policies limit to timbering, 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.