SHIFTING CROP STRUCTURE IN INLAND AREAS TO ADAPT TO DECLINING WATER RESOURCES IN AN GIANG PROVINCE

Abstract

Water resources in An Giang province has suitable for agricultural production, but currently it has been changed. The research conducted to undersatnd the current status of crop structure transformation in the  terrain part of An Giang province and factors affecting the this  process. The status of water source is determined through the total amount of water coming to the delta (collected at Chau Doc and Tan Chau stations) and the in-field water level from 1996 - 2020 (collected at seven in-field stations in An Giang province), data are analysed using linear regression testing and Mankendall-SenSlope and Pettit analysis. The shifting of crop models was conducted thorugh Key Informant Person (KIP), group interviews and surveys (120 households). The results show that there has been a decrease in the total water level, and the water level in the field. Shifting from rice to upland crops (vegetables, fruit trees) has been carried out in An Phu and Chau Phu districts. In Chau Phu, from rice to fruit trees accounts for 76.19% and in An Phu 38.03%. Profits from growing new crops are higher than rice (85.71%), low rice productivity (more than 27.02%) and lack of water (more than 23.08%), these are the main reasons motivating farmers to change crop structure. To maintain and develop the farming system, it is necessary to pay attention to technical support for farmers to better adopt new technique and increase links between farmers and related stakeholders in the value chain of athe key agricultural products, so that farmers can participate more in the production process, gain higher profits and ensure stable income for farming households in the delta region of An Giang province.