Looking ahead to the integration of farmers into export markets: the concept of prospective export-market integration and evidence from the transitional context of Vietnamese shrimp farming
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
ISSN: 2044-0839
Article publication date: 18 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the integration of smallholder farmers into the export market in Vietnam, an emerging economy. By introducing a prospective framework, we seek to provide insight into factors that influence this integration process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines the expected growth and entry of Vietnamese smallholder farmers into high-value export markets. We collected information from 200 independent farmers as well as from five local extension workers, who provided information on 50 farmers.
Findings
The study reveals that the adoption of new business models is more influential than the variables traditionally included in models of export-market integration in predicting expected growth and entry into high-value export markets. In addition, the results highlight divergent views between farmers and extension workers regarding the role of collectors, with farmers perceiving collectors as potential partners, while extension workers see them as impediments to growth.
Research limitations/implications
The prospective model presented in this study highlights the importance of policy interventions aimed at promoting new business models and addressing infrastructure and capital constraints for the sustainable transformation of agricultural sectors in emerging markets.
Originality/value
This is one of the first articles to apply a prospective approach to export-market integration and demonstrate its efficacy through an empirical study. The suggested prospective approach could facilitate the design of policies aimed at export-market integration within the context of dynamic, emerging markets.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by Vietnamese Ministry of Training and Education under a doctoral education project for university and college lecturers in period from 2010 to 2020, also known as Project 911 (Decision No.100/BGDDT, issued September 30, 2014). We are particularly grateful to the National Economics University, Vietnam for their support during the implementation of our project and Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam for their assistance with our data collection. Individually, we would like to thank Dr Le Cong Tru (Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), Professor Nguyen Van Thang, Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Hieu (National Economics University, Vietnam), and Associate Professor Bui Anh Tuan (Foreign Trade University, Vietnam) for their advice during the implementation of our project.
Citation
Ta Minh, Q., Lin-Schilstra, L., Cong Tru, L., Ingenbleek, P.T.M. and van Trijp, H.C.M. (2024), "Looking ahead to the integration of farmers into export markets: the concept of prospective export-market integration and evidence from the transitional context of Vietnamese shrimp farming", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-07-2023-0179
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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