Factors Influencing Mitigation of Risk of Waterborne Disease in Vietnam Among Small Scale Integrated Livestock Farmers

Abstract

The integrated livestock, crops, and fish (VAC) model of integrated small scale agriculture has been important to economic and ecological sustainability in Vietnam for many centuries. Recently, emerging waterborne diseases including avian influenza as well as the potential for zoonotic disease arising from small scale farms have jeopardized the VAC model. In order to promote mitigation of the risk of waterborne and other diseases in the VAC system, there needs to be recognition of the significant predictors of such behavior, particularly with respect to water sources including well and rain water. We report primarily quantitative results of research generated from 300 farms in each of North and South Vietnam that indicate the small scale farmers who are more likely to engage in mitigation of waterborne disease are those who raise pigs, perceive themselves to be more at risk of HPAI infection from well water, report they are good livestock managers, value the advice of health care workers, and where a female household member is the decision maker for family health. These results bear importance to water and health policy formulators in rural Vietnam. (JEL I130, I180, O130, Q180, Q570).JEL CLASSIFICATIONS: I130: Health and economic developmentI180: Public healthO130: Economic Development: Agriculture; EnvironmentQ180: Agricultural policy; Food policyQ570: Ecological economics: biodiversity conservation

The Impact of Experiences and Perceptions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on Water‐Related Biosecurity Behaviour in Rural Vietnam

“…In response to the 2003-2006 HPAI outbreak and future threat of the disease, governments worldwide including Vietnam have prepared biosecurity protocols and policies to prevent the spread and possible outbreak of HPAI, with many guidelines specific to farmers. Although information on water protection as biosecurity protocol is generally lacking, farmers are advised to treat their water, use safe storage containers, and refrain from dumping waste in water sources (Hall & Le, 2018). The extent to which these recommendations are effective and actively practiced by smallholders in Vietnam has not been well researched, especially relating to water management and source protection (Conan, Goutard, Sorn, & Vong, 2012).…”

“…First, we anticipated that the numbers of farmers with HPAI cases was underreported in the sample. Past research has shown that less than 7% of VAC farmers would report a case of HPAI on their farm to public health or agricultural authorities (Hall & Le, 2018), often due to economic disincentives. Because HPAI is difficult to treat, the response to contain an outbreak by law is to cull the flock, which is damaging to the livelihood of VAC farmers who rely partially on poultry production (Hall & Le, 2018).…”

“…Past research has shown that less than 7% of VAC farmers would report a case of HPAI on their farm to public health or agricultural authorities (Hall & Le, 2018), often due to economic disincentives. Because HPAI is difficult to treat, the response to contain an outbreak by law is to cull the flock, which is damaging to the livelihood of VAC farmers who rely partially on poultry production (Hall & Le, 2018). Additionally, having a case of HPAI damages the farmer's ability to sell their birds at markets due to the fear of the disease.…”

“…These objectives align closely with the scheme of the SCT conceptual framework. Our approach in this study is different from previous research by Hall and Le (2017, 2018) because it utilizes the SCT framework and specifically focuses on HPAI and water‐related biosecurity.…”

“…Although the VAC farming technique is environmentally sustainable, affordable, and culturally important, the recycling of animal waste material and water, as well as the prolonged contact with animals results in a high‐risk environment for HPAI transmission (Gleeson & Dung, 2010; Hall & Le, 2018; Yajima and Kurokawa, 2008). Small‐scale farmers in Vietnam may not be aware of these risks to health or view them as unavoidable when working with livestock (Keraita et al., 2010; Knudsen et al., 2008).…”