Livelihoods of Communities of Agriculture and Aquaculture in the Hau River Lower Basin, Long Xuyen City, an Giang Province, Vietnam

The study was conducted to analyze livelihoods efficiency of key agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries groups via KIP interviews and household survey (140 samples). A set of data processing method was used, including descriptive statistics, multiple choice analysis, Likert scale and economic indicators analysis. The results show that rice cultivation (52.67%, 5/5 mark) and other aquatic species aquaculture (28%; 4.50±0.53 mark) were the most pupolar and important livelihoods. Rice farming community was had a relative diversified and stable livelihood with total income of 6,246.2 ±4,074.8 USD/household/year. Vegetable growers had an unstable livelihood and low income. Pangasius farming community was small-scale and high ratio of risk (lost ratio of 47.62%) so that they have gradual transformed production mode into large-scale intensive companies or outsourcing farming areas for large processing companies. Other aquatic species farming group(snakehead pond farming and tilapia cage culture) had stable life, high income (more than 28,570 USD/household/year). Fishing community conducted activity on a small scale, using rudimentary fishing gears and took low yield (2,629.55±1,365.13 kg/year), low income (1,662.8±576.2 USD/household/year). Market prices and productivity were the biggest concerns that should be interested in improving the people’s livelihoods.