Farmers’ Awareness on Land Degradation and Conservation Measure Adoption in Vietnam

This study aims to investigate farmers' perceptions of land degradation in Vietnam, where land degradation is considered one of the nation's most pressing issues. Based on survey data from 826 farmers in three representative regions of Vietnam, the study reveals that over 85% of the respondents have observed indications of land degradation on their farms. The farmers' perceptions of land degradation indicators were influenced by regional topography. Inappropriate farming techniques, excessive chemical use, and a lack of knowledge were reported as the main causes of land degradation. Furthermore, the farmers had limited understanding of land degradation and the benefits of soil conservation measures. Sustainable land management adopters exhibited better perceptions of land degradation and measures for land improvement compared to non-adopters. Therefore, it is crucial to increase farmers' awareness of land degradation and the advantages of adopting sustainable land practices, and this should be accomplished through widespread dissemination via mass and local media in the future.