2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
[2L08] Rural Transitions in Migration and Inter-Ethnic Shifts during the Post-Cash Crop Boom: A Case of the Taiwanese-Introduced Oolong Tea Industry in Vietnam's Central Highlands
Keywords:Rural-to-rural Migration, Post-Cash Crop Boom, Inter-Ethnic Shifts, Rural Transitions, Agricultural Commodification
This study delves into the profound impact of the Taiwanese-introduced oolong tea agribusiness on spontaneous rural-to-rural migration and evolving inter-ethnic relationships in Vietnam's Central Highlands, thereby illuminating a new facet of agrarian transformations amid the era of agricultural commodification. In the wider context of surging global agricultural investments and rapidly transitioning rural landscapes, our focus on this spontaneous migration wave and inter-ethnic shifts occurring in Vietnam represent a microcosm of wider socio-economic transformations, warranting critical academic attention due to its far-reaching implications for rural development and socio-cultural relations.
Findings from half-year comprehensive field surveys in Central Highlands regions of Vietnam reveal that the flexible job opportunities provided by the oolong tea agribusiness serve dual roles: they not only alleviate economic pressures for disadvantaged local ethnic groups but also stimulate migration and resettlement of individuals from other Vietnamese regions. Rather than a simple consequence of crop prosperity, this rural migration embodies calculated strategies and deliberate decisions within a transitioning agrarian economy.
Furthermore, our study emphasizes the often-neglected inter-ethnic dynamics occurring in highland areas during and after the agricultural booms. We found the introduction of the oolong tea agribusiness to alter inter-ethnic relationships, shedding light on the socio-cultural repercussions of agricultural development.
The study, therefore, contributes to a broader understanding of rural migration, inter-ethnic relations, and their interplay with agricultural commodification, offering critical insights for shaping sustainable policies for rural development in regions experiencing intensified agricultural investment.
Findings from half-year comprehensive field surveys in Central Highlands regions of Vietnam reveal that the flexible job opportunities provided by the oolong tea agribusiness serve dual roles: they not only alleviate economic pressures for disadvantaged local ethnic groups but also stimulate migration and resettlement of individuals from other Vietnamese regions. Rather than a simple consequence of crop prosperity, this rural migration embodies calculated strategies and deliberate decisions within a transitioning agrarian economy.
Furthermore, our study emphasizes the often-neglected inter-ethnic dynamics occurring in highland areas during and after the agricultural booms. We found the introduction of the oolong tea agribusiness to alter inter-ethnic relationships, shedding light on the socio-cultural repercussions of agricultural development.
The study, therefore, contributes to a broader understanding of rural migration, inter-ethnic relations, and their interplay with agricultural commodification, offering critical insights for shaping sustainable policies for rural development in regions experiencing intensified agricultural investment.
Password authentication.
Password is required to view the papers and abstracts. Please enter a password to authenticate.