Suchergebnisse

AbstractThis article explores the role of district government in agricultural development in Vietnam's Long An province from 1954 to the present. It argues that it is only in the reform era that the district has begun to realise its potential as a 'transmission belt' between the higher authorities and the grassroots. Under the South Vietnamese regime and in the pre-reform era of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, local initiative was stifled as policy was dictated from on high by central government, with disastrous consequences. In the reform era, district officials have been joined by 'associates of the state', such as agricultural extension officers, to develop innovative 'local' approaches to agricultural development. This has led to increased prosperity but also rising inequality. While the central government has been more willing to allow local experimentation under reform, its influence and interests are still felt, even at the district level. Most scholars emphasise a sharp break between pre-1975 and post-1975 Vietnam. By contrast, this article highlights the way in which there are important elements of continuity both between regimes and between the pre-reform and post-reform eras.

The lochs, voes and sheltered coastal waters of the Scottish west coast and Western and Northern islands provide ideal conditions for growing salmon in floating cages. The aquaculture industry creates jobs not only on farms but also in upstream and downstream activities such as producing fish feed, in logistical support, and in processing the fish. Nevertheless, its growth during recent decades has encountered economic, societal and environmental challenges, which are likely to increase as the industry expands from 163,000 tonnes in 2016 to about 200,000 tonnes in 2020, with the intention to produce up to 300,000 tonnes in 2030. In 2018 the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee will be conducting an inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland. To feed into that inquiry the Environmental Climate Change and Land Reform Committee will be considering the current report. Briefing by Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) on salmon farming in Scotland will also inform both Committees work. This report specifically reviews the scientific evidence relating to the environmental effects of salmon farming. Where the evidence suggests that there are concerns about harm to marine ecosystems or protected species and habitats, possible mitigation measures are suggested.