MARKET INFORMATION TRANSFER SYSTEM (MITS) IN THE RICE VALUE CHAIN IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

The research in the world indicated that MITS considerably influenced farmers’ production and trade, it increased the efficiency of agricultural production, the income of farmers and improved the living condition of farmers. However, studying and applying MITS in the reality in the Mekong delta of Vietnam were still limited. This paper will analyze the current situation of MITS in the rice value chain in the Mekong delta, Vietnam from 315 farmers’ survey in 2017. The findings of the survey showed that: Majority of rice farmers in the Mekong delta of Vietnam have been accessing to market information from many sources such as relatives, friends, village leaders, traders, collectors, agricultural extension system, television, etc and through some channels face-to-face meetings, phone, television, radio, etc. Rice farmers’ satisfaction on MITS was still low because they have met some obstacles during market information seeking and usage such as low quality of market information, lack of market information sources and channels, lack of governmental agencies participation in MITS, etc. Rice farmers’ educational level, household size, rice income and amount of market information channels had a significant influence on farmers’ satisfaction on MITS in rice value chain in the Mekong delta, Vietnam.