Enhancing land use efficiency for tea cultivation: A case study in Quang Binh District, Ha Giang Province

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the efficiency of tea land use in Quang Binh district across three aspects: economic, social, and environmental. The study utilized random survey data from 60 tea-growing households, combined with both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Findings indicated that the total tea cultivation area remained relatively stable between 2020 and 2024; however, economic efficiency sharply declined in 2024 due to disruptions in export markets and a significant drop in tea prices. Tea cultivation continues to be highly accepted by local populations, especially among ethnic minorities, owing to its compatibility with traditional practices and its role in ensuring employment and land tenure stability. Additionally, tea cultivation contributes to increasing land cover, maintaining and protecting soil quality, and reducing land degradation. Nonetheless, the declining wages of daily labor and limited market connectivity threaten the long-term sustainability of economic, social, and environmental aspects of tea cultivation. To enhance effective land use, a comprehensive approach is necessary, which includes rational land planning, adoption of sustainable farming techniques, increased application of organic and biological inputs, and strengthened training and technology transfer. These measures support long-term economic and environmental sustainability in tea-growing regions, while also increasing production and improving soil health.