Anthropology students go into vegetable gardening.

Một trong những báo cáo khoa học đạt giải Nhất trong Hội nghị SVNCKH Trường ĐHKHXH&NV vừa qua là công trình nghiên cứu về canh tác rau theo mô hình nông nghiệp hữu cơ tại địa bàn xã Thanh Xuân, Sóc Sơn, Hà Nội do nhóm sinh viên K54 Nhân học thực hiện. Báo cáo có những kết quả nghiên cứu tốt nhờ quá trình thực địa công phu và kĩ năng làm việc nhóm hiệu quả. Bên lề Hội nghị, nhóm sinh viên đã chia sẻ nhiều trải nghiệm trong quá trình thực hiện đề tài này. Why did you choose this topic? Tran Dieu Anh (nhóm trưởng): Trước đây em tham gia vào mạng lưới Thế hệ xanh – nhóm thanh niên hoạt động vì môi trường ở Hà Nội. Trong một hoạt động của mạng lưới này, em được đi thực tế tìm hiểu mô hình sản xuất phát triển bền vững tại Sóc Sơn, được tham quan vườn rau trồng theo phương thức canh tác hữu cơ. Sản xuất rau hữu cơ là việc canh tác rau không sử dụng chất hoá học trong trồng, chăm sóc, bảo vệ và thu hoạch, vận dụng tối đa các đặc tính và nguồn vốn tự nhiên của cây trồng để đảm bảo chất lượng và sản lượng nông sản. Mô hình sản xuất này đặc biệt có ý nghĩa trong việc bảo vệ sức khoẻ cho người dân, phát triển kinh tế xã hội và bảo vệ môi trường cho địa phương. Nhất là trong bối cảnh sản xuất nông nghiệp ở Việt Nam hiện nay thiếu bền vững, sản phẩm nông nghiệp thường sử dụng phân bón thuốc trừ sâu, thuốc kích thích tăng trưởng gây hại cho cả người tiêu dùng và người sản xuất. Em đã chia sẻ mối quan tâm này với các bạn trong nhóm và cùng đi đến quyết định sẽ tìm hiểu mô hình hoạt động này được tổ chức sản xuất như thế nào, hiệu quả và ý nghĩa xã hội của nó ra sao, liệu đây có phải là giải pháp cho phát triển bền vững nông nghiệp ở Việt Nam và làm thế nào để nhân rộng mô hình này? - One of the highly appreciated aspects of this project is the meticulous fieldwork and information gathering process. Could you share details about your survey process and how you accessed the information sources? Tran Dieu Anh: Đúng là quá trình này mất khá nhiều thời gian và công sức của cả nhóm, là hoạt động then chốt để cho ra những kết quả nghiên cứu chính. Chúng em đã bàn bạc để lên một kế hoạch đi thực tế rất cụ thể, đồng thời liên hệ gửi bản kế hoạch này đến các tổ chức có liên quan để nhờ giúp đỡ. Sự cho phép và cao hơn nữa là ủng hộ từ các nơi đến khá dễ dàng nhưng khó khăn thực sự đến khi phải bắt tay vào khai thác thông tin sâu. Chúng em đã đến sống, cùng làm việc với nhiều gia đình tại địa bàn để tìm hiểu thực tế bà con trồng rau củ như thế nào, có kinh nghiệm và cách thức làm ra sao... Ban đầu bọn em đặt kế hoạch là sẽ dành 2 tuần làm quen và tìm hiểu nhưng rốt cuộc kế hoạch này đã phá sản hoàn toàn. Phải đến tuần thứ 7, 8 chúng em mới thực sự thân quen và làm bà con tin tưởng, mở lòng nói cho biết những bí quyết: từ việc chọn và làm đất, chọn giống, gieo trồng, chăm sóc và bảo vệ rau thế nào… Ho Si Lap: Để lấy thông tin từ chính quyền địa phương thì chúng em đã liên hệ để xin giúp đỡ, nhưng thực tế công việc này vì nhiều lí do trở nên rất khó khăn. Cuối cùng, chúng em lại đi đường vòng bằng cách sau khi đã tạo mối quan hệ tốt với bà con, lại nhờ chính bà con tác động và liên hệ giúp với các cá nhân có trách nhiệm trong tổ chức chính quyền địa phương. - From directly participating in vegetable cultivation with local farmers to studying this new production model, what important conclusions has the group drawn? Tran Dieu AnhBased on our research, we believe that organic agriculture in general, and the organic vegetable production model in Soc Son in particular, has brought distinct values ​​and advantages, creating a significant change in people's lives and ensuring environmental quality. The model has optimally utilized the advantages from various resources, including those from the State, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and the people. The group also sees promising prospects: this model promotes community cohesion, strengthens the voice of vulnerable groups such as farmers, leverages the strengths of agricultural production in the context of globalization and environmental pollution, and serves as a starting point for Vietnam to move towards building and developing more sustainable agriculture, ensuring community health. - What were the biggest challenges you encountered while working on this project? Tran Dieu AnhA common problem among team members is feeling discouraged and disoriented, often due to unsatisfactory results despite their efforts. This mindset significantly impacts work efficiency. Perhaps the biggest challenge is overcoming self-doubt and discouragement. As the team leader, I also have the responsibility of maintaining team morale and a consistent work schedule. For example, after each field trip, I must maintain a serious work ethic, regularly keep a work log, and never forget or neglect it due to laziness…Le Thi ThuongFrom the very beginning, I had a timeline for myself, but when I got to the field, the reality was completely different. There were even times when I felt "shocked" and saddened because, despite my best efforts to get acquainted and ask the villagers many questions, I still couldn't gather any information. It wasn't until I worked in the fields with the people a week later that they started to remember my face and name. I was assigned to research the roles of government and civil society organizations in implementing this production model, so gathering information became even more difficult. They had their own secrets that they didn't want to share or suspected my motives. Sometimes I spent the whole morning working in the fields with the villagers, only to be "sent home" by noon – it was so disheartening! These difficulties left me confused and unsure where to start again. So far, the most important lesson I've learned is that when planning a project, you must anticipate potential problems and always be flexible in adjusting the plan to suit the actual conditions, ensuring that you ultimately achieve the initial goals.Ngo Thi ChangThe biggest challenge was building trust in myself and others regarding the work. As a student going to the field, the local people didn't always trust, listen to, or answer honestly. Sometimes the information I gathered was very superficial compared to the initial effort and expectations. I was very sad and discouraged at times. Afterwards, I told myself that since I was assigned to learn about farming methods, I had to do everything the people did alongside them and do it frequently so they would become more familiar with me. While working together, it was easier to ask them about their experience and methods.Ho Si LapSince this is a group research project, the biggest challenge is maintaining the unity of the members, and the role of the leader is crucial. We are truly grateful to our group leader, Dieu Anh, for always striving to maintain the relationships and working spirit of the entire group. We have participated together in extracurricular activities such as attending conferences and exhibitions related to the topic… Only in this way can we truly nurture the motivation of the whole group.Ta Thi HienComing from a farming family, I initially felt a sense of familiarity when I first encountered the farming practices of the local people. I thought that I could simply ask my family and neighbors about what I wanted to learn, without having to travel to the area. However, I was mistaken, as each place has its own unique culture and way of doing things. Accurate research requires specific and practical experience. My biggest challenge is fighting against myself to avoid giving up.- Returning to Lap's point that maintaining group activity during research is difficult, what principles were established to ensure the group did not fall apart? Tran Dieu AnhThe first factor is always democracy. From the research topic and content to the methodology, if even one person disagrees or is reluctant, nothing will get done. We've established group work rules and an overall work plan with clear assignments for each person. All of these things require the unanimous agreement of the entire group. Everything has a deadline, and if someone doesn't complete their part, everyone holds a meeting to find out what problems they're facing. The whole group works together to solve the problem, not leaving it to an individual to solve it alone. Similarly, in relationships between members, if someone is dissatisfied with someone else, they must talk openly and honestly, avoiding a situation where they pretend to agree but secretly disagree. There are also cases where someone feels extremely discouraged, and the whole group will gather around them and listen to them express their frustrations. As the group leader, I always try to encourage my teammates to participate in more extracurricular activities to strengthen bonds and boost morale within the group.

- So, besides the awards you've won, what else have you gained from participating in scientific research projects up to this point? Le Thi ThuongUnlike many of my classmates, my initial choice wasn't Anthropology. For a long time, I didn't find this field of study appealing. It wasn't until my third year, when I went on a field trip, that I realized my major had high practical application and guaranteed career opportunities. The field trip and research further reinforced this belief. I was assigned to present the report at the conference. For a week before the presentation, I was practically sleepless. I had to practice speaking, record myself, listen back, and make adjustments. When everything went smoothly, I was very happy to realize that it wasn't as difficult as I thought.Tran Dieu AnhThe field trip was challenging, but the group still managed to achieve all the set goals. The most difficult part was having everyone concentrate on writing and synthesizing all the information gathered – information that was very down-to-earth and commonplace, but written in scientific language. Through this, I personally felt I had a real experience with scientific thinking, from how to evaluate problems to how to express them…Ngo Thi ChangScientific research is essential for students. It would be a real shame if students didn't engage in scientific research. It's an opportunity to enhance life experience, hone critical thinking skills, and improve practical work abilities. Scientific research has helped me overcome my shyness, affirm my capabilities, and become more confident in life.Ta Thi HienStudent research projects have given me a lot of experience in teamwork and helped me appreciate everyone's efforts more. When working in a team, it's important to share honestly and listen attentively. Participating in student research projects has helped me develop a scientific mindset and a broader perspective when evaluating issues and events.Ho Si LapI completely agree with your opinions; truly, only through student research can students mature both in their professional knowledge and in their social interactions.