Anthropology students go into vegetable gardening.

One of the scientific reports that won first prize at the recent Student Scientific Research Conference of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was a research project on organic vegetable farming in Thanh Xuan commune, Soc Son district, Hanoi, conducted by a group of K54 Anthropology students. The report yielded excellent research results thanks to meticulous fieldwork and effective teamwork. On the sidelines of the conference, the students shared many experiences from the process of completing this project. Why did you choose this topic? Tran Dieu Anh(Group Leader): Previously, I participated in the Green Generation network – a youth group working for the environment in Hanoi. During one of their activities, I had the opportunity to visit a sustainable production model in Soc Son and see a vegetable garden cultivated using organic farming methods. Organic vegetable production involves growing vegetables without the use of chemicals in planting, caring for, protecting, and harvesting, maximizing the natural characteristics and resources of the plants to ensure quality and yield. This production model is particularly significant in protecting people's health, promoting socio-economic development, and protecting the local environment. This is especially important given the current unsustainable state of agricultural production in Vietnam, where agricultural products often use fertilizers, pesticides, and growth stimulants that harm both consumers and producers. I shared this concern with my group members, and together we decided to investigate how this production model is organized, its effectiveness and social significance, whether it is a solution for sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam, and how to replicate this model.- 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 AnhIt's true that this process took a considerable amount of time and effort from the entire team, and it was a crucial activity in producing the main research results. We discussed and developed a very specific field trip plan, and contacted relevant organizations to request assistance. Permission and, even more importantly, support from these organizations came quite easily, but the real difficulty came when we had to start gathering in-depth information. We lived and worked with many families in the area to understand how the locals grow vegetables, their experiences, and their methods... Initially, we planned to spend two weeks getting acquainted and learning, but this plan completely fell apart. It wasn't until the 7th or 8th week that we truly became familiar with the locals and gained their trust, getting them to open up and share their secrets: from choosing and preparing the soil, selecting seeds, planting, caring for, and protecting the vegetables…Ho Si LapTo obtain information from the local authorities, we contacted them for assistance, but this proved very difficult for various reasons. Ultimately, we took a roundabout approach: after establishing good relationships with the local people, we asked them to influence and contact responsible individuals within the local government organization.- 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.