Thesis Public Defense | VNP29 – Huỳnh Thị Kiều Trinh

The gender gap in agricultural credit access and its impact on rice productivity

Student: Huỳnh Thị Kiều Trinh, VNP-29

Supervisor: Dr. Trương Đăng Thụy

Abstract:

Vietnam is a prominent player in global agricultural exports, with rice being one of its most significant commodities. In recent years, the country has experienced robust growth in rice exports, contributing approximately 12.5% to the global market and ranking just behind India and Thailand. Despite strong export performance, challenges related to production efficiency remain. This study examines the role of access to credit in shaping rice production outcomes, utilizing data from the 2022 Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS). By employing Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and quantile regression (QR) techniques, the research investigates how credit constraints, household socio-demographic characteristics, and gender differences influence productivity and Technical Efficiency (TE). The findings indicate heterogeneous effects of credit across households, with more pronounced impacts among higher-productivity farmers, while its direct effect on TE is limited. Gender differences in credit access and production outcomes are highlighted, providing important insights and policy implications for promoting equitable financial access and sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords:  Rice production efficiency, Gender disparities, Credit constraints, Vietnam

JEL classification: Q12, J16, D24