The cluster panacea?: Questioning the role of cooperative shrimp aquaculture in Vietnam

摘要: This paper analyses the role of ‘clustering’ as a form cooperative production to improve environmental performance shrimp farmers and facilitating them upgrade their position in global value chain. Comparing intensive extensive farmer clusters Ca Mau province, Vietnam, we explore how this can enable small-holders both functional relational dimensions meet new requirements for participation The results show that by horizontal coordination between producers management capacity meeting international standards. However, success also depends on type strength vertical with other actors along chain provision inputs marketing outputs. concludes improved take further advantage production-oriented quality standards Vietnamese government needs play greater development infrastructure create legal framework private sector-led cluster formation.