Centre for Development Economics
Department of Economics
Delhi School of Economics
ANNOUNCE A SEMINAR
Rural Roads, Agricultural Extension, and Climate Resilience: Evidence from Vietnam
by
Supriya Garikipati
(University College Dublin)
(Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM)
Venue: Amex Room
Abstract:-
Climate change-induced rainfall variability threatens agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, yet limited evidence exists on real-world interventions that strengthen resilience in such contexts. Drawing on data from a development program in mountainous northern Vietnam, we compare the impact of two interventions: rural road improvements alone (R), and roads combined with agricultural extension services (R+). Villages were selected based on vulnerability to climate-augmented income variability. Using a difference-in-differences design and satellite-derived data on vegetation (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI), we track agricultural productivity and assess program impacts. Both interventions significantly improved household incomes, but through distinct pathways: R households benefited from labor diversification into off-farm employment, while R+ households achieved agricultural income gains through improved crop productivity. Qualitative evidence further suggests that enhanced agronomic practices and better market access contributed to the observed gains in R+ communities. While rainfall variability moderated farm outcomes, targeted agricultural support still delivered measurable benefits. The findings suggest that rural roads alone facilitate income diversification but are insufficient to sustain agriculture under climate stress. Building climate-resilient food systems requires direct investment in farmers’ knowledge and access to climate-adaptive technologies.