Agrarian transformation in Vietnam: land reform, markets and poverty

ABSTRACTED FROM INTRODUCTION: This paper traces the implications of key agrarian transformations −particularly the reforms in land policy and emerging land relations− for livelihood security and vulnerability. Part of a broader societal transformation and globalization of economies, these new development trajectories include commercialization of farmers’ produce, contract farming, cooperative sector reform, rising landlessness and tenant farming, and the end of exclusive dependence on land for earning a living. The economic and property rights reforms in Vietnam have stimulated a diversification of rural income sources and the beginnings of an agricultural land market. These fundamental shifts in the nature of rural and peasant livelihoods and production relations are resulting in greater economic opportunities, but also marginalization and vulnerability for some regions and some rural residents.

Available for download

Book Section