Decentralization of Vietnam's forestlands: The policy process and impact

TitleDecentralization of Vietnam's forestlands: The policy process and impact
Annotated RecordNot Annotated
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsHoang_Huu_Dinh _, Wesseler J
Secondary TitleLand Use Policy
Volume143
IssueDecember 2023
Pagination107194
PublisherElsevier Ltd
Key themesDistribution, Formalisation-titling, MarginalisedPeople, Policy-law
Abstract

The decentralization of land is crucial for effective production, welfare improvement, and social development. However, the formulation, outcome, and impact of land decentralization policies are influenced by political regimes, policy processes, geographical areas, and socio-economic settings. This study focuses on Vietnam's forest and forestland allocation program over the past 30 years to investigate its impact on poverty dynamics. Retrospective policy analysis and an extended random effect treatment model with longitudinal panel data collected from 53,568 plots in 12 provinces across Vietnam from 2008 to 2018 were used. The findings suggest that while the forestland allocation policy has a positive effect on poverty alleviation, it has minimal impact on the poorest household groups. Additionally, actual tree planting is more beneficial to the non-poor group, indicating a lack of incentivized policies for tree planting and inadequate consideration of the genuine livelihood needs and investment capacities of land recipients, especially poor households. Policy improvements are recommended to better align with the rationale, aims, and social expectations.

URLhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107194
Availability

Available for download

Countries

Vietnam

Document Type

Journal Article