Towards more profitable and sustainable vegetable systems in north west Vietnam

Background

The vegetable industry in north western Vietnam faces a number of challenges: rapidly transforming markets; competition from peri-urban and regional producers; poor infrastructure and logistics; and environmental sustainability (nutrient depleted soils, erosion, water availability and quality). Smallholder farmers in this region also tend to have limited engagement with markets outside their local district.

Enhancing the role that vegetables play in rice-based farming systems, producing vegetables that meet consumer demands for safe, high quality and nutrient-rich food and engaging with high-value local, provincial, urban and export markets could provide opportunities for smallholders to improve net household income. This is particularly important as north western Vietnam encompasses some of the poorest provinces in Vietnam. For example, 40% of the population in Lao Cai Province lives below the poverty line.

Project objectives

The overall objective of this project is to enhance the profitability and sustainability of smallholder vegetable farmers in north western Vietnam through improved market engagement and integrated resource and farm management practices. The project is particularly focused on women and ethnic minorities engaged in fresh vegetable value chains in Sa Pa and Bac Ha.

  • Identify market opportunities and consumer preferences for indigenous and conventional vegetables in local, provincial, urban and export markets
  • Develop and promote competitive and efficient marketing models that deliver high quality safe vegetables, meet consumer demand and benefit smallholders (particularly women and ethnic minorities)
  • Develop and demonstrate whole-farm management practices that improve sustainability, productivity and household livelihoods in (i) rice-vegetable and (ii) vegetable-only systems
  • Develop sustainable models for up-scaling extension programs (particularly targeting women smallholders) and building capacity in research, development and extension

ACIAR Partners Magazine articles:

Media:

Urban food consumption and expenditure study:

This project co-implemented a comprehensive survey of 2000 Vietnamese households to understand food expenditure and consumption preferences and behaviours. 

  • We have produced a series of factsheets to detail our findings.

Project partners

Collaborating organisations:

Funding:

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR Project AGB/2012/059), 2014-2018

Contact

GFAR researchers involved in this project:

Tagged in Projects:International development, Completed projects