Land-use dynamics in the Mekong delta

From national policy to livelihood sustainability

Journal article (2020)

Authors

Quan H. Nguyen Vietnam National University
Dung D. Tran Vietnam National University
Khoi K. Dang Vietnam University of Agriculture
D. Korbee Policy Analysis - TPM
Luan D.M.H. Pham Vietnam National University
Lan T. Vu Vietnam University of Agriculture
Tang Luu Vietnam National University
Loc H. Ho Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Nanyang Technological University
Maaike van Aalst Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Deltares
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Research Group
Policy Analysis (TPM) (TU Delft)
Land-use change Vietnamese Mekong Delta Land law Agriculture development Sustainable livelihood
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Published Date

2020

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

Policy Analysis

Abstract

The Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) is one of the most examined deltas in the world given its dynamics, complexity, and vulnerability. In the past decades, the VMD has changed rapidly, especially the land use in relation with the socioeconomic development. National policy has profoundly influenced these changes and the changes have significantly affected local livelihoods. However, these changes are not well reported systematically. In this study, we investigate land-use changes based on institutional analyses across multiple scales, that is, from national, provincial, to local livelihood based on institutional and sustainability analysis. The results show a strong relationship between legal settings over the last 30 years on land use and livelihood transitions. In addition, the constraints of implementing national legal frameworks at provincial level in practice were identified including effects to local livelihoods. We offer some recommendations for sustainable livelihoods in the VMD, with a focus on increasing socioecological resilience.