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• The Impacts of Social and Economic Determinants on Poverty: An Empirical Study on Southeast Asia

  Nguyen Anh Tru

  Received: Sep 02, 2021 / Accepted: Jun 27, 2022 / Published: Jun 27, 2022

   Abstract PDF

  The article attempted to examine the influences of social and economic determinants on poverty in seven Southeast Asian countries, namely Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, between 1996 and 2013 using a panel dataset. It was empirically found that the average GDP per capita and Gini index contributed to poverty reduction in Southeast Asian countries. The results also addressed that the population and poverty gap had positive impacts on the rate of the poverty headcount in the region. Policies were recommended to accelerate economic growth, reduce poverty, and achieve sustainable development in Southeast Asia. First, economic growth should be fostered since it assists in reducing poverty in Southeast Asian countries. Second, although the growth of population provides the labor forces to the economy, population growth in Southeast Asia should be carefully controlled since it increases poverty in the region. Third, an increase in the number of rich inhabitants in the society should be encouraged because it can mitigate poverty in the region. Finally, policies in redistributing income as well as in narrowing down income inequality in each society should be considered by the governments because these contribute to poverty reduction in the region.

• Livelihood Capital and Poverty Status of Forest Dependent Households in the Highland Area: A Case Study in Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

  Nguyen Hai Nui, Nguyen Quoc Chinh, Do Quang Giam, Nguyen Thanh Lam, Cao Truong Son, Philippe Lebailly, Martin Reinhardt Nielsen

  Received: Aug 21, 2018 / Accepted: Aug 21, 2018 / Published: Aug 21, 2018

   Abstract PDF

  Bac Kan is the mountainous province with the largest forest cover in Vietnam and forest dependence by rural households is of great significance. The objective of this study was to assess the situation of livelihood capitals, as well as their impacts on the poverty status of forest-dependent households in highland areas of Bac Kan province. Data were collected through direct interviews of 218 households living near forests in the districts of Ba Be and Na Ri. Descriptive statistics, comparison, logit model, student t-test, and chi-square test were used in this study. The results revealed that forest-dependence was high for poor households; the households’ livelihood capital was weak; and households with stronger livelihood capitals were primarily non-poor. The effect of livelihood capitals on household's poverty status was significant, and human and financial capitals had the strongest impact. The estimated logit model had high accuracy with 87.16% of observations correctly predicted. In poverty reduction programs, the state should improve the livelihood capitals, especially human and financial capitals, for the households in order to improve their welfare.

• The Importance of Socio-economic Development to Sustainable Natural Resources Management in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Sustainable Livelihoods and Forest Management in Xuan Nha Nature Reserve in Northwestern Vietnam

  Nguyen Thi Luyen, Ngo Thanh Son

  Received: Aug 23, 2021 / Published: Mar 30, 2022

   Abstract PDF

  Sustainable forest management is facing threats such as deforestation, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss due to socio-economic conditions, a weak governance capacity, and lack of public participation. In Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, about 50% of the total population are living below the poverty level and  their livelihoods are depending on forest. The community’s activities have been creating pressures on the forest by reducing the forest area, increasing forest land degradation, and through illegal logging. The objectives of the study were to (i) identify sustainable livelihood options; (ii) the most suitable livelihood practices with the purpose of reducing poverty for local communities and their dependency on forest resources; and (iii) recommend suitable policies to reduce the conflict between socio-economic development and forest management. In order to achieve these objectives, we used the LIFE (livelihood, income, forest condition, and equity); the Sustainable Livelihood Framework; and the Advocacy Coalition Framework. The results showed that fruit orchards and beekeeping were two suitable livelihood options for the buffer areas since there were more convenient assets such as roads, markets, and human knowledge, while fruit orchards and local pig farming were suggested for the ERA (ecological restoration area) and SPA (strictly protected area) to solve the problem of land degradation and maintain the traditional habits of the local community. Regarding policy changes, support for livelihood practices and improvement of the community’s and authorities’ awareness on forest protection was necessary for all the sub-areas for reducing poverty and the pressures on forest resources of the community.

• Product Flow and Challenges in the Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Industry in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

  Jabenar Cosrojas Karen Debbie, G. Abao Gretchen, D. Piquero Analou

  Received: Jul 07, 2022 / Published: Sep 29, 2023

   Abstract PDF

  The high demand for Davao pomelo and its suitability to the local climate in the Philippines have given rise to expansion potentials and provided possibilities in curbing poverty levels in the agricultural sector of the region. In order to design intervention projects and policies, the present study investigated the pomelo industry in Northern Mindanao covering specifically the product flow and challenges in the industry. The study area was four provinces of Northern Mindanao, namely Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. The data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire with 22 respondents composed of 9 pomelo producers and 13 traders. The majority of the pomelo products that were sold in the markets in Northern Mindanao come from outside the region, such as Davao and Cotabato provinces, while pomelo produced in the region were sold outside the region. Among the three marketing chains of pomelo, the producer to consumer is considered the most efficient chain based on the estimated losses. Challenges in the pomelo industry include the lack of technical knowledge among the producers, poor quality of the pomelo, high buying price, and information asymmetry. Improvement in the industry could be enhanced by addressing the challenges identified.

• Evaluating the Group Lending Development at the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development: A Case Study in Bac Giang Branch II

  Do Quang Giam, Dao Thi Hoang Anh, Vu Ngoc Huyen, Lai Phuong Thao, Dao Huu Bao, Do Thi Minh Van

  Received: Jun 11, 2020 / Published: Mar 05, 2021

   Abstract PDF

  Group-based lending is a form of loan provision for individuals and households in rural areas for production and consumption purposes. Proceeding from the imbalance between demand and supply on small-scale capital, and also Government policies on sustainable poverty reduction, the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) has coordinated with its local authorities and socio-political organizations to provide loan services via group lending. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the status of group lending development of the Agribank-Bac Giang Branch II. The paper used secondary data collected from the branch and primary data gathered from 50 representative customers and 10 credit officers related the group lending of the branch. Data analysis methods consisted of descriptive statistics and comparative analysis, incorporated with the measurements for bank performance and quality. The findings show positive prospects in both the bank and customers for the development of group lending activity and obstacles in the group lending development of the branch. The paper also proposes some solutions for the branch to tackle difficulties and promote the development of group lending in the branch in Bac Giang province.

• Production and Marketing of Fresh Oranges: A Case Study in Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam

  Tran Thi Dien, Nguyen Mau Dung, Nguyen Tuan Nghia

  Received: Aug 21, 2018 / Accepted: Aug 21, 2018 / Published: Aug 21, 2018

   Abstract PDF

  Orange is one of the world’s most important economic fruit crops. Orange is the local fruit tree that has been cultivated for generations in Tuyen Quang province of Vietnam. Orange production has significantly improved the income of farm households and alleviated the rural poverty in Tuyen Quang in recent years. This paper aimed to investigate the actors involved in the orange supply chain in the province. The study used descriptive statistics and chain analysis methods to explore the problems in each stage of the orange supply chain. A total of 195 respondents including input suppliers, orange farmers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, consumers, and public stakeholders were selected for direct interviews. The study revealed that the production and marketing of orange fruit in the province faces several constraints, such as spontaneous production, excessive supply, high seasonality, and difficulties in selling. There existed no preservation or processing facilities for oranges, resulting in high post-harvest losses. Oranges have been entirely consumed in domestic markets, not exported. In order to develop orange production and marketing in Tuyen Quang province towards concentrated commodity production, the study recommended feasible solutions for each stage as well as the whole of the orange supply chain.