History of agroforestry research and development in Viet Nam: analysis of research opportunities and gaps

Agroforestry is considered as one of the best approaches to deal with shifting
cultivation and climate change. In Viet Nam, the practice of agroforestry has been
documented since the 1960s under two common systems: ‘garden-fish pondlivestock’
and ‘forest-garden-fish pond-livestock’. However, not until 1990 were
innovative agroforestry techniques and systems at the field level introduced in line
with government interventions to halt shifting cultivation. Through intensive literature
review, we outline the history of agroforestry research and development activities in
Viet Nam, identify the drivers and agents of change and discuss the issues and
challenges facing agroforestry in Viet Nam. The paper also discusses the
opportunities and research gaps in agroforestry. Our analysis indicated that it is very
important to put more effort into researching agroforestry systems that take into
account local ecological knowledge and designing practices that enhance the multifunctionality
of landscapes. In addition, demonstrating the role of these systems in
improving livelihoods, enhancing resilience and in climate-change mitigation and
adaption should be an important part of a more systematic research and development
agenda agroforestry in Viet Nam.