Factors constraining and enabling agroforestry adoption in Viet Nam: a multi-level policy analysis

Agroforestry is known to have multiple
economic and environmental benefits. Despite this,
the adoption of agroforestry in Viet Nam is limited
both in extent and diversity of components and
practices. Our study identified gaps for agroforestry
adoption in current policies and policy implementation.
National policy and provincial instructions
and decisions were reviewed and discussed during
ten stakeholders’ consultation workshops. The
review and workshops concluded that there were
no specific national and few provincial specific
policies promoting agroforestry. In addition, the
segregation of policies into agriculture and forestry,
promoted monoculture practices and discouraged
the integration of mixed annual and perennial tree
species. Completing the forestland allocation process
was considered essential for long-term
investment on land and providing collateral for
loans. More holistic policies, such as a provincial
strategy for agroforestry development that would
enable flexible integration of agriculture, forestry
and livestock were perceived to be more effective
and inclusive to poor and non-poor farmers. Specific
cross-cutting budget allocation would be necessary
for capacity building, upscaling agroforestry models,
procurement of high-quality inputs, and
establishing post-harvest processing and marketing
investments.