LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF ETHNIC MINORITY HOUSEHOLDS: A CASE STUDY IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This study assessed the livelihood status of Dao households in Yen Cu Commune (currently Yen Binh Commune, Thai Nguyen Province), a mountainous area facing various socio-economic challenges, and simultaneously analyzed differences between pure agroforestry households and mixed-livelihood households. Data were collected from a survey of 52 households (27 specialized agroforestry households and 25 mixed-livelihood households) in three villages: Ban Chao, Thai Lao, and Ban Chang. Descriptive statistics and comparative methods were employed to analyze livelihood resources, activities, and outcomes. The results indicated that livelihood resources remain limited, reflected in low educational attainment, small and fragmented agricultural landholdings, unstable irrigation conditions, and low financial accumulation capacity. Household livelihoods still rely mainly on agriculture and forestry, with a modest level of diversification. Mixed-livelihood households achieved significantly higher average annual income compared to pure agroforestry households (304.58 million VND/year versus 171.37 million VND/year), and also exhibited higher per-labor income (83.68 million VND/person/year versus 57.84 million VND/person/year). In addition, livelihood vulnerability persists due to risks such as floods, droughts, animal and crop diseases, as well as constraints in accessing information, technology, and credit. Based on these findings, the study recommends promoting livelihood diversification, improving human resource quality, ensuring efficient natural resource management, strengthening infrastructure investments, enhancing financial accessibility, and reinforcing social linkages to foster sustainable livelihoods for Dao households.