Rural transformation and economy in Viet Nam: progress in eradicating poverty, hunger and malnutrition

The rural transformation and economic development of Viet Nam during the past decades has been regarded as particularly impressive, thanks to an eager yet careful transformation from a centrally-planned economy into a socialist-market economy. Nowadays, the country has been well integrated into the global economy and committed to sustainable development through promulgating national strategies and participating in different international treaties. Despite this achievement, incidence of poverty, hunger and malnutrition still prevails especially in the mountainous areas of the country dominated by poor communities and ethnic minorities. This report aims to provide a synthesis on the progress that Viet Nam has made in the past decades both at national and sub-national level related to the country’s efforts in moving towards sustainable development goal by 2030, by eradicating poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Among different issues reviewed, ethnic minorities, gender, and youth are cross cutting concerns. The report also describes challenges that the country needs to cope, including potential negative impacts of participation in non-farm activities by rural households, to their farm and local communities. Recommended strategies to ensure progress towards eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition by 2030 are also elaborated.