ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the marketing chain of coconut-leaf-based gift baskets, a high-value coconut product made by local communities in Vietnam. The use of the coconut leaf – which is traditionally seen as a waste product – to produce baskets provides livelihoods to many rural people in the Ben Tre province, especially the elderly. Basket producers are experienced craftswomen and -men. Owing to the proximity of the market, the existence of local traders and their competitive edge of producing high-quality baskets, producers in Ben Tre are able to make a decent living. Although local authorities have expressed concern about the reduced productivity of coconut trees due to excessive harvesting of its leaves, presently no hard evidence exists to support that claim. A study of this concern is highly recommended and may lead to improved coconut-leaf harvest practices by the midrib producers without compromising coconut production.
