ABSTRACT

In recent years, the government of Vietnam has taken the bold step of devolving forest management rights to local people. What are the implications for households? This chapter subjects the question to empirical study in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, using field data collected in 2002–2003 in 13 villages where forest devolution took place between 1999 and 2000. Findings suggest that forest devolution has the potential to contribute to the household economy, but to varying degrees across households and villages. Consequently, the incentives for local people to participate in the management of devolved forest depend on having a feasible benefit-sharing mechanism that addresses the needs of the poor and disadvantaged members of the community.