The Political Economy of Pro-Poor Livestock Policymaking in Vietnam

PREFACE This is the fifth of a series of " Working Papers " prepared for the Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative (PPLPI). The purpose of these papers is to explore issues related to livestock development in the context of poverty alleviation. Livestock is vital to the economies of many developing countries. Animals are a source of food, more specifically protein for human diets, income, employment and possibly foreign exchange. For low income producers, livestock can serve as a store of wealth, provide draught power and organic fertiliser for crop production and a means of transport. Consumption of livestock and livestock products in developing countries, though starting from a low base, is growing rapidly. This paper presents a case study of how livestock policies are made and implemented in a national context, and how they can be improved to better serve the interests of the poor in Vietnam. The study used the key informant method supplemented with official documents, newspaper sources and recently published research on the livestock sector. Interviews helped reveal policymakers' concerns, whereas field trips allowed the researcher to talk to a few peasants and learn their perspectives from the bottom. Four strategic entry points are recommended that can both improve the performance of the sector and the participation of the poor in productive activities. We hope this paper will provide useful information to its readers and any feedback is welcome by the author, PPLPI and the Livestock Information, Sector Analysis and Policy Branch (AGAL) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities or concerning the delimitations of its frontiers or boundaries. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not constitute in any way the official position of the FAO. Acknowledgements Thanks are due to all my informants who were willing to share their thoughts and to educate me on livestock issues. I am especially grateful to Mr. FAO's staff in Hanoi, for their kind assistance and stimulating discussions. Librarians at the National Library and Ms. Vu Thi Ngoc Diep at FAO's Library in Hanoi kindly helped me locate materials used for this paper. I am also indebted to …