Poverty Reduction for Hmong People in Dong Van Karst Plateau: Policy, Current Situation, and Some Raised Issues

Abstract

The Hmong have a high poverty rate among the ethnic minorities in Vietnam. The Hmong live mainly in the border provinces of Vietnam, primarily concentrated in the Dong Van karst plateau. This area also has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Although numerous poverty reduction policies have been implemented with significant achievements, the outcomes have not met expectations. This article examines policy implementation and analyses the factors influencing Hmong poverty in the area. The results show that besides policy inadequacies, natural conditions, culture, and ethnic awareness are identified as the primary poverty factors of the Hmong. The article proposes effective and sustainable poverty reduction policy recommendations for the Hmong in the Dong Van karst plateau. These initiatives could aid socio-economic development, enhance national defence, and security in the Vietnam-China border region.