Measures to Cope with Food Shortage in Thai and Khmu Communities in the Upland of Nghe An Province, Vietnam: From Economic Perspectives

Abstract

This report discusses food shortages in two villages in Ky Son district of Nghe An province of Vietnam, focusing on household economic factors influencing this problem. The discussion indicated that food shortage was related to position and education level of household head, number of laborers and rate of laborer per capita, household cash income and its stability, and the difference in timing of harvesting and expenditures. The report surprisingly indicates that food shortage in the study sites is not related to the size of upland fields, fishponds, home gardens, or the age of the household head. Many households continue to rely on the forest for their daily needs despite the implementation of development projects (including Programs 134 and 135) many households remain poor. These policies lack focus on the differences between the poor and food-poor. The authors provide policy recommendations to address the food shortage problems.