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About this brief
Rubber plantations and their implications on gender roles and relations in northern uplands Vietnam
Brief about:
Journal Article (2018)
Written by:
Focusing on the transformation of livelihoods after the creation of the rubber plantation in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam, this research analyses the gendered impact specifically.
In recent years, rubber plantations have been strongly promoted in the northern uplands of Vietnam–especially in the northwest, where it is an ill agro-ecological fit–with an aim to improve ethnic minority livelihoods and to modernise peasants by transforming them into rubber workers. A large area of land has been taken away from farmers to make way for rubber plantations. This land acquisition and agrarian transformation have impacted local people and their livelihoods in various ways.
Drawing on ethnographic research, in combination with interviews with authorities and studying related documents, this research focuses on the gendered consequences of rubber plantation in northern uplands Vietnam.
Key findings
- The impact on men and women was extremely different.What it means
Women's role changed. Did not bind themselves with just domestic work which went against traditional practices. Often they started their own businesses or took up paid labour elsewhere.
- A number of men often turned to drug and alcohol abuse, had overwhelming feelings of uselessness.What it means
Slipped further and further down society.
- Divorce although being viewed as having positive connotations, related to increasing women's rights, often were experienced negatively in the village.What it means
Prior to the rubber plantation, divorces were extremely rare, after the plantation many felt they had to divorce their husbands due to their anti-social behaviour.
Proposed action
- NGOs should incorporate this research into their strategies
For example, writing letters to policymakers to influence decisions. Should argue for a deeper analysis of those who are affected. Can create a dialogue/discussion setting, including local people and the media; many villagers were not fully aware of the consequences of the rubber plantation and were often coerced into joining the plantation.
- When implementing development projects it is important to consider how much this changes local people's daily life
The villagers' life and work patterns/division of labour have changed significantly. Rubber work is constant all year, whereas farming has seasons.
- Consider the permanency of projects
Villagers had no option to back out of the rubber plant project or be able to regain their land back. Compensation was incredibly limited in relation to the long-term consequences.
- Ensure that full, clear, and inclusive consultation sessions are held prior to project implementation
Often villagers were not listened to and they now suffer from poorly implemented projects.
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to ASEAN
These insights were made available thanks to the support of ASEAN, who are committed to the dissemination of knowledge for all.
Special thanks to Arianne Zajac for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Arianne Zajac, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Rubber plantations and their implications on gender roles and relations in northern uplands Vietnam
Cite this brief: Dao, Nga. 'Rubber plantations and their implications on gender roles and relations in northern uplands Vietnam'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/rubber-plantations-and-their-implications-on-gender-roles-and-relations-in-northern-uplands-vietnam/
Brief created by: Dr Nga Dao | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- Dao, N., ‘Rubber plantations and their implications on gender roles and relations in northern uplands Vietnam’ 25(11) (pp. 1579–1600) https://doi.org/10.1080/0966369X.2018.1553851. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0966369X.2018.1553851
Research brief:
Focusing on the transformation of livelihoods after the creation of the rubber plantation in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam, this research analyses the gendered impact specifically.
In recent years, rubber plantations have been strongly promoted in the northern uplands of Vietnam–especially in the northwest, where it is an ill agro-ecological fit–with an aim to improve ethnic minority livelihoods and to modernise peasants by transforming them into rubber workers. A large area of land has been taken away from farmers to make way for rubber plantations. This land acquisition and agrarian transformation have impacted local people and their livelihoods in various ways.
Drawing on ethnographic research, in combination with interviews with authorities and studying related documents, this research focuses on the gendered consequences of rubber plantation in northern uplands Vietnam.
Findings:
The impact on men and women was extremely different.
Women’s role changed. Did not bind themselves with just domestic work which went against traditional practices. Often they started their own businesses or took up paid labour elsewhere.
A number of men often turned to drug and alcohol abuse, had overwhelming feelings of uselessness.
Slipped further and further down society.
Divorce although being viewed as having positive connotations, related to increasing women’s rights, often were experienced negatively in the village.
Prior to the rubber plantation, divorces were extremely rare, after the plantation many felt they had to divorce their husbands due to their anti-social behaviour.
Advice:
NGOs should incorporate this research into their strategies
- For example, writing letters to policymakers to influence decisions. Should argue for a deeper analysis of those who are affected. Can create a dialogue/discussion setting, including local people and the media; many villagers were not fully aware of the consequences of the rubber plantation and were often coerced into joining the plantation.
When implementing development projects it is important to consider how much this changes local people’s daily life
- The villagers’ life and work patterns/division of labour have changed significantly. Rubber work is constant all year, whereas farming has seasons.
Consider the permanency of projects
- Villagers had no option to back out of the rubber plant project or be able to regain their land back. Compensation was incredibly limited in relation to the long-term consequences.
Ensure that full, clear, and inclusive consultation sessions are held prior to project implementation
- Often villagers were not listened to and they now suffer from poorly implemented projects.