A critical analysis of poverty reduction initiatives in north west Vietnam : a case study of Son La province

This thesis focuses upon poverty and poverty reduction programmes within Son La province, North-West Vietnam. Ethnic minority groups constitute 86 per cent of the total population of this province and are disproportionately subjected to poverty, both within the province and the nation. A critical analysis of current poverty reduction programmes and their sustainability, with particular reference to ethnic minority groups in Son La province, is undertaken. The thesis then proposes a new, sustainable approach to poverty alleviation for ethnic minority groups in Son La province. Drawing upon original, primary, qualitative research conducted by the author, it is argued that the current poverty reduction policies in Son La province specifically, and Vietnam more widely, with particular reference to ethnic minority groups, have many limitations. It is contended here that asset based approaches are most suitable for the sustainable activation of growth and the reduction of poverty within Son La province, and the reduction of poverty amongst ethnic minority groups within Vietnam generally. The nation should formulate a holistic programme for improving grassroots governance in ethnic minority communities in order to improve the accountability of local authorities, based on voice enhancement for, and the empowerment of, local people and village institutions.