Some Ethnic Groups’ Agricultural Livelihoods in the Vietnam - Laos Border Area in Ky Son District, Nghe An Province

Abstract

The Vietnam-Laos border is home to many ethnic minorities. This area has
complex terrain, unfavorable transportation, and harsh weather. Therefore, the population
density is relatively sparse, and the socio-economic life of ethnic groups remains challenging.
Previously, many groups here lived nomadic lives, with their livelihoods depending mainly on
natural conditions. In recent years, the State's socio-economic development policy has
positively changed people's livelihoods. Notably, land policy has transformed subsistence
agricultural production into commodity agriculture with advanced changes in form, level, and
scale. This article, based on field research among some ethnic groups (Khmu, Hmong, and
Thai) in the Vietnam-Laos border area in Ky Son district, Nghe An province, explores the
current situation, trends, challenges, and issues in ethnic groups’ agricultural livelihood
activities in the current context.