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Working closely with the Vietnamese government, iDE has been using a market-based approach to increase the incomes of the poor since 1991, addressing agricultural challenges as well as expanding markets for sanitation.
The 3-year, US$1.6 million project, funded by Denmark’s Danida Market Development Partnership, aims to transform Danang’s plastic waste into everything from boards used to construct buildings, to designer carry bags, sold by socially-conscious brands around the world.
Vietnam’s reduction in poverty has been remarkable: from 60 percent of its population in 1990 to 20 percent in 2010. However, much of the new affluence is attributed to urbanization. The rural population, most of whom are rice farmers, struggle daily to improve their livelihoods, with rising temperatures and water levels due to climate change threatening their productivity.
For developing world entrepreneurs to succeed they must participate in market ecosystems that are economically competitive, inclusive of all people, and resilient to shocks such as conflict or changing climates. By listening to every stakeholder—producers, suppliers, retailers and customers—we can overcome critical bottlenecks and develop lasting solutions.
Learn more about iDE’s approach to resilient market ecosystems.
iDE’s Vietnam team works with small-scale farms to increase horticulture production and water-use efficiency using low-cost drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies. Our extension programs promote more efficient and environmentally friendly fertilizer application techniques for rice cultivation. iDE is also developing value chains for livestock production and building the capacity for local partners to provide services and support for small farms.
Learn more about iDE's commitment to Agriculture.
iDE invented the market approach to sanitation, which began in Vietnam and is now used by us and other organizations throughout the world. It is one approach used by the Vietnamese government to increase latrine adoption, a significantly more market-oriented approach compared to past practices. iDE also collaborates with public and private organizations to promote technologies for improving household water supplies, popularize hygienic practices, and reduce tobacco use.
Learn more about iDE's commitment to WASH.
The traditional flood method of irrigation in Vietnam consumes large amounts of water from the water table. As water tables diminish, sea water moves in causing soil salination, a condition that is intolerable to many crops. iDE works with farmers and retailers in Vietnam to adopt micro-irrigation technologies, which use a third of the water that traditional methods use.
As climate change continues to put pressure on Vietnam’s resources, water-smart technology will become a vital instrument for small farmers’ success.
Learn more about iDE’s commitment to Smart Technologies.
Women are a larger segment of the lower-paid occupations in Vietnam, with cultural norms that assign them both a lower status and most of the responsibility for unpaid family labor such as elder care and housekeeping.
By focusing on women as customers and entrepreneurs, iDE strengthens their participation in rural value chains and increases their access to technology, know-how, finance, and markets.
Learn more about iDE’s commitment to Gender Equity.
Representative Office: 22 Lane 178, Thai Ha St., Hanoi, Vietnam
Field Coordination Office: 44 Tran Van On St., Hue, Vietnam
