On April 14, 2023, a project component and kick-off workshop for the initiative aimed at promoting access to social protection and improving working conditions for female farmers and agricultural informal workers in the shrimp and rice value chains in Vietnam took place in Kien Giang. The workshop was organized by Oxfam in Vietnam and the Vietnam Farmers' Union. The project itself is funded by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development (DGD) in collaboration with Oxfam.
The Mekong Delta, being the largest agricultural hub in the country, holds significant importance in the overall economy of Vietnam. Specifically, shrimp and rice production plays a crucial role in both the regional and national economy. The Mekong Delta contributes nearly 50% of Vietnam's seafood exports and serves as the country's primary source of rice, producing over 7 million tons in 2022. This solidifies Vietnam's position as the world's third-largest rice exporter.
These value chains engage millions of small-scale farmers, with a considerable number of female workers involved, particularly in the production and processing stages. However, despite their significance, the shrimp and rice value chains face various challenges, especially regarding access to social protection and decent work.
During the project component kick-off and planning workshop, over 50 delegates from various levels, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, the Farmers' Union of five provinces, and ten project districts in An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Kien Giang, and Soc Trang, as well as representatives from the Mekong Delta Research Institute and other stakeholders, gathered to discuss the project's context, needs, priorities, and appropriate intervention strategies. The goal of the project is to improve the awareness and capacity of 16,800 female farmers and agricultural informal workers in the shrimp and rice value chains across the five provinces (Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Ca Mau, and Soc Trang) on gender equality, occupational safety and health, social protection policies, access to decent work, and sustainable livelihoods. The aim is to ensure their access to comprehensive social protection and better working conditions.
Mr. Mai Bac My, a member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Vietnam Farmers' Union Central Committee, as well as the Director of the Project Management Board, stated, "As a representative socio-political organization for farmers, the Vietnam Farmers' Union holds a significant role as the center and core of farmer mobilization and new rural development. We are responsible for disseminating information and mobilizing our members and farmers to enhance their participation in the development of ecological agriculture, fostering a civilized farming community, and creating modern rural areas. This project plays a crucial role in supporting female farmers and informal agricultural workers involved in the shrimp and rice value chains, ensuring their access to social protection, decent jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and improved working conditions for farmers."
Mr. Luong Dinh Lan, Senior Program Manager of Oxfam in Vietnam, stated that the project's innovative approach would make a significant contribution to improving social protection and better working conditions for female farmers and informal agricultural workers in the shrimp and rice value chains in the project area.
Mr. Bui Duc Nhuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor Safety at the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, highlighted that farmers constitute the largest group of workers without employment contracts. They often face unstable employment, low income, and a lack of awareness and attention to their working conditions. Official statistics indicate that farmers also have the highest rate of workplace fatalities. Mr. Nhuong expressed that his participation in this practical project component focusing on occupational safety for farmers marked the first of its kind for him.
The project component titled "Improved Social Protection and Decent Work for Female Farmers and Informal Workers in the Rice and Shrimp Value Chains in Vietnam" will directly benefit 16,800 female farmers and agricultural informal workers operating within the shrimp and rice value chains in the Mekong Delta region. The primary objective of this project component is to enhance their capacity, ensuring they have comprehensive access to employment opportunities and social protection. By doing so, the project aims to make significant contributions to gender equality and the improvement of shock response capabilities by the year 2026. The project will be implemented from 2022 to 2026, focusing on the provinces of An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Kien Giang, and Soc Trang. Oxfam in Vietnam will oversee and coordinate the project in collaboration with the Vietnam Farmers' Union and other strategic partners. The project is funded by a grant from the Belgian Directorate-General for Development (DGD) and Oxfam's counterpart budget.
