GROW

Farrners harvest green as part of GROW Vietnam. Credit: Oxfam Vietnam

Oxfam launched its global GROW campaign in 2011 to tackle the pervasive injustices in the global food system.

This means that almost 800 million people worldwide do not have enough food to eat. The campaign recognises that a host of factors such as climate change, land acquisitions, food price spikes and intensive farming are forcing millions of people to go hungry every day. It aims to ensure that the global food production system benefits everyone, including small-scale farmers.

In Vietnam, Oxfam has been part of the GROW campaign since 2012. The campaign in Vietnam is focused on protecting smallholder farmers’ rights to natural resources, promoting their voice in policy processes and expanding their livelihood choices.

More than two-thirds of Vietnam’s population live in rural areas. Many are small-scale farmers who live in poverty or very close to the poverty line and who do not have sufficient access to food. Natural resources are also being rapidly exploited, and land, water and forest areas are all coming under increasing strain. This affects small-scale farmers whose livelihoods depend on natural resources. Finally, poor and small-scale farmers are vulnerable to natural disasters, climate change and external shocks, such as volatile market prices.

Phase One

The first phase of the Vietnam GROW campaign (2012-2015) has focused on raising awareness among key stakeholders, including policy makers and farmers, of why it is important to promote smallholder farmers’ rights, choices and voice. The campaign has also worked to change the policy environment so that it provides more favourable conditions for stronger collaboration among farmers and businesses.

In 2015, this has included research on how farmers’ rights, choices and voice have been promoted through different kinds of farmer organisations. Work has also been undertaken to build greater understanding in the media of the importance of food justice and to capture the stories of small-scale farmers through, for example, media field trips, media workshops and the setting up of a network of journalists covering agricultural and rural issues.

Partly as a result of the campaign there is now a much greater public focus on the need to protect small-scale farmers. For example, there has been growing media interest and reporting on the topic. The Vietnam Fatherland Front has publically acknowledged the importance of small-scale farmers and is keen to discuss how to best protect and organise them.

Phase Two

The second phase of the campaign will build on existing Oxfam programmes and projects and will continue the work on policy research and advocacy, media engagement and mobilising of farmers. In particular, the campaign will focus on improvement of public and private investment to support small scale farmers to get better access to production resources, promote their resilience to climate change and shocks and enhance their voices and choices in the agricultural production/value chains.

Partners and Collaborations

As part of the campaign, Oxfam is working with a number of think tanks and research institutes. The aim is to generate research that can be used for advocacy purposes, but also to build up the knowledge base of these organisations and to help them become thought leaders.

In addition, Oxfam collaborates with a network of farmer organisations and farmer leaders, helping to strengthen the network and making sure it can more effectively take part in policy debates and engage with policy makers. Oxfam also works closely with government partners, including the Department of Cooperatives and Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). For example, during the recent revision of the decree on farmer collaboration, MARD took on board a number of recommendations from an Oxfam-supported research report, including suggestions on diversifying farmer collaboration models. MARD has also decided to support the farmer leader network mentioned above, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability.

The GROW campaign in Vietnam works closely with a number of other Oxfam project partners, including the agriculture coalition of the Coalition Support Programme. The GROW campaign team has worked together with the coalition to set up the Vietnam Agricultural Forum – a quarterly platform for different stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, academics and farmers, to discuss agriculture-related topics.

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Take action

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Join Oxfam in amplifying the voices of the vulnerable in Vietnam. Discover how we campaign for a future free from poverty.

There are many ways you can support our fight against inequality and injustice. Campaign, volunteer, educate, discuss, donate internationally - get involved in any way that suits you.

Learn about our campaigns for change, and then head to our Facebook or Instagram to share our message and get regular updates on Oxfam in Vietnam's work and the work of our affiliates.

Together we can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people living in poverty around the world. If you have further questions or want to get more involved please be in touch.

 

What we do

We are committed to building a people-centered development model that is feminist and values what truly matters to society. We aim to enable the voices and agency of citizens to strengthen accountable governance. And we work for inclusive, participatory decision-making in efforts to tackle climate change, end inequality, and bring long-term sustainable change. These broad aims are realised through one approach and three specific goals:

Human Economy

bridgefest - towards a human economy

Globally, the way we run our economies needs to change. The over-reliance on GDP growth has paved way to rigged policies that benefit the richest individuals and corporations, instead of measures that ensure sustainable development and the people’s welfare. This economy model is exacerbating inequality, perpetuating poverty and trapping many millions in poorly paid and precarious work.

Oxfam urges governments and policymakers to work together towards building a “Human Economy” that is people-centered instead of a “for-profit economy” that is disrupting social cohesion in many countries. A Human Economy, built for the many - not the few, can bring an end to inequality and eradicate poverty for good. A Human Economy is to save the environment for the next generations. Read more

Goal 1: Gender Equality and Women’s Agency

Goal 1 gender equality and women's agency

Despite a strong legal framework on gender equality, women in Vietnam continue to experience discrimination and often lack economic and political opportunities. Gender-based violence remains widespread; about 58% of ever-married women aged 18-60 experience some form of violence at the hands of their husbands or intimate partners at least once in their lifetime.

To tackle these issues, we aim to embrace diversity and influence policy to ensure women’s full participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. We work for inclusive growth and equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources. By challenging and changing social norms, we fight to end gender-based violence.

While feminist principles underpin all our activities, Oxfam in Vietnam is currently implementing projects with a specific focus on gender equality and women’s agency.

Review summaries of these projects here.

Goal 2: Social Accountability and Empowered Citizens

Goal 2: Social Accountability and Empowered Citizens

We support decision-making processes that are fair, transparent, and enable citizens to participate effectively. Supporting a vibrant and dynamic social sector is a key element of our governance work. We connect social actors and the private sector to create new networks and shared social space. We also work with the business community to ensure fair and inclusive financing for development activities, and towards improved corporate governance. 

Oxfam in Vietnam is currently implementing projects that focus on social accountability and empowering citizens. Summaries of current Goal 2 projects can be reviewed here

Goal 3: Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities

Goal 3: Secured Livelihoods and Resilient Communities

Our aim is to protect and secure the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and vulnerable people. We achieve this by working with small-scale producers and the private sector to improve access to resources, such as land, water and finance. To ensure vulnerable groups are able to benefit from economic development, we engage with our government partners to ensure development policies are inclusive and sustainable.   

We also work to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities in high-risk areas. This means they are better able to adapt to disasters and mitigate the effects of climate change, and are less impacted by extreme weather events. When natural disasters occur, resilient communities and are able to recover more quickly.

Oxfam in Vietnam is currently implementing projects with a focus on securing livelihoods and building resilient communities. Summaries of Goal 3 projects are available for review here

 

 

Who we are

Members of Dong Tien Cooperative showing their herbal pillow to guest

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Oxfam confederation currently has 21 member organizations working in 79 countries. We share a vision of a just and sustainable world. A world where people and the planet are at the center of our economy. Where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination. Where the climate crisis is contained. And where governance systems are inclusive and allow for those in power to be held to account.

Oxfam in Vietnam believes that a reduction in poverty, injustice, and inequality will occur through the interaction between active citizens, accountable states and responsible private sector, and that it is fundamental to Vietnam’s development. Oxfam in Vietnam contributes to a shift from the current growth-based development model to a Human Economy that cares for People and the Planet. 

Our Vision

We have a vision of a just and sustainable world. A world where people and the planet are at the center of our economy. Where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination. Where the climate crisis is contained. And where governance systems are inclusive and allow for those in power to be held to account. 

Our Mission

We fight inequality to end poverty and injustice.

What we believe in

We believe in the power of people.

Change at scale is possible when we act in solidarity with the people experiencing poverty and injustice. They are the changemakers who will win the fight against inequality. They are the ones who will beat poverty and injustice.

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Our values

We commit to living our values so that we can be known for our integrity. This means transforming our governance, management, and operational structures, and nurturing a culture of continuous learning and reflection.

We understand that how we work is as important as what we work on.

Equality

We believe everyone has the right to be treated fairly and to have the same rights and opportunities.

Empowerment

We acknowledge and seek to expand people’s agency over their lives and the decisions that impact them.

Solidarity

We join hands, support, and collaborate across boundaries in working towards a just and sustainable world.

Inclusiveness

We embrace diversity and difference and value the perspectives and contributions of all people and communities in their fight against poverty and injustice.

Accountability

We take responsibility for our action and inaction and hold ourselves accountable to the people we work with and for.

Courage

We speak truth to power and act with conviction on the justice of our causes.

Farmers catching shrimp

WHAT WE STAND FOR

We are committed to working with others as part of a global movement for social justice. We understand that inequality is multi-dimensional, and mobilize to transform unjust systems.  

To create change that lasts, we build on our experience as a diverse and inter-dependent global network of organizations.

What we stand for

Our campaigns

Ethnic minority woman harvests crops in Ninh Binh. Credit: Oxfam Vietnam

Oxfam campaigns side-by-side with local partners and supporters to raise awareness, change behavior, and help develop good policies. We use tools on and offline to mobilize supporters and call for joint action. Through our campaign work we support equity and social inclusion, promote corporate social responsibility, and encourage local-regional-global linkages. 

Our Campaigns

So far, we support the international campaign teams on Even it up and GROW.

 

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Share our message

Ethnic children take part in a photovoice project. Credit: Oxfam Vietnam

Oxfam aims to raise awareness and make positive change for people around the world. We would love to hear your thoughs on our work, know about your support, and start important discussions. Everyone can be a part of an Oxfam story. No matter who you are you can be part of our work to end poverty today, and share our inspiring stories, photos, videos, and publications!

Here are a few links to start the conversation:

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Accountability

accountability

Our Commitment to Accountability

One of the underlying purposes of coming together as Oxfam International is to spend less and achieve more.

As an organization, we are committed to holding ourselves accountable and being transparent in all areas of our work; including to our donors and beneficiaries on how we spend your money. It is only by reviewing our spending against results that we can learn and do even better in the future.

Our review processes and internal control systems are carried out by professionally qualified staff. We run real time evaluations and thorough program reviews, we welcome discussion and input from all quarters.

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