Oxfam to Continue Accompanying Vietnam in Development Process
	Disaster Response Must Combine Emergency Relief with Sustainable Livelihood Recovery

Hoang Thi Hang, a member of Dong Tien Cooperative in Thai Nguyen, represents the fifth generation of her family to practice traditional herbal medicine. Having long preserved medicinal plant knowledge within her village, she once questioned whether herbal products sourced from the forest could gain the trust of the market. Today, however, she has learned to standardize processing methods, improve packaging, and confidently bring her products to market. From initial hesitation, she has grown into a cooperative leader, helping to spread indigenous knowledge while creating new livelihood opportunities for her community.

A representative of Dong Tien Cooperative, Thai Nguyen Province, introduces local herbal products. (Photo: Oxfam)

For Nguyen Thi Quyen, a representative of the Bru–Van Kieu women’s group (Mang Giang Truong Xuan Cooperative, Quang Tri), life in the past revolved around frequent trips into the forest to harvest bamboo shoots, often resulting in an unstable, hand-to-mouth livelihood. Through technical training, guidance on sustainable harvesting, and support in developing home-based livelihood models, she has shifted from dependence on forest resources to proactive production, learned to work collectively, and gradually secured a more stable income.

Though different in context, the two stories converge at a common point: the accompaniment of the “Fair for All” project, where marginalized groups are placed at the center of change. Implemented from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations; promote green livelihood development models, a circular and equitable economy; and enhance the role of women and ethnic minority communities in agricultural value chains and environmental protection.

Overview of the closing workshop of the “Fair for All” project. (Photo: Oxfam)

After five years of implementation, the project has delivered tangible results. A total of 54 organizations, units, centers, and research institutes have received capacity-building support; 92 livelihood models in livestock and crop production have been established; and five business models promoting a green and circular economy have been developed. Notably, 380,801 people have gained access to and benefited from activities aimed at safeguarding community rights and expanding economic opportunities, including 155,943 women, a priority target group. In addition, four community monitoring initiatives have been implemented, with 70 residents actively involved in planning, implementation, and management.

Speaking at the project’s closing workshop held on December 11 in Hanoi, Pham Quang Tu, Deputy Country Director of Oxfam in Vietnam, affirmed that thanks to the strong commitment and close coordination among all stakeholders, the project has contributed to positive changes in practices, development thinking, as well as the organizational capacity of communities and local partners. These results provide an important foundation for scaling up the models and sustaining long-term impacts after the project’s completion.“The workshop provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the achievements to date, share lessons learned, discuss remaining difficulties and challenges, and jointly shape sustainable directions for the future. It also creates a platform for partner organizations and participating communities to engage directly with donors and interested agencies, to identify priorities for the next phase,” Pham Quang Tu said.

Fleur Gribnau, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam (far right), visits the exhibition area showcasing products from communities participating in the project. (Photo: Oxfam)

Sharing her remarks at the workshop, Fleur Gribnau, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam, commended the project’s people- and community-centered approach. She noted that the Netherlands is currently one of Vietnam’s most important economic and investment partners in Europe and reaffirmed its continued commitment to cooperation in sustainable agriculture, water management, climate change adaptation, the circular economy, and food security.

She emphasized: “Small-scale producers continue to rely on indigenous knowledge, creativity, and solidarity to build their livelihoods. This is all the more important at a time when the world is facing environmental crises and economic volatility.” According to her, the “Fair for All” project not only supports communities in strengthening their capacities and accessing sustainable livelihood opportunities but also lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands in the future.

“The conclusion of the project does not mark an end, but rather the opening of a new platform for stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships, towards sustainable and inclusive growth. The Netherlands is proud to continue accompanying Vietnam on this journey,” she said.

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