Land consolidation and rural aging: challenges and implications in the Red River Delta, Vietnam

Land fragmentation and rural aging present significant challenges to sustainable agriculture in Vietnam’s Red River Delta (RRD). This study examines how demographic shifts, especially an aging population, interact with land consolidation to shape farming practices and labor dynamics. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 600 households and conducted 60 in-depth interviews across 13 communes from 2020 to 2022. Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, our study highlights the declining youth interest in agricultural pursuits. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed that farmers in their early forties to early fifties expressed the high level of confidence in adopting sustainable practices. Despite consolidation efforts, average farm size remains just 0.22 ha, constraining economies of scale and accelerating youth outmigration. Based on these findings, we recommend targeted policies that increase access to consolidated land for younger farmers, including participatory land exchanges, subsidized mechanization, credit for high-value crop ventures, and tailored extension services. For older farmers, support should focus on reducing physical labor demands and improving profitability through cooperative services and simplified mechanization. Thus, addressing age-specific needs can help retain youth and enhance the long-term sustainability of smallholder agriculture in Vietnam.