Expansion of fruit tree cultivation by different ethnic groups in mountainous areas of Vietnam: key tree species, challenges, and policy support

Growing fruit trees is becoming one of the main agricultural activities for different ethnic groups in mountainous areas of Northwest Vietnam. However, information on, e.g. key tree species and challenges for farmers in growing fruit trees remains unclear. This study selected fruit tree-growing areas in Dien Bien, Yen Bai and Son La provinces of Northwest Vietnam using spatial analysis for semistructured household interviews. Information on fruit tree cultivation types and species, motivations and challenges, and further support needed by farmers to grow fruit trees was gathered through interviews. Support policies enacted between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. The interviews revealed that the variety of fruit tree species in monoculture or agroforestry farms managed by the Kinh, Thai, and H'mong ethnic groups in the three provinces was likely affected by market access and species promoted by local governments, apart from altitude. Factors such as potential economic returns and incentives offered by support policies motivated farmers to grow fruit trees. However, farmers faced challenges in accessing more stable markets and incentives. Further support needed from local governments included more assistance to farmers to comply with the requirements and apply for incentives and to better access market opportunities.