Acacia Plantation Development and the Configuration of Tree Farmers’ Agricultural Assets and Land Management—A Survey in Central Vietnam

Since 1990 acacia-based tree plantations have fast expanded in Vietnam, now supporting a multi-billion-dollar export-oriented wood industry which is transforming from woodchip production to value-added products. Within this dynamic context, farmer associations started produce sawlogs under FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. In paper, we retrace the development of plantation assets, investigating farmers’ current livelihoods and land management, specifically considering various aspects sustainability. We interviewed 180 farmers three districts (lowland–upland regions) Thừa Thiên Huế Province, including sawlog producers with without smallholder woodchips. Acacia planting ‘barren lands’ was initiated through state programs 1990s (low-/midlands) 2010s (uplands). Farmers producing were among first gain forestland tenure; they own large (on good terrain), are tune policies maintain resources/capacities adopt management line standards. Yet, most also retain plots for easy-to-manage low-risk production. Soil/vegetation conservation depends on status/capacities environmental awareness; membership added economic-political benefits. Findings discussed within regional historic context. Plantations contribute economic development, but issues persist/emerged terms equity governance, risks (e.g., plant pathogens), spaces/impetus farm-based innovation adaptiveness.