Participatory and Pro-Poor Local Contribution Mechanisms in Poverty Reduction Program: Evidence from Vietnam

Labour contributions provided by villagers are central to government policy on rural infrastructure development in Vietnam. This brief report is an initial step to assess problems and provide analysis of the contribution system, and outline the minimum required to ensure that the poor access employment opportunities in local poverty reduction projects with equitable working conditions, participate in decisions about contribution schemes, and a framework that clearly outlines conditions where the poor are partially or completely exempted from contributing. This involves a range of issues such as improving the use of participatory processes, understanding the vulnerability of the poor, capacity building, institutional change, political will, developing the regulatory framework and planning process, and better monitoring and evaluation.