How USAID is Improving Livelihoods and Sustainable Forest Management in Vietnam
When Vi Van Tham was very young, he was passionate about handicrafts. After school, he would study his family’s rattan chair, learning how to craft one by himself. As he grew older, he started putting these self-taught skills into practice, making and selling bamboo products to provide an income for his family. But the increasing availability of cheaper plastic alternatives drove down demand for his bamboo products. Unable to make a living from handcrafts, he was forced to put his dream on hold and turned to carpentry and construction to earn a living.
In July of 2022, USAID began working in his commune to develop the Rattan-Bamboo-Leaf value chain. This included a training on handicraft techniques. Tham was so excited at the opportunity to fulfill his dream that he registered immediately and was selected as a team leader of the Bamboo and Rattan Economic Collective Group in Tam Lu Commune. USAID partnered with the Vietnam Handicraft Export Association to provide training for artisans like Tham. They learn directly from well-known artisans from other parts of Vietnam to develop their skills. Inspired by these mentors, Tham worked tirelessly to make new, marketable products like flower pots, vases, baskets, and bags.
Tham’s hard work was recognized this November when he won second prize in the USAID-supported Vietnam Craft Village Conservation and Development Festival in Hanoi. This national recognition spurred new interest and demand for bamboo and rattan products in his community. Recently, through an introduction from USAID, Tham received an order for over $2,800 from a company that specializes in handicraft exports to European markets, bringing his products to global markets.
Across Vietnam, USAID provides training in sustainable forest management and livelihood development to over 25,000 people like Tham, supporting 35 conservation-friendly enterprises to improve their livelihoods and mobilizing an estimated $12.5 million from timber, cinnamon, and medicinal plant sales. In addition, USAID plans to support the development of 34 national and local-level policies on sustainable forest use, which is projected to result in an annual reduction of 45.6 million tons of carbon emissions—equivalent to taking 9.2 million passenger vehicles off the road.
Tham’s dream has come true. He is employed as a handicraft artisan, has become a champion of sustainable forest management, and today is inspiring others to follow their passion.
“Thanks to USAID's support, I learned how to weave and dye naturally from other ethnic groups and I have even become a teacher, instructing weaving techniques to people in four provinces. I will continue my journey with the group in Tam Lu Commune, and together we will develop Vietnam through local traditional crafts, contributing to protecting forests.” - Vi Van Tham