An Institutional Analysis of Changes in Land Use Pattern and Water Scarcity in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Abstract

"The fertile highland of Dak Lak, the largest province in Vietnam, is highly suitable for coffee production. With economic reforms in Vietnam, coffee production in Dak Lak has increased rapidly in the past ten years. But economic success in coffee production has created environmental stress such as water scarcity and deforestation, and social conflicts as a result of migration from other areas. This paper explains the causes of environmental problems in terms of institutional failure with respect to common-pool resources, and inconsistent economic policies. The study focuses on the public good characteristics of common-pool resources, and the difficulties faced by local stakeholders in reaching a collective solution."