| Abstract: |
| Smallholder nurseries are known to increase farmers’ accessibility to quality tree seedlings, improve their involvement in forest plantation establishment and improve their income. A study was conducted during 2010-2011 in Son La province to assess the status of private smallholders’ nurseries in the northern mountainous areas of Vietnam and to define measures to improve those nurseries. The research methods used included a review of international and national literature, field surveys, semi-structure interviews, a consultation workshop, and analyses of that quantitative and qualitative data. Analyses of nine smallholder nurseries located in 3 districts namely Moc Chau, Mai Son and Thuan Chau (all in Son La province) showed that smallholder nurseries are of small-scale, with a maximum size of 2500 m2 and maximum income per year of 500 million VN Dong. This small size and income are explained by limited investment, resulting in the use of simple technologies and equipment, thus prohibiting the adoption of new propagation methods. Additionally, smallholder nurseries lack market access resulting in restricted sales prospects. Despites the opportunities for developing smallholder nurseries made possible through existing policies and forestry development programs, difficulties in obtaining nursery certification remains difficult and is considered the main obstacle preventing the development of this type of nursery. Recommendations to support the development of smallholder nurseries including policy, extension, networking development, certification and market access are discussed. |
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