Introduction
The concept of the New Rural became widely recognized in Vietnam after the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 800/QD-TTg on June 4, 2010, approving the National Target Program on Building New Rural for the period 2010–2020. The program's goals were to develop a modern socio-economic infrastructure, establish a balanced economic structure, and link agriculture with industry and services. It also aimed to promote rural development through planning, preserve national cultural identity, protect the environment, ensure security and order, and improve the material and spiritual well-being of the people, all in line with the path toward socialism. On August 16, 2016, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1600/QD-TTg to implement the 5-year National Target Program on Building New Rural for the period 2016–2020, with a focus on improving people's living conditions, upgrading infrastructure, fostering reasonable economic development, and protecting the environment (Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2016). On March 8, 2022, the Vietnamese government continuously introduced a set of national criteria for New Rural communes and Advanced New Rural communes for the period 2021–2025 under Decision No. 318/QD-TTg. These criteria are divided into four groups with 19 specific standards: a Planning group (1 criterion), a Socio-economic infrastructure group (8 criteria), an Economic and Production Organization group (4 criteria), and a Cultural-Social-Environmental group (6 criteria) (Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2022). The Building New Rural Program (BNRP) has been extensively implemented across Vietnam, including in the rural areas of Ho Chi Minh City.
Rural areas in Ho Chi Minh City have transformed into dynamic, multidimensional regions marked by substantial advancements in infrastructure, shifts in population composition, changes in economic structures, and evolving social stratification. These areas have become key destinations for migrant workers from across the country, enriching their economic, cultural, and social diversity. The successful implementation of the BNRP will have further enhanced this diversity, reflecting the city government's dedication to socio-economic growth and embodying the collective aspirations of its residents for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The concept of Building New Rural has received significant scholarly attention worldwide, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Korea, where rural modernization initiatives have yielded transformative results. For instance, China introduced the policy of “Building the New Socialist Countryside” in 2006, focusing on administrative and financial reforms to modernize rural areas and raise rural incomes (Ahlers and Schubert, 2009). Ahlers and Schubert (2009) argued that this policy is not merely a political slogan but a practical framework for reducing poverty and narrowing the urban-rural divide. Long et al. (2010), in their article published in Land Use Policy, highlighted the importance of coordinated urban-rural development, emphasizing that while land consolidation is critical, addressing surplus labor and resettling displaced farmers are equally essential for sustainable land use. Ahlers et al. (2013), in The China Quarterly, explored localized strategies in three rural counties in China, identifying models for sustainable rural development.
In Japan, the “One Village One Product” movement emphasized the development of rural areas by promoting local resources, fostering community cooperation, and improving infrastructure (Looney, 2012). Similarly, Korea’s “Saemaul Movement” prioritized community-driven collaboration and rural industrialization since the 1970s, creating a replicable rural development model. Kim (2015), in his doctoral thesis, highlighted the Saemaul Movement's success in transforming rural livelihoods through industrialization and community-based efforts, establishing Korea as a leader in rural modernization.
In Vietnam, research on BNRPs has expanded significantly in the last decade, providing valuable insights into program implementation and outcomes. Nguyen et al. (2012) investigated the mobilization of community resources in Vinh Vien Commune, Hau Giang Province, underscoring the critical role of social relationships and collective action in achieving program goals. Vu (2013) analyzed rural development theories and practices in Asian countries to evaluate progress in Vietnam, focusing on provinces like Nam Dinh, Nghe An, and Lao Cai. Duong (2014) assessed the program’s impact on rural residents and proposed strategies to address its challenges. Pham (2016) evaluated the program’s implementation in the South Central Coast provinces, emphasizing improvements in rural infrastructure and cultural life. Vu (2016), alongside Nguyen and Vo (2016), examined the awareness and contributions of farming households in Phu Tho and Hau Giang provinces, proposing targeted solutions to enhance program outcomes. Doan (2017) analyzed financial mobilization efforts in the northern mountainous provinces, addressing economic and infrastructural constraints in these underdeveloped areas.
More recent studies, including those by Huynh (2018), Le (2019), and Trinh and Dao (2019), highlighted the importance of integrating BNRPs with sustainable poverty reduction strategies. They also emphasized the role of science and technology in improving agricultural productivity and rural development. Bach (2020) reviewed the program’s successes over the past decade, focusing on its impact on socio-economic infrastructure in rural areas. Meanwhile, Pham (2020) and Hoang (2021) explored the implementation of BNRPs in Ninh Binh Province and Ho Chi Minh City, proposing sustainable solutions to improve capital mobilization, infrastructure, and technological applications to ensure long-term program success.
Despite this extensive body of research, several critical gaps persist. Key challenges, such as resource mobilization, infrastructure development, and improving economic livelihoods in disadvantaged areas, remain underexplored. Additionally, while Ho Chi Minh City has actively implemented the New Rural program for over a decade, limited research has been conducted to assess its specific outcomes. This study seeks to address these gaps by evaluating the program’s achievements in Ho Chi Minh City and offering recommendations for its continued improvement and sustainability.
Research Methods
This study utilized two data sources: secondary data and primary data. Secondary data was collected from diverse sources such as libraries, archives, statistical agencies, and relevant government organizations. Primary data was gathered through three methods: participant observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire surveys.
Participant observation: A total of 56 observations were conducted in New Rural communes across five suburban districts of Ho Chi Minh City: Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, and Can Gio. These observations focused on key aspects such as infrastructure, economic activities, culture, society, and environmental conditions.
In-depth interviews: Thirty in-depth interviews were carried out in the same communes to gather detailed qualitative insights into the aforementioned areas.
Questionnaire surveys: A total of 1,017 questionnaires were distributed to households in rural areas of Ho Chi Minh City, based on a total of 744,443 households recorded in 2023. The sample size for the survey was determined using the formula:
(n is the required sample size; N is the total population, and e is the allowable margin of error.)
The number of surveyed households was distributed proportionally to the population size of each rural district in Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring that the margin of error did not exceed 7% (Table 1).
Specifically, in districts with many households, such as Hoc Mon, Nha Be, Cu Chi, and Binh Chanh, 204 households were surveyed in each district. Meanwhile, in Can Gio, which has fewer households, 201 households were surveyed. The households were randomly selected from lists provided by population officers in each district to ensure objectivity. The head of the household was invited to act as the respondent, providing information for the questionnaire to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness in data collection.
The survey content covered critical themes, including infrastructure, economy, culture, society, and the environment. The collected data was processed and analyzed using licensed SPSS 20 software to ensure systematic and accurate analysis. This approach reflects a commitment to scientific rigor, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the realities and perceptions of households in New Rural areas of Ho Chi Minh City.
Results and Discussion
Areas of building new rural in Ho Chi Minh City
The vast rural areas of Ho Chi Minh City make a significant contribution to the city's socio-economic structure. These rural regions span five districts, encompassing 58 communes and five towns, representing a blend of traditional rural lifestyles and modern urbanization. Among them, Binh Hung (Binh Chanh District) and Trung Chanh (Hoc Mon District) have undergone nearly complete urbanization, leaving 56 communes actively participating in the BNRP. This intersection between urban and rural areas reflects the spatial and economic complexity of the city such as:
- Geographical distribution and demographics: The city covers a total area of 209,539 hectares, with rural areas accounting for 160,139 hectares (76.4% of the city's area) (Ho Chi Minh City Statistical Office, 2023). Among rural districts, Can Gio occupies the largest area (44.0%), followed by Cu Chi (27.1%). Can Gio serve as a key zone for ecological preservation, while Cu Chi is the city's agricultural hub.
As of 2022, rural areas are home to 2,223,984 residents, representing 23.7% of the city's population. Binh Chanh District has the highest rural population, whereas Can Gio has the lowest population density, reflecting its emphasis on environmental conservation and aquaculture over residential development. The rural labor force comprises 1,008,265 people, compared to 3,882,047 in urban areas, highlighting a stark disparity. However, only 1.1% of the rural workforce is employed in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, earning an average monthly income of 6.68 million VND (Approximately 300 USD) (Ho Chi Minh City Statistical Office, 2023).
- Agricultural contributions and land use: Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City's rural economy, with rice production at its core. Cu Chi District leads with 10,925 hectares of rice fields, yielding 60,159 tons annually. Other districts, such as Binh Chanh (3,308 hectares, 14,827 tons), Hoc Mon (1,516 hectares, 7,899 tons), and Nha Be (8 hectares, 19 tons), contribute smaller outputs. This sector ensures regional food security.
In addition to rice, crop diversification efforts include corn cultivation. Cu Chi again dominates with 263 hectares producing 43.1 quintals per hectare, while Can Gio (17 hectares) and Binh Chanh (11 hectares) have lower yields at 29.9 and 38.5 quintals per hectare, respectively. This diversification optimizes land use across varied environmental conditions.
Livestock farming also plays a vital role, with large-scale operations in Cu Chi (32 farms) and Hoc Mon (3 farms). These farms support the production of meat, dairy, and poultry, creating jobs and boosting auxiliary industries.
Aquaculture thrives in Can Gio District, which leads with 6,227 hectares dedicated to shrimp and fish farming in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Other districts, such as Binh Chanh (597.2 hectares) and Nha Be (422.2 hectares), contribute on a smaller scale. This sector significantly bolsters the city's aquaculture output.
- Economic and labor shifts in rural areas: The economic structure of Ho Chi Minh City's rural areas is undergoing significant transformation. While agriculture remains important, industrialization and service sector growth are reshaping the landscape. By 2022, 37.4% of the rural workforce was employed in industry and construction, while 61.4% worked in services (Ho Chi Minh City Statistical Office, 2023). For example, Can Gio District aims to reduce its agricultural economy's share to 56.2% by 2025, while increasing the contributions of industry and services to 43.8%. These shifts present opportunities for economic development and higher incomes but also introduce challenges, such as the loss of traditional farming practices, environmental pressures, and the need for workforce retraining to meet emerging demands.
This blend of rural and urban dynamics underscores Ho Chi Minh City's evolving socio-economic fabric, balancing tradition and modernization amid rapid change.
Thus, it can be seen that the rural areas of Ho Chi Minh City exemplify a unique blend of traditional agriculture and modern economic transformation. Districts like Cu Chi and Can Gio highlight diverse contributions, ranging from crop and livestock farming to aquaculture and forest conservation. At the same time, the significant shift towards industry and services underscores the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Over the past decade, the implementation of the BNRP has fostered prosperity in these areas. This initiative has not only supported economic growth but also enabled rural communities to adapt to the evolving dynamics of a modernizing city in Vietnam.
Legal framework and implementation plan for the BNRP
The National Target Program on Building New Rural Areas is a pivotal policy of the Party and State of Vietnam, designed to achieve comprehensive and sustainable rural development nationwide. Recognizing its critical role as the economic center of the country, Ho Chi Minh City has implemented this program with innovative approaches while adhering closely to the framework established under the National Target Program. This adaptation reflects the city’s distinctive socio-economic and geographical characteristics, ensuring alignment with national objectives while addressing local needs (H-CSC, 2015).
The foundational structure of the National Target Program on Building New Rural Areas was introduced in 2009 through Decision No. 491/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister. This decision outlined 19 national criteria, categorized into five thematic groups: planning and land use; economic growth and production organization; socio-cultural and environmental improvement; infrastructure development; and the strengthening of political systems and public security. These criteria were designed to guide the construction of transportation, irrigation systems, electrical grids, schools, cultural facilities, markets, and housing. They also emphasized increasing household incomes, reducing poverty rates, modernizing the labor structure, and promoting efficient production models. Additionally, the program focused on improving access to education, healthcare, cultural activities, and environmental protection while fostering a robust socio-political system to ensure security and order (Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2009).
In 2010, Decision No. 800/QD-TTg was issued, formally approving the National Target Program for the 2010–2020 period. The program aimed to modernize rural socio-economic infrastructure while fostering connections with industrial and service development. By 2015, 20% of communes were expected to meet the new rural standards, with the target increasing to 50% by 2020. The program featured 11 key components: new rural planning, socio-economic infrastructure development, economic restructuring, poverty reduction, innovation in production organizations, education, and healthcare improvements, cultural and communication advancements, clean water and sanitation initiatives, political strengthening, and maintaining public safety (Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2010).
In response, Ho Chi Minh City developed a localized implementation strategy tailored to its unique context, marked by rapid urbanization and a dynamic urban-agricultural economy. Between 2010 and 2015, the city issued 159 policy documents to direct and manage the program. Under the “Joining Hands to Build New Rural Areas” initiative, the City Party Committee allocated responsibilities to 51 entities, including districts, corporations, and grassroots Party Committees. Recognizing its distinct characteristics, Ho Chi Minh City established a specific set of 19 criteria for building new rural areas. These criteria, while aligned with national standards, addressed the city’s unique challenges, such as balancing rural development with urban expansion (H-CSC, 2015).
The criteria are divided into five thematic groups: planning, economic growth and production organization, cultural and environmental improvement, infrastructure development, and public security and governance. For planning, rural land use and infrastructure were designed to align with the city’s long-term development goals and urbanization needs. In terms of economic growth, the focus was on developing an urban agricultural economy and transforming the labor structure to reduce dependence on traditional farming. The cultural and environmental group emphasized enhancing social and cultural life, protecting the environment, and promoting urban standards in rural areas. Infrastructure priorities included developing systems to ensure connectivity between rural and urban zones. Finally, public security and governance criteria focused on maintaining social order and fostering strong local political systems. These tailored criteria reflect Ho Chi Minh City’s dual goals of sustainable rural development and urban integration, ensuring improved material and spiritual well-being for its rural people (H-CSC, 2015, 2019).
To implement the program effectively, Ho Chi Minh City established a multi-tiered steering apparatus. At the city level, the Steering Committee of the City Party Committee on the BNRP was integrated with the Steering Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development. This committee, comprising 49 members, is led by the Standing Vice Chairman of the City People’s Committee and includes representatives from relevant departments, sectors, and districts. At the district level, Party Committees formed steering committees, chaired by District Party Secretaries, with members including department heads and commune representatives. Commune-level management boards, led by Commune People’s Committee chairpersons, directed local initiatives. At the hamlet level, hamlet boards, led by Party Secretaries, supported the commune boards in advancing rural development efforts.
In addition to structural organization, the city prioritized raising awareness about the BNRP. This was achieved through media campaigns, conferences, cultural events, and competitions. A handbook detailing the 19 rural development criteria was distributed to enhance public understanding. The city also launched an emulation movement, “The City Joins Hands to Build New Rural Areas,” complemented by initiatives such as “All People Unite to Build New Rural Areas and Civilized Urban Areas.” These initiatives mobilized broad participation from individuals, organizations, and businesses, fostering community engagement in activities supporting production development, poverty reduction, and social security (Hoang, 2021).
According to reports of H-CSC (2015, 2019, 2021, 2024), Ho Chi Minh City’s implementation of the National Target Program on Building New Rural Areas demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development while addressing the unique challenges of urban-rural dynamics. By integrating urbanization with rural development, the city has achieved significant progress in economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and quality of life enhancements.
Results of implementing the BNRP in Ho Chi Minh City
According to reports from the Ho Chi Minh City Government, after nearly 10 years of implementing the Building New Rural Criteria, significant progress has been achieved in the rural areas of the city. These achievements are reflected in various groups of criteria, indicating the positive transformations brought about by the program (H-CSC, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2024).
- In terms of planning, all 56 rural communes have completed the approval process for their new rural development plans. These plans serve as the foundation for guiding investments in economic, social, and production infrastructure. They ensure that development is coordinated and aligned with long-term objectives, contributing to enhanced production capacity, improved incomes, and sustainable growth. These efforts have facilitated a clear vision for rural areas, balancing urbanization with rural development needs.
- Regarding socio-economic infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City has made substantial investments to improve the quality of life in rural areas. One of the key achievements has been the completion of 741 transportation projects, covering a total length of 1,233.64 kilometers, with an investment of VND 5,164 billion (approximately USD 215.17 million). Between 2011 and 2015, the city focused on maintaining and upgrading 654 transportation projects, spanning 1,172 kilometers, which played a crucial role in reducing flooding and improving traffic conditions, thus benefiting rural residents. Moreover, 445 irrigation projects, totaling 408 kilometers, have been implemented, costing VND 907 billion (approximately USD 37.79 million). These projects have focused on strengthening embankments and dykes to mitigate high tides, ensuring stable agricultural production, and improving water management for farming.
- The rural power grid system has also been significantly enhanced, with the installation of 5,965 transformer stations and 2,017 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, ensuring that 100% of households in the 56 communes have access to a stable electricity supply. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City invested VND 3,826 billion (approximately USD 117.75 million) in 190 school projects, which has resulted in 77.61% of public schools meeting national education standards, improving the educational facilities and opportunities available to students in rural areas. The city also prioritized cultural development, investing in 451 cultural infrastructure projects, which have helped foster a vibrant cultural life for rural residents, supporting both daily life and community activities.
- In the domain of economy and production organization, Ho Chi Minh City's rural areas have focused on increasing income and boosting agricultural productivity. The average per capita income in these areas rose from VND 23.17 million (approximately USD 0.97 million) in 2015 to VND 63.096 million (approximately USD 2.63 million) in 2022, nearly tripling in just seven years. This income growth was driven by the city's efforts to shift agricultural production from traditional, less profitable crops to more lucrative ventures, such as orchid cultivation, dairy farming, and the production of high-quality agricultural products. The transformation also emphasized developing the collective economy. By September 2023, 76 agricultural cooperatives were operating across the 56 communes, marking an increase of 45 cooperatives since 2015. These cooperatives play a pivotal role in linking production to markets, enhancing the productivity and quality of agricultural products, and fostering collective economic activities among farmers.
- In the areas of culture, society, and the environment, significant progress has been made in improving education, healthcare, and environmental conditions. The enrollment rate of 5-year-old children in rural areas reached 99.9%, and the literacy rate stood at an impressive 99.38%. The healthcare system has also seen considerable improvements, with 92.83% of the rural population now enrolled in health insurance programs, thereby ensuring broader access to healthcare services. Environmental protection efforts have been a focal point, with Ho Chi Minh City organizing various sanitation and environmental protection campaigns, as well as implementing waste treatment projects. As a result, 97% of households in rural communes now have access to clean water, contributing to better health and living conditions.
- In terms of political systems and community engagement, the “All People Unite to Build New Rural Areas and Civilized Urban Areas” campaign has played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering community participation in socio-economic and cultural development. By 2023, the proportion of communes and districts meeting legal access standards was notably high, with Cu Chi at 97.48%, Hoc Mon at 100%, Binh Chanh at 95.5%, Nha Be at 100%, and Can Gio at 85.71%. The city has also seen a dramatic reduction in crime and social issues, with the number of reported cases dropping from 739 annually before 2020 to fewer than 200 cases per year, thereby ensuring improved security and political stability across rural areas.
These outcomes, derived from the summary reports of the H-CSC and other relevant departments, demonstrate the transformative impact of the program. Not only has it contributed to improving living standards, but it has also played a key role in promoting socio-economic development, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring the sustainable development of rural areas. The program has successfully balanced the demands of urbanization with the need for rural growth, aligning the development goals of the city with those of its rural communes. Through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, culture, and the economy, the BNRP has brought about lasting positive changes, significantly enhancing the well-being of rural residents while fostering broader regional development.
People's expectations
From the people's perspective, the expected outcome of the BNRP in Ho Chi Minh City is a comprehensive improvement in the economic, social, cultural, and environmental sectors, particularly in aspects that directly impact family life. They hope for positive changes in their quality of life once the program is fully implemented.
To evaluate whether such positive changes have occurred, we analyzed information from 1,017 questionnaires and 30 in-depth interviews. The information covered various aspects such as household economic conditions, local security and order, infrastructure (electricity, roads, schools, health stations, cultural centers) and highlight the changes compared to the period before the implementation of the BNRP.
The analysis of the survey results indicates that:
- Regarding household economic status: Heads of households self-assessed their family’s economic situation as follows (see Fig. 1): more than 46% of households reported having average economic conditions, while just more than 9% described themselves as well-off, and 4.3% described themselves as rich. Additionally, 6.4% of households were classified as poor, and 33.5% as near-poor.
A comparison of rural districts in Ho Chi Minh City reveals clear disparities in the economic status of households (Table 2).
Specifically, Can Gio district has the highest poverty rate, accounting for 4.8% of the total 6.4% of poor households in the analyzed table. In contrast, Binh Chanh district has the highest proportion of well-off households, representing 2.4% of the total 9.3%. Nha Be district reports a dominant share of wealthy households. For near-poor and average-income households, the distribution is relatively even across the five rural districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
An economic officer from the city government explained these disparities: “Can Gio is an island district where many households rely on seafood fishing. However, in recent years, fishing has faced significant challenges due to reduced output. This has forced many families to sell their fishing boats and transition to other occupations, but they often struggle due to a lack of experience. Additionally, this district lacks the industrial development and infrastructure seen in other parts of the city. In contrast, Nha Be and Binh Chanh districts have seen considerable economic improvement due to industrial development and infrastructure investment. In these districts, the presence of industrial parks and export processing zones has created significant job opportunities. Furthermore, the implementation of the BNRP over the years has promoted infrastructure development, which has provided favorable conditions for household economies to thrive more than in other districts” (Cited from the interview with Mr. THH in Can Gio district, 2023). This shows that the geographic factors and development policies in the implementation of the City government's BNRP have had significant impacts on this difference.
Especially, when asked about the impact of the BNRP on household economic development, many household heads acknowledged that the program has had positive effects, such as “The BNRP creates more good jobs and provides more stable income thanks to effective crop conversion” (Cited from the interview with Mr. THL in Binh Chanh district, 2023). However, some household heads also remarked that the program primarily enhances infrastructure, while household economic development largely depends on individual efforts. Notably, a few individuals commented that their economic situations have become even more challenging since the implementation of the new rural program. This situation is also reflected in the analysis results from the survey question: “How does your family's current economic situation compare to before your residence met the Building New Rural criteria?” (Fig. 2).
The analysis results show that 40% of survey participants reported no change in their household's economic situation compared to before the residential area met the new rural standards. In contrast, nearly 32% indicated that their economic situation had improved, while about 28% commented that it had worsened.
When comparing rural districts in Ho Chi Minh City, the impact of the BNRP on changes in household economic status reveals significant disparities between localities (Table 3).
Specifically, Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, and Nha Be districts reported the highest rates of improvement in household economic status, at 7.1%, 6.9%, and 6.8%, respectively, out of a total of 31.9% of households who positively assessed the changes. However, across all five rural districts, many households still indicated that their economic status had not significantly changed, while some reported a decline in their family economy after their residential areas were recognized as new rural areas.
Respondents cited various reasons for these outcomes. Factors such as access to production resources, employment opportunities, and rising living costs were identified as influencing household economic status. While some households directly benefited from improved infrastructure and economic support policies, others - particularly poor or near-poor households - struggled to adapt to the new conditions. These findings were further analyzed based on the questionnaire survey results, as detailed below:
The improvement in household economic conditions primarily stems from factors related to income and employment among family members (Fig. 3).
Specifically, over 45% of households reported that “Family members' income is higher,” while 38.4% highlighted that “Family members have better jobs.” Furthermore, 14.4% of responses indicated “More job opportunities” and other contributing factors as reasons for this positive change.
A typical example is a household in Cu Chi district that has transitioned from traditional rice cultivation to high-quality agriculture, such as growing melons and orchids and raising dairy cows, which has significantly increased their income. This conversion requires a substantial amount of financial capital but reduces the overall labor needed, prompting some family members to pursue jobs as workers or engage in business activities, thus improving their income (Cited from the interview with Mr. THH in Cu Chi district, 2023).
For households that believe their economic situation has not changed, the primary reason is that the income and employment of their members have not seen significant improvements (Fig. 4).
Among these households, 44.8% reported that “The income of household members remains unchanged,” while 40.8% indicated that “The jobs of household members remain unchanged.” Additionally, 10.5% noted that “Employment opportunities are the same as before.” These respondents are primarily workers, traders, or individuals engaged in smallscale services, who are less affected by the BNRP. On the other hand, households with poorer economic conditions often face significant challenges in adapting to rapid economic changes. Several reasons for these difficulties were identified and are summarized in Fig. 5.
The main reasons identified include: 43% of households reported that “The income of household members is unstable or business is slow,” nearly 24% indicated “Family members face unfavorable working conditions” and almost 20% noted that “Some family members have lost their jobs.” Other reasons, such as “Limited employment opportunities” and “Illness or reduced agricultural land,” also have a significant impact on the economic status of households. A local official explained that many households previously depended on traditional agriculture but lacked the financial capital to transition to high-quality agricultural models. Additionally, rapid urbanization led some households to sell their agricultural land and shift to trading or services without sufficient experience, resulting in lower-than-expected economic returns. Furthermore, limited education among some family members hindered their ability to secure stable non-agricultural jobs, contributing to unemployment and income instability.
From this analysis, it is evident that expectations for household economic development are met only by a portion of the population, particularly those families that are adaptable and possess a solid financial foundation. For households that do not meet these conditions, the rapid economic transformation can sometimes result in recession, as they struggle to keep pace with the development of the new rural areas in which they reside.
- Regarding local security and order: This issue is assessed based on factors such as theft, prostitution, and drug-related activities within residential communities. The survey results indicate that nearly 70% of respondents positively evaluated the improvement in security and order following the implementation of the BNRP. Specifically, 49.0% reported an improvement, while 19.8% stated that the situation had significantly improved. Only slightly over 5% reported no improvement or noted signs of deterioration (Fig. 6).
The improvement in local security and order has been fairly consistent across the five rural districts of Ho Chi Minh City, as demonstrated by the analysis of residents' opinions in these districts (Table 4).
A resident shared, “The BNRP has significantly improved local security and order. The government's community management has become more structured, and residents have increased their awareness of crime prevention in their neighborhoods. This progress can be attributed to the effective propaganda efforts by local authorities and a heightened sense of community responsibility” (Cited from the interview with Mr. NVN in Hoc Mon district, 2023). Similarly, a household head in Can Gio District also remarked, “Since the completion of the BNRP, commune-level authorities have paid much greater attention to maintaining local security and order. As a result, issues like drug use, theft, and prostitution have nearly disappeared in the area in recent times” (Cited from the interview with Mr. HNH in Can Gio district, 2023).
The notable improvement in security and order within residential areas is one of the key expectations of the community, and this has been positively addressed following the implementation and completion of the new rural program.
- Regarding infrastructure (including electricity, roads, schools, health stations, and community cultural houses), the survey results indicated a high level of satisfaction among residents following the completion of the BNRP. Specifically, over 80% of respondents expressed positive opinions, with 58.0% stating that the infrastructure had significantly improved, and 23.6% commenting that the situation was much better than before the program was implemented (Fig. 7).
The infrastructure improvement is evident across the rural districts of Ho Chi Minh City and has been widely recognized by residents. A household head in Cu Chi District remarked, “The BNRP has significantly enhanced the area’s infrastructure. Facilities such as electricity, roads, schools, and medical stations have been constructed to be more spacious and modern.” (Cited from the interview with Mr. THN in Cu Chi district, 2023).
This achievement was made possible through the collaboration between the government and the community in investing in and developing infrastructure. The government provided funding, while residents voluntarily donated land to enhance their locality. The contribution of personal assets by the community not only demonstrated their spirit of cooperation but also reflected their high expectations for the government to improve infrastructure, to create a better quality of life.
The continuous improvement and development of infrastructure in rural districts, driven by Ho Chi Minh City's BNRP over the past decade, have notably enhanced education and healthcare services for residents in these areas. This progress is reflected in residents' feedback, such as a comment from a resident in Cu Chi district: “Schools in these areas have met the city's standards in terms of facilities, teaching staff, and additional services such as boarding and canteens. This has helped our children study better and ensures the quality needed for entrance exams to prestigious universities in Vietnam today” (Cited from the interview with Mr. NHV in Cu Chi district, 2023). Similarly, a resident from the Hoc Mon district praised improvements in the local healthcare system: “Health stations here have become much more spacious and modern. There are more doctors and nurses to take care of our health, and medications are readily available. As a result, people no longer need to travel to city-level hospitals for treatment” (Cited from the interview with Mr. TH in Hoc Mon district, 2023).
However, some residents expressed dissatisfaction, noting that infrastructure has not improved or, in some cases, has even worsened (see Fig. 7). For example, a resident in Binh Chanh district commented on local healthcare services: “While healthcare facilities have been built to look more modern, the medical equipment may not be advanced enough to inspire confidence among residents seeking treatment at these centers” (Cited from the interview with Mr. NVH in Binh Chanh district, 2023). Another resident remarked on the broader living conditions: “The infrastructure may be better, but the climate has become hotter, dustier, and noisier, making life more uncomfortable compared to before” (Cited from the interview with Mr. NHV in Nha Be district, 2023).
A city official explained, “A lack of information and clear communication about improvements in the healthcare system may leave residents unaware of the positive changes. If individuals are not fully informed about new services, treatments, and facilities, they may feel that the situation remains unchanged. Additionally, not all medical facilities in the area have been upgraded uniformly; some health stations or hospitals may lack adequate investment, leading residents in those locations to perceive that the quality of service has remained the same or worsened. Rapid urbanization has also increased the population without a corresponding expansion of healthcare infrastructure, negatively affecting service quality. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing demand for healthcare services can create the impression that available services are insufficient to meet the needs. Even with infrastructure improvements, if the quality of services and treatments does not align, residents may still feel dissatisfied” (Cited from the interview with Mr. NVA, 2023).
However, these mixed opinions highlight the significant strides made in infrastructure development while also underscoring the need to address persistent challenges to fully meet residents’ expectations.
Thus, the study results reveal that residents of rural areas in Ho Chi Minh City generally hold positive views about the socio-economic improvements brought about by the City’s BNRP. Key achievements, such as advancements in economic conditions, security, order, and infrastructure, were well recognized. However, the findings also highlight areas of dissatisfaction, particularly concerning the economic conditions of households in Can Gio District. Additionally, issues like noise and air pollution in districts such as Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, and Binh Chanh remain significant concerns for residents. These challenges underscore the need for the Ho Chi Minh City government to address existing shortcomings and refine policies as it continues to implement the advanced BNRP in the future. Addressing these concerns will be critical to ensuring the program's long-term success and its ability to meet residents’ expectations.
Conclusion
The BNRP in Ho Chi Minh City has significantly transformed rural areas by improving infrastructure, fostering economic growth, enhancing economic-social life, and promoting environmental sustainability. With substantial investment, over 741 transport projects and 445 irrigation projects have been completed, improving traffic connectivity and ensuring stable agricultural production. Electricity access has reached 100% of households, while schools and cultural facilities have been upgraded, with 77.61% of schools meeting national standards. These developments have laid a robust foundation for education and cultural enrichment, significantly enhancing living conditions and driving economic restructuring toward modernity.
Per capita income in rural areas has nearly tripled between 2015 and 2022, propelled by high-quality agricultural production models and the expansion of cooperatives. Meanwhile, health insurance coverage has exceeded 92.83%, and 97% of households now have access to clean water. Environmental protection efforts, coupled with improved security and order, have fostered a stable and safe community. These achievements underscore the program’s success in not only improving infrastructure and economic conditions but also elevating the overall quality of life and aligning with public expectations.
However, the program also faces notable challenges. Economic disparities persist between regions, with districts like Can Gio still grappling with high poverty rates, highlighting the need for targeted support policies to address geographical and economic constraints. Rapid urbanization has exerted significant pressure on the environment and infrastructure, resulting in issues like air pollution, noise, and higher living costs. Furthermore, inconsistencies in the quality of health and education projects have led to dissatisfaction among some residents. Limited communication about the program’s benefits has also left certain communities unaware of the full extent of the improvements.
To ensure the program’s sustainability and better align with public aspirations, strategic adjustments are imperative. Continued investment in health, education, and public infrastructure should prioritize service quality. Concurrently, financial support, vocational training, and awareness programs are essential for empowering disadvantaged communities to adapt and actively participate in broader development initiatives. Environmental protection policies must also take precedence to strike a balance between economic progress and life environment.
Overall, the BNRP in Ho Chi Minh City has achieved substantial outcomes, reflecting the collective efforts of the government and the community in improving living standards and fostering sustainable development. With strategic refinements, the program holds the potential for modern rural development, harmonizing with urbanization while ensuring long-term prosperity for the region.
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