The Impacts of Devolution Policy on Mangrove Forest Management for Aquaculture in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam: Household Data

This dataset contains household-level data collected in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, to analyze the impacts of devolution policies on mangrove forest management, particularly in relation to aquaculture development. It complements the communal-level dataset (see https://doi.org/10.5878/mg8d-w127Opens in a new tab). The study was designed to examine how local governance arrangements and institutional changes influence both mangrove conservation and aquaculture outcomes. Mangrove forests provide essential ecological services and play a critical role in sustaining local livelihoods. However, Vietnam’s policy of contracting mangrove forest management to households has often failed to achieve conservation goals, as farmers tend to convert mangroves to alternative uses. The dataset was collected with the following research objectives: To examine the impacts of devolution policies and other institutional measures on mangrove forest areas at the commune level. To assess the impacts of devolution policies, institutional arrangements, and economic factors on mangrove coverage within mixed shrimp–mangrove farming systems. Survey design and coverage The survey was conducted in communes across six coastal provinces of southern Vietnam: Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, Ca Mau, and Bac Lieu. From these provinces, eight study sites were selected. Data collection was carried out through face-to-face interviews. Each respondent completed a structured questionnaire consisting of three parts: (i) general information about the household, (ii) perceptions of mangroves, and (iii) aquaculture activities. The final sample included 659 mixed mangrove–shrimp farms. Measurement of mangrove indicators Mangrove coverage was assessed using two complementary approaches: Self-reported estimates provided by farm managers through the household survey. Satellite-derived measures, based on farm-level coordinates collected during the survey. These coordinates were used to delineate farm boundaries in Google Earth, allowing for objective calculation of mangrove coverage. Timeframe: The household survey was conducted between 2011 and 2016 in southern Vietnam.