Shortage in Access to Basic Social Services: A Case Study of Ethnic Minority Groups in Vietnam

Ha Thi Hai ,Anh Ngoc ,Nui Dang Nguyen

doi:10.7176/ejbm/12-17-15

Abstract

The research uses shortages in the multi-dimensional poverty criteria and household living standards survey data collected by the General Statistic Office to evaluate the access to basic social services by ethnic minorities. The result shows significant differences in shortages between the Kinh and ethnic minorities, among ethnic minority groups and among localities. Differences in geographical location, level of development and lacking specific policies are the main causes. A number of policy recommendations has been made to narrow the gap in access to basic social services among ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. Keywords: Ethnic minorities, basic social services, shortage in access to basic social services, Vietnam DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-17-15 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Highlights

Along with impressive economic growth since Doi moi, which has put Vietnam into a country in the middle-income group since 2008, Vietnam has achieved dramatic successes in poverty reduction
There is a significant difference between ethnic minorities and the Kinh in terms of the level of shortage in access to basic social services, supported by a number of state guarantees
The level of access of ethnic minorities is largely lower than the Kinh due to differences in geographical areas, natural conditions, educational level, income level, customs, and practices

Summary

Introduction

Along with impressive economic growth since Doi moi (renovation), which has put Vietnam into a country in the middle-income group since 2008, Vietnam has achieved dramatic successes in poverty reduction. Severe transportation conditions, and lacking on-site means to transport patients significantly affect the results of treatment and emergency care for patients in remote communes and ethnic minority regions; (iii) After many years of implementing policies supporting housing, and productive land in the provinces, up to now, 15.3% of ethnic minority households live in temporary houses and 68.5% of ethnic minority households need more agricultural land; (iv) Deforestation, biodiversity reduction, and environmental pollution (soil, water, air) have not been controlled while the proportion of households using hygienic water (73.3%) and assessing to hygienic latrines (27.9%) is very low, especially in the provinces with a large amount of ethnic minorities in the Northern Uplands and the Highland; (v) The proportion of ethnic minority households with computers is 7.7%, only 6.5% of them has internet connections. The proportion is relatively low compared to the national average (VLSS, 2015)

Methods

Findings

Conclusion