Improving smallholder farmer incomes through strategic market development in mango supply chains in southern Vietnam - Final Report

This project aimed to improve the net income and livelihoods of smallholders in southern Vietnam and contribute to the longer-term goal of developing a more sustainable and profitable mango industry.

The project identified that in some instances income from mangoes represents 74.5% of total household income. Men remain the key decision makers in production and the main participants in cooperatives, with women playing a significant role in trading and marketing. Baseline consumer surveys identified 66% of consumers purchase mangoes once a week and 27% purchased mangoes more than twice a week. 30% of consumers purchase 2-3kg of mangoes per store visit, with most preferring a medium size fruit (300-500g).

This report examines opportunities and presents options to increase competitiveness in fresh and processed mango value chains, primarily from the perspective of smallholder mango production and domestic mango trade. Activities were principally led by in-country researchers with strong connections to farmers, packhouse operators, cooperatives, and retailers.

The research identified a suite of common, critical supply chain barriers impeding trade. These pre- and post-harvest practices that impede trade were identified as applicable across all of Vietnam’s mango-producing areas. The project revealed:

1.  Pre- and post-harvest diseases severity limits both domestic and export market potential. Simple effective treatments, such as mango bagging can successfully suppress pest and disease pressure and reduce chemical use, improve marketability, and increase farmer profitability.
2. Incorrect application of fertiliser is common, with overuse contributing to poor crop nutrition, impacting on fruit quality and disease susceptibility, and to environmental pollution.
3. Further work is needed to pursue the potential of off-season mango production.
4. A seasonal shortage of mangoes presents a future opportunity for trade with HK and the EU.
5. Benefits arise from sap treatment, HWT and boxing mangoes with consumers willing to pay almost double for high-quality, treated Cat Hoa Loc mangoes and up to 10 times the price of untreated varieties.
6. Improving consistency in supply, technology and infrastructure will support the growth of the processing mango sector.

View the project page