Land Tenure Security and Rural Youth Migration in Central Vietnam

Nguyen Tien Nhat, Tran Thi Phuong and Nguyen Huu Ngu ()
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Nguyen Tien Nhat: Faculty of Land Resources and Agricultural Environment, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue City 49000, Vietnam
Tran Thi Phuong: Faculty of Land Resources and Agricultural Environment, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue City 49000, Vietnam
Nguyen Huu Ngu: Faculty of Land Resources and Agricultural Environment, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Hue City 49000, Vietnam

Geographies, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates how land access, inheritance expectations, and socio-economic conditions influence migration intentions of rural youth in central Vietnam. Drawing on survey data from 200 young respondents and employing logistic regression analysis, the research reveals that youth with higher levels of education and income exhibit a greater propensity to migrate in pursuit of improved livelihoods. Male respondents were significantly more likely to migrate, reflecting gender norms and unequal access to opportunities. Crucially, secure land tenure—measured through formal land titles and perceived inheritance rights—was strongly associated with lower migration intentions. Conversely, tenure insecurity emerged as a significant push factor, undermining youth confidence in long-term rural investment and contributing to land use instability. This study argues that secure land access is not only vital for sustaining rural livelihoods but also foundational for youth and women’s engagement, socio-economic stability, and long-term community resilience. From this viewpoint, this study highlights the need for youth-inclusive land reforms, the promotion of rural entrepreneurship, and expanded access to vocational training as critical policy interventions.

Keywords: land access; youth migration; rural sustainability; environmental justice; Vietnam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q15 Q5 Q53 Q54 Q56 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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