Đánh giá công tác bồi thường, hỗ trợ và tái định cư dự án đường ven biển đoạn qua xã Quỳnh Anh, tỉnh Nghệ An

Land acquisition for infrastructure development is a common process in the context of urbanization and economic development, particularly in developing countries. Despite its benefits in terms of enhanced connectivity and economic growth, land acquisition can lead to changes in the employment, income, and livelihoods of affected households. Evidence from China indicates that the livelihood recovery of households following land acquisition depends significantly on their capacity to maintain and rebuild livelihood assets [1]. In Ethiopia, land acquisition has also been reported to affect household income, employment, and productive activities, with compensation levels, transparency, participation, and post-acquisition support identified as key concerns [2]. Therefore, the effectiveness of land acquisition should be assessed not only in terms of compensation value but also with regard to the implementation process and the ability of affected people to stabilize their livelihoods.

In Vietnam, land acquisition for infrastructure development and urbanization has raised a range of issues related to compensation, support, and livelihood stabilization. Research on land acquisition for hydropower development has shown that limitations in the implementation of compensation and resettlement policies may affect the livelihood recovery of people whose land is acquired [3]. In the peri-urban areas of Hue City, livelihood reconstruction following land loss varies across households and is associated with employment opportunities, social networks, and the circumstances of different household groups [4], while post-acquisition income is also influenced by household characteristics and livelihood strategies [5]. Studies conducted in Da Nang [6], as well as comparative research involving Hanoi, Da Nang, and Vinh [7], further demonstrate that policy implementation and post-acquisition livelihood outcomes may vary according to local conditions.

Although previous studies have provided substantial evidence on compensation and post-acquisition livelihoods, most have focused on urbanization, hydropower development, or impacts on household livelihoods. Further empirical evidence at the local level is still needed to simultaneously assess compensation and support outcomes, the perspectives of affected land users, and the views of officials directly involved in implementation in the context of coastal transport infrastructure projects. The Coastal Road Project section passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province, acquired 149,533.5 m² of land from 655 households, with total compensation and support payments of approximately VND 34.56 billion. Examining this case therefore contributes empirical evidence on implementation outcomes and the issues arising in the process of compensation, support, and land clearance.

Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the compensation, support, and resettlement activities of the Coastal Road Project section passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province; analyze the perspectives of affected residents and implementing officials; identify the main advantages and difficulties; and propose solutions to improve implementation effectiveness.

Specifically, the study addresses three research questions: 

(1) What outcomes have been achieved in the implementation of compensation, support, and resettlement for the project? 

(2) How do affected land users and implementing officials assess the project's compensation and support activities? 

(3) What are the main difficulties encountered during implementation, and what solutions could contribute to improving the effectiveness of compensation, support, and land clearance at the local level?

2.1. Secondary data collection method

Secondary documents and data concerning socioeconomic conditions, the rural economy, the economic performance of production sectors, and the livelihoods of agricultural households within the study area were collected. Data sources included the statistical records of Quynh Anh Commune, the Economic Division of Quynh Anh Commune, the Quynh Luu Area Construction Investment Project Management Board, the Nghe An Provincial Department of Transport, and other relevant agencies and organizations. The data were collected in 2025.

2.2. Primary data collection method

Primary data were collected through surveys and interviews focusing on compensation unit rates, support and resettlement policies, vocational training, and employment assistance. The study surveyed 13 officials, comprising four commune- and village-level officials, four members of the council responsible for appraising compensation, support, and resettlement plans, and five officials directly involved in implementing compensation, support, and resettlement activities.

Survey of affected households: The number of households to be surveyed was determined using Yamane’s sample-size formula for a known population:

The Coastal Road Project section passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province, involved land acquisition from 655 households and individuals. Accordingly, the required sample size was calculated as follows: n = 86,75 (rounded to 87 households)

The calculated sample size was rounded to 87 households. Consequently, questionnaires were administered to 87 randomly selected households in Quynh Anh Commune. All relevant information concerning the survey and interviews was fully and transparently communicated to the participants, whose participation was entirely voluntary.

2.3. Statistical analysis, synthesis, and data processing

3.1. Natural and Socioeconomic Conditions and Current Land-Use Status of Quynh Anh Commune

Following the administrative merger, Quynh Anh Commune possesses considerable development potential due to its coastal location, relatively favorable topography, steady economic growth, and social stability. By effectively utilizing its marine resources, transport infrastructure, and regional connectivity, the commune could become a dynamic growth area in northern Nghe An Province. Nevertheless, the newly merged commune continues to face challenges, including administrative complexities, uneven infrastructure development, dependence on small-scale agricultural production, and vulnerability to market fluctuations and weather conditions. Industrial, commercial, and service activities remain underdeveloped relative to local potential, while competitive key economic sectors capable of attracting investment have yet to emerge. Therefore, the commune should pursue a development strategy centered on river-based and marine-oriented development, trade and services, and the green economy. Priorities should include developing coastal tourism associated with local cultural values, applying advanced technology in agriculture, improving infrastructure, and establishing commercial and service centers. These measures will facilitate economic restructuring, generate employment, improve local living standards, and support the commune in achieving advanced new-style rural standards by 2028.

In 2025, Quynh Anh Commune had a total natural area of 3,981.11 hectares, comprising three main land-use categories. Agricultural land covered 2,816.27 hectares, accounting for 70.74% of the total area, and consisted primarily of paddy land, other annual cropland, aquaculture land, salt-production land, and forest land. Non-agricultural land covered 1,102.50 hectares, representing 27.69%, with land designated for public purposes, rural residential land, and specialized water-surface land constituting the largest proportions. Unused land covered only 62.34 hectares, equivalent to 1.57%. Overall, the commune’s land-use structure was predominantly oriented toward agricultural production, while the proportion of unused land was relatively small.

3.2. Assessment of Compensation, Support, and Resettlement for the Coastal Road Project Section Passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province

3.2.1.General overview of the project

Project title: The Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa)–Cua Lo (Nghe An) Coastal Road Project, Section from Km 7 to Km 76, passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province (hereinafter referred to as the Coastal Road Project through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province).

Project owner: Nghe An Provincial Department of Transport.

Construction locations: Hoang Mai Town, Quynh Luu District, Dien Chau District, Nghi Loc District, and Cua Lo Town, Nghe An Province.

Land-use area: Approximately 151.8 hectares.

Total project investment: VND 4,651,000,000,000 (four trillion six hundred and fifty-one billion Vietnamese dong).

Implementation period: Six years from the construction commencement date, pursuant to Decision No. 796/QD-SGTVT dated 6 December 2021. Construction commenced in February 2022.

Compensation and support activities: Completed before July 2024.

The project passes through the former Quynh Luu District, including the former Minh Luong and Quynh Bang communes. Following the administrative merger effective from 1 July 2025, these communes became part of Quynh Anh Commune. Therefore, this study focuses exclusively on the section of the Coastal Road Project passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province.

The Coastal Road Project section passing through Quynh Anh Commune, Nghe An Province, acquired 149,533.5 m² of land from 655 households. The acquired land comprised eight land-use categories: paddy land, other annual cropland, perennial cropland, aquaculture land, other agricultural land, salt-production land, rural residential land, and non-agricultural production and business land. The entire acquired area of 149,533.5 m² was eligible for compensation, representing 100% of the total. The total compensation and support expenditure amounted to VND 34,564,726,500.

3.2.2. Compensation, support and resettlement results of the study project

3.2.2.1. Subjects and eligibility conditions for compensation under the project

Table 1. Summary of subjects and eligibility conditions for compensation under the project

(Source: Quynh Luu regional construction investment project management board [8])

The results presented in table 1 show that a total of 655 households in Quynh Anh Commune had their land acquired. Of these, 100% of the households were eligible for compensation and support, while 189 households were eligible for support for assets attached to the land following land acquisition. As the assets on the acquired land consisted of rice crops, various types of vegetables and other crops, and perennial tree plantations, with no residential houses located on the land, no resettlement area was required to be arranged.

3.2.2.2. Land Acquisition Results

Bảng 2. Summary of the area and types of land acquired for the project

(Source: Quynh Luu regional construction investment project management board)

Based on the results presented in table 2, the areas of different types of land acquired for the implementation of the project are as follows: The total area of land acquired was 149,533.5 m², comprising two types of land. Agricultural land accounted for 148,450.2 m², representing 99.3% of the total acquired land area. Agricultural land constituted a very high proportion of the acquired land, consisting mainly of land for rice cultivation, annual crops (other crops), salt production, forestry, and perennial crops. Non-agricultural land accounted for 1,083.3 m², representing 0.7% of the total acquired land area. The acquired non-agricultural land accounted for only a small proportion and consisted mainly of land used for non-agricultural production and business purposes, together with a small area of rural residential land without assets attached to the land. Therefore, no resettlement area was required to be arranged.

3.2.2.3. Land acquisition results

Within the scope of the project, there were no cases involving the acquisition of residential land or residents’ houses; therefore, the housing needs of the households whose land was acquired were not affected. This contributed to reducing the pressure on resettlement arrangements and facilitated the site clearance process.

3.2.2.4. Compensation and support results for losses of land and assets attached to land

Table 3. Summary of compensation, support and resettlement expenditures

(Source: Quynh Luu regional construction investment project management board)

The total expenditure on compensation, support and resettlement for the project was VND 34,564,726,500. Of this amount, support for vocational training and occupational transition accounted for the largest proportion, at 47.24%, followed by compensation for land at 33.83%, support for livelihood stabilization at 11.94%, compensation and support for assets and structures at 4.30%, compensation and support for trees and crops at 2.58%, and support for grave relocation at 0.11%.

The relatively high proportion of expenditure on vocational training and occupational transition contributed to helping affected households change occupations, secure employment, and stabilize their income and livelihoods following land acquisition. Compensation and support for trees and crops accounted for a relatively small proportion because the agricultural land acquired was mainly used for vegetable and other crop cultivation, with a compensation rate of VND 6,000/m². Overall, compensation and support for households affected by land acquisition were fully implemented in accordance with applicable regulations.

3.2.3. Assessment of the progress of compensation, support and resettlement for the project

As of July 2024, 655 households in Quynh Anh Commune were eligible for land compensation, and all 655 households handed over their land within the prescribed timeframe, with no cases of delayed handover affecting the project schedule. This result was attributed to the commune’s effective dissemination of relevant policies and direct dialogue with affected households to address issues related to land records, compensation rates, eligible land areas, compensation for assets attached to the land, and funding for vocational training and occupational transition following land handover. As a result, affected households agreed to receive compensation for land and assets attached to the land, support for grave relocation and livelihood stabilization, as well as vocational training and occupational transition support, and subsequently handed over the land for project implementation. Quynh Anh Commune therefore completed the compensation and site clearance process within the prescribed timeframe.

3.3. Assessment of compensation, support and resettlement based on surveys of affected households and project officials

3.3.1. Summary of residents’ opinions on compensation, support and resettlement

Table 4. Residents’ opinions on compensation and support rates

The survey results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the compensation process. All surveyed households (100%) considered land compensation prices equivalent to market prices and reported that compensation was implemented in accordance with regulations, while 91.9% preferred monetary compensation. However, 32.2% considered compensation for assets and crops lower than their actual value. Land acquisition had a considerable impact on household livelihoods, as a large proportion of the surveyed households lost more than 70% or all of their agricultural land. Average annual household income decreased from VND 74.4 million to VND 55.2 million, with 79.3% of households reporting lower income after land acquisition. Meanwhile, the proportion of agricultural employment decreased from 88.89% to 77.78%, while unemployment increased from 4.44% to 11.11%. These findings highlight the need to strengthen vocational training, employment transition, and livelihood restoration support for land-acquired households.

3.3.2. Summary of officials’ opinions on compensation, support, and resettlement

Table 5. Summary of officials’ opinions on compensation, support, and factors affecting project progress

Assessment table 5:  The survey results from 13 officials showed generally positive assessments of compensation and support. Specifically, 76.92% considered land compensation rates satisfactory, 92.31% considered compensation for assets attached to land satisfactory, and 100% considered support policies satisfactory. Regarding factors affecting project progress, insufficient funding accounted for the highest proportion (38.50%), followed by difficulties related to land origin (15.38%). The coordination of local authorities, consistency of regulatory documents, and other factors each accounted for 7.69%. Overall, the identified difficulties were addressed during project implementation, contributing to the timely completion of site clearance.

3.4. Assessment of advantages, difficulties, and proposed solutions

Advantages: Compensation, support, and resettlement activities received close direction from local authorities, effective coordination among relevant agencies, and general support from affected households. Policies were publicly disclosed and adequately disseminated, contributing to the timely implementation of site clearance.

Difficulties: Fluctuations in land prices, asset values, and construction material costs resulted in compensation rates and occupational transition support that did not always reflect actual conditions. Incomplete cadastral records, complex land origins, and limitations in policy dissemination, staff capacity, inter-agency coordination, and administrative procedures also created difficulties in site clearance.

Proposed solutions: Compensation rates should be adjusted to better reflect market prices; policies on livelihood support, vocational training, employment, and access to credit should be improved. In addition, policy dissemination and dialogue with affected households should be strengthened, staff capacity and inter-agency coordination enhanced, and disputes and complaints promptly addressed to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of affected households.

4. Conclusion and Discussion

[1] Li, C., Wang, M., & Song, Y. (2018). Vulnerability and livelihood restoration of landless households after land acquisition: Evidence from peri-urban China. Habitat International, 79, 109–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2018.08.003. 

[2] Ayenachew, Y. A., & Abebe, B. G. (2024). Navigating urbanization implications: Effects of land expropriation on farmers’ livelihoods in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 6, 1385309. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2024.1385309. 

[3] Ty, P. H., Van Westen, A. C. M., & Zoomers, A. (2013). Compensation and resettlement policies after compulsory land acquisition for hydropower development in Vietnam: Policy and practice. Land, 2(4), 678–704. https://doi.org/10.3390/land2040678. 

[4] Phuc, N. Q., Van Westen, A. C. M., & Zoomers, A. (2017). Compulsory land acquisition for urban expansion: Livelihood reconstruction after land loss in Hue’s peri-urban areas, Central Vietnam. International Development Planning Review, 39(2), 99–121. https://doi.org/10.3828/idpr.2016.32. 

[5] Phuc, N. Q., Van Westen, A. C. M., & Zoomers, A. (2021). Land loss with compensation: What are the determinants of income among households in Central Vietnam? Environment and Urbanization ASIA, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/0975425321990383. 

[6] Tuan, N. T., & Hegedűs, G. (2022). Land compensation and policy enforcement in Vietnam: A case study in Danang. Real Estate Management and Valuation, 30(2).

[7] Tuan, N. T., & Hegedűs, G. (2022). Urbanization and post-acquisition livelihood in a peri-urban context in Vietnam: A geographical comparison between Hanoi, Danang, and Vinh City. Land, 11(10), 1787. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101787.