With CASI, CARE aims at sustainable improvements in livelihood security for natural resource-dependent people in ethnic minority communities who lack access to resources and have limited opportunities to influence decision-making. Representatives of marginalized and excluded groups and civil society organizations are involved in setting the agenda for more inclusive development approaches and policies.

Background

Despite rapid economic growth, persistent pockets of poverty remain in remote rural areas in Vietnam. Different ethnic groups especially women in these areas lack access to natural resources such as forests, land, and water, which are essential for the development and security of their livelihoods. They have limited access to resources and information and they have a limited voice to influence decisions that affect their own lives.

Objective of CASI

Through CASI, CARE, and civil society organizations work together with ethnic groups and women to strengthen their voice in local decision-making, to improve their livelihoods, and to be able to adapt to climate change.

  • CASI’s partners are legitimate and valued agencies towards their peers, authorities, and communities.
  • Ethnic minority representatives are empowered and have the confidence and capacity to deal with issues that affect their community.
  • Policymakers and stakeholders have more access to accurate and relevant evidence on key issues that improve development.

How does CASI work?

CASI supports remote ethnic minority communities to gain increased decision-making power over matters that affect their lives:

EVOLVING CIVIL SOCIETY
Growing government recognition for ethnic minority people; representatives; community-based organizations; and civil society organizations. Ethnic group representatives are considered as co-implementing partners rather than beneficiaries at the local level. The legitimacy of civil society organizations is recognized by the government and communities.

FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
Large networks of ethnic groups are built, and representatives are facilitated with training to deal with issues and advocacy themselves. Start-up point for civil society organizations to collaborate with peers and influence policies together. Community-based organizations are set up outside of the CASI project by partners, communities, and local authorities.

ENHANCING WOMEN’S VOICE

  • Women increase their capacity and skills to actively participate in their development.
  • Women have gained a legitimate and respected voice through Livelihoods and Rights Clubs.

IMPROVED KNOWLEDGE ON RIGHTS

  • Communities increased their ability to implement advocacy activities with local authorities, so they can address issues related to their communities and to women’s rights.
  • Increased knowledge leads to more confidence and the ability for communities to advocate themselves.
  • Women get legal training to become aware of their rights.

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

  • Household incomes increased through more sustainable livelihoods.
  • Communities are more aware and better prepared for the impacts of climate change

Participants of CASI

>12.000 women and men who depend on natural resources in remote rural areas in northern Vietnam

Location

127 villages, 18 communes, 9 districts in An Giang, Son La, Dien Bien, Hanoi, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thanh Hoa provinces.

Time

2002 – 2017

Donor

CASI - DANIDA