Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo
de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh
Duong Van Khanh 1*
, He Xuesong2
, Thi Thanh Nga Nguyen3
1
School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology,
Shanghai 200237, China and Department of Social Work, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap
870000, Vietnam.
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: dvkhanh@dthu.edu.vn;
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0507-9782
2
School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology,
Shanghai 200237, China.
E-mail: cedarhe@ecust.edu.cn; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3455-9879
3 Faculty of Accounting, Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration,
Thai Nguyen 250000, Vietnam.
E-mail: nguyenthanhngatn@gmail.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3973-0607
Resumen. La pobreza sigue siendo un importante motivo de preocupación en nume-
rosos países de todo el mundo, y en Vietnam persiste, sobre todo entre las minorías étnicas.
Este estudio explora los factores que influyen en la pobreza de las minorías étnicas del distri-
to de Tra Cu, provincia de Tra Vinh, en el delta del Mekong vietnamita, utilizando la teoría
del enfoque basado en las capacidades de Amartya Sen, un enfoque multidimensional de la
pobreza y el marco de medios de vida sostenibles del DFID. Se realizaron revisiones teóricas
para comprender las teorías relacionadas con la pobreza. La investigación emplea un método
cuantitativo, analizando los datos de 420 participantes mediante cuestionarios. Se utilizó el
SPSS 25.0 para obtener el alfa de Cronbach, el análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y los
resultados del modelo de regresión lineal. Los resultados indican que las deficiencias en la
capacidad de vida, la capacidad de producción y la capacidad de desarrollo contribuyen a la
pobreza de las minorías étnicas en el distrito de Tra Cu, provincia de Tra Vinh. En particular,
la capacidad de desarrollo ejerce la influencia más significativa en la pobreza de los hogares,
seguida de la capacidad de vida y la capacidad de producción. A partir de estos resultados, se
proponen recomendaciones para ayudar a los hogares empobrecidos a lograr una reducción
sostenible de la pobreza.
Palabras clave: etnia jemer, alivio de la pobreza, soluciones, enfoque de capacidades, Vietnam.
Recibido: 30/03/2024 ~ Aceptado: 28/09/2024
INTERACCIÓN Y PERSPECTIVA
Revista de Trabajo Social
ISSN 2244-808X ~ Dep. Legal pp 201002Z43506
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14030893
Vol. 15 (1): 20 - 33 pp, 2025
de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh
Duong Van Khanh 1*
, He Xuesong2
, Thi Thanh Nga Nguyen3
1
School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology,
Shanghai 200237, China and Department of Social Work, Dong Thap University, Dong Thap
870000, Vietnam.
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: dvkhanh@dthu.edu.vn;
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0507-9782
2
School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology,
Shanghai 200237, China.
E-mail: cedarhe@ecust.edu.cn; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3455-9879
3 Faculty of Accounting, Thai Nguyen University of Economics and Business Administration,
Thai Nguyen 250000, Vietnam.
E-mail: nguyenthanhngatn@gmail.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3973-0607
Resumen. La pobreza sigue siendo un importante motivo de preocupación en nume-
rosos países de todo el mundo, y en Vietnam persiste, sobre todo entre las minorías étnicas.
Este estudio explora los factores que influyen en la pobreza de las minorías étnicas del distri-
to de Tra Cu, provincia de Tra Vinh, en el delta del Mekong vietnamita, utilizando la teoría
del enfoque basado en las capacidades de Amartya Sen, un enfoque multidimensional de la
pobreza y el marco de medios de vida sostenibles del DFID. Se realizaron revisiones teóricas
para comprender las teorías relacionadas con la pobreza. La investigación emplea un método
cuantitativo, analizando los datos de 420 participantes mediante cuestionarios. Se utilizó el
SPSS 25.0 para obtener el alfa de Cronbach, el análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) y los
resultados del modelo de regresión lineal. Los resultados indican que las deficiencias en la
capacidad de vida, la capacidad de producción y la capacidad de desarrollo contribuyen a la
pobreza de las minorías étnicas en el distrito de Tra Cu, provincia de Tra Vinh. En particular,
la capacidad de desarrollo ejerce la influencia más significativa en la pobreza de los hogares,
seguida de la capacidad de vida y la capacidad de producción. A partir de estos resultados, se
proponen recomendaciones para ayudar a los hogares empobrecidos a lograr una reducción
sostenible de la pobreza.
Palabras clave: etnia jemer, alivio de la pobreza, soluciones, enfoque de capacidades, Vietnam.
Recibido: 30/03/2024 ~ Aceptado: 28/09/2024
INTERACCIÓN Y PERSPECTIVA
Revista de Trabajo Social
ISSN 2244-808X ~ Dep. Legal pp 201002Z43506
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14030893
Vol. 15 (1): 20 - 33 pp, 2025
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 21Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Empowering the impoverished: capacity building
and poverty reduction in Tra Vinh’s Khmer communities
Abstract. Poverty remains a significant concern in numerous countries world-
wide, and within Vietnam, it persists, particularly among ethnic minorities. This study
explores the factors influencing the poverty of ethnic minorities in Tra Cu District,
Tra Vinh Province, Vietnamese Mekong Delta, utilizing Amartya Sen’s capability ap-
proach theory, a multidimensional poverty approach, and the DFID’s framework of
sustainable livelihoods. Theoretical reviews were conducted to comprehend poverty-
related theories. The research employs a quantitative method, analyzing data from 420
participants through questionnaires. SPSS 25.0 was utilized for Cronbach’s Alpha,
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Linear Regression model results. Findings in-
dicate that deficiencies in living capability, production capability, and development
capability contribute to the poverty of ethnic minorities in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh
province. Notably, development capability exerts the most significant influence on
household poverty, followed by living capability and production capability. Based on
these findings, recommendations are proposed to assist impoverished households in
achieving sustainable poverty reduction.
Keywords: Khmer ethnic, poverty alleviation, solutions, capability approach, Vietnam.
INTRODUCTION
Poverty represents a formidable impediment to individual, communal, and national develop-
ment. The underprivileged often encounter restricted access to critical social services, including
employment, education, healthcare, and information, hindering their prospects of breaking free
from the shackles of poverty. As elucidated by the World Bank, poverty is not merely defined by
low income and consumption but also encompasses aspects such as low educational attainment,
compromised health, inadequate access to fundamental services, and precarious living conditions
(World Bank, 2018).
Education emerges as a pivotal determinant of development opportunities, as underscored
by Tierney, who highlighted the constrained developmental prospects of those with limited edu-
cational access (Tierney, 2015). Nations grappling with suboptimal education systems encounter
challenges in sourcing an adept workforce. A distressing surge in global poverty, exacerbated by the
Covid-19 pandemic-induced economic downturn, saw the number of individuals living in extreme
poverty rise to an estimated 50 million between 2019 and 2020 (Development Initiatives, 2021).
As of 2021, an alarming 698 million people, constituting 9% of the global population, subsisted on
less than 1.9 USD per day (Development Initiatives, 2021).
The etiology of poverty is diverse, encompassing both objective factors such as deficient infra-
structure, climatic complexities, and subjective elements including lack of knowledge, inadequate
investment, low educational attainment, disease, and compromised health. Alex attributes poverty
in Africa to the limited ability of the impoverished to influence social processes, public policy, and
resource allocation, coupled with restricted access to essential skills, knowledge, education, and
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 21Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Empowering the impoverished: capacity building
and poverty reduction in Tra Vinh’s Khmer communities
Abstract. Poverty remains a significant concern in numerous countries world-
wide, and within Vietnam, it persists, particularly among ethnic minorities. This study
explores the factors influencing the poverty of ethnic minorities in Tra Cu District,
Tra Vinh Province, Vietnamese Mekong Delta, utilizing Amartya Sen’s capability ap-
proach theory, a multidimensional poverty approach, and the DFID’s framework of
sustainable livelihoods. Theoretical reviews were conducted to comprehend poverty-
related theories. The research employs a quantitative method, analyzing data from 420
participants through questionnaires. SPSS 25.0 was utilized for Cronbach’s Alpha,
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Linear Regression model results. Findings in-
dicate that deficiencies in living capability, production capability, and development
capability contribute to the poverty of ethnic minorities in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh
province. Notably, development capability exerts the most significant influence on
household poverty, followed by living capability and production capability. Based on
these findings, recommendations are proposed to assist impoverished households in
achieving sustainable poverty reduction.
Keywords: Khmer ethnic, poverty alleviation, solutions, capability approach, Vietnam.
INTRODUCTION
Poverty represents a formidable impediment to individual, communal, and national develop-
ment. The underprivileged often encounter restricted access to critical social services, including
employment, education, healthcare, and information, hindering their prospects of breaking free
from the shackles of poverty. As elucidated by the World Bank, poverty is not merely defined by
low income and consumption but also encompasses aspects such as low educational attainment,
compromised health, inadequate access to fundamental services, and precarious living conditions
(World Bank, 2018).
Education emerges as a pivotal determinant of development opportunities, as underscored
by Tierney, who highlighted the constrained developmental prospects of those with limited edu-
cational access (Tierney, 2015). Nations grappling with suboptimal education systems encounter
challenges in sourcing an adept workforce. A distressing surge in global poverty, exacerbated by the
Covid-19 pandemic-induced economic downturn, saw the number of individuals living in extreme
poverty rise to an estimated 50 million between 2019 and 2020 (Development Initiatives, 2021).
As of 2021, an alarming 698 million people, constituting 9% of the global population, subsisted on
less than 1.9 USD per day (Development Initiatives, 2021).
The etiology of poverty is diverse, encompassing both objective factors such as deficient infra-
structure, climatic complexities, and subjective elements including lack of knowledge, inadequate
investment, low educational attainment, disease, and compromised health. Alex attributes poverty
in Africa to the limited ability of the impoverished to influence social processes, public policy, and
resource allocation, coupled with restricted access to essential skills, knowledge, education, and
22 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
personal development (Alex, 2014). Factors contributing to poverty in Nepal, as outlined by Prasad
Acharya et al, include inadequate human capital, absence of remittances, large family sizes, absence
of land ownership, and restricted access to nearby markets (Prasad Acharya et al., 2022).
Localized studies, such as Huynh’s (2011) exploration of non-agricultural households in Duc
Hoa District, Long An province, identified average education levels, limited access to credit sources,
and the duration of schooling as prime factors influencing poverty and low income (Huynh, 2011).
Vien’s (2012) investigation into farmers in Tan Hiep District, Kien Giang province, identified vari-
ables such as the number of household laborers, farming land area, attendance at agricultural exten-
sion sessions, road accessibility, total capital, and water access as determinants of low income (Vien,
2012). Truong (2013) delved into the causes of low income in border communes in Tay Ninh
province, pointing to household occupation, work experience, education levels, household labor
numbers, dependency ratios, farming land area, income-generating activities, and access to credit as
pivotal factors (Truong, 2013).
The capability approach, as advocated by Hong Ha Nguyen (2017) and Diep Thanh Tung
(2017), emerges as a potent strategy for empowering the impoverished to break free from the shack-
les of poverty. Recommendations include organizing vocational training courses, formulating tar-
geted credit policies, developing specialized infrastructure, promoting cultural and religious struc-
tures, and enhancing healthcare facilities (Hong Ha Nguyen, 2017; Tung, 2018). While Vietnam
has made strides in poverty reduction, certain regions, including Tra Vinh province, continue to
grapple with persistent poverty. Tra Vinh, a province in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, is charac-
terized by a substantial Khmer ethnic population, constituting 31.5% of the provincial populace
(Nguyen & Phuoc, 2010). Notwithstanding concentrated efforts in socio-economic development
and poverty alleviation, Tra Vinh Province still harbors areas facing enduring poverty challenges. At
the close of 2019, Tra Vinh Province housed 9,214 impoverished households, representing 3.22%
of the total households (H. H. Nguyen & Kien, 2022). By the conclusion of 2020, Tra Vinh Prov-
ince retained Tra Cu District as its sole impoverished District, with two extremely challenged com-
munes in coastal and island regions (Bich Nguyen, 2021). In response to this persisting challenge,
this research aims to identify the factors influencing poverty among ethnic minorities in Tra Cu Dis-
trict, Tra Vinh province, it points out the specific methods and lessons for improving the capacity
of Khmer poor people in the poverty reduction policy, effective countermeasures to improve these
capabilities. Utilizing the capacity approach, the study endeavors to propose sustainable poverty al-
leviation solutions.
THEORETICAL REVIEW
Amartya Sen’s capability approach theory
Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach delves into the concept of capability as the amalgamation
of the ability to perform functions or achieve goals. Essentially, capability signifies the real freedom
individuals possess to impart meaning to their lives. It refers to the array of valuable functions that
an individual can effectively access, representing their effective freedom to choose different combi-
nations of functions or ways of life that they value (Hick, 2012). This broad concept encompasses
an individual’s ability or strength to accomplish specific functions. Sen posits that this capacity con-
stitutes human freedom, manifesting as real opportunities for well-being, and reflecting the freedom
personal development (Alex, 2014). Factors contributing to poverty in Nepal, as outlined by Prasad
Acharya et al, include inadequate human capital, absence of remittances, large family sizes, absence
of land ownership, and restricted access to nearby markets (Prasad Acharya et al., 2022).
Localized studies, such as Huynh’s (2011) exploration of non-agricultural households in Duc
Hoa District, Long An province, identified average education levels, limited access to credit sources,
and the duration of schooling as prime factors influencing poverty and low income (Huynh, 2011).
Vien’s (2012) investigation into farmers in Tan Hiep District, Kien Giang province, identified vari-
ables such as the number of household laborers, farming land area, attendance at agricultural exten-
sion sessions, road accessibility, total capital, and water access as determinants of low income (Vien,
2012). Truong (2013) delved into the causes of low income in border communes in Tay Ninh
province, pointing to household occupation, work experience, education levels, household labor
numbers, dependency ratios, farming land area, income-generating activities, and access to credit as
pivotal factors (Truong, 2013).
The capability approach, as advocated by Hong Ha Nguyen (2017) and Diep Thanh Tung
(2017), emerges as a potent strategy for empowering the impoverished to break free from the shack-
les of poverty. Recommendations include organizing vocational training courses, formulating tar-
geted credit policies, developing specialized infrastructure, promoting cultural and religious struc-
tures, and enhancing healthcare facilities (Hong Ha Nguyen, 2017; Tung, 2018). While Vietnam
has made strides in poverty reduction, certain regions, including Tra Vinh province, continue to
grapple with persistent poverty. Tra Vinh, a province in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, is charac-
terized by a substantial Khmer ethnic population, constituting 31.5% of the provincial populace
(Nguyen & Phuoc, 2010). Notwithstanding concentrated efforts in socio-economic development
and poverty alleviation, Tra Vinh Province still harbors areas facing enduring poverty challenges. At
the close of 2019, Tra Vinh Province housed 9,214 impoverished households, representing 3.22%
of the total households (H. H. Nguyen & Kien, 2022). By the conclusion of 2020, Tra Vinh Prov-
ince retained Tra Cu District as its sole impoverished District, with two extremely challenged com-
munes in coastal and island regions (Bich Nguyen, 2021). In response to this persisting challenge,
this research aims to identify the factors influencing poverty among ethnic minorities in Tra Cu Dis-
trict, Tra Vinh province, it points out the specific methods and lessons for improving the capacity
of Khmer poor people in the poverty reduction policy, effective countermeasures to improve these
capabilities. Utilizing the capacity approach, the study endeavors to propose sustainable poverty al-
leviation solutions.
THEORETICAL REVIEW
Amartya Sen’s capability approach theory
Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach delves into the concept of capability as the amalgamation
of the ability to perform functions or achieve goals. Essentially, capability signifies the real freedom
individuals possess to impart meaning to their lives. It refers to the array of valuable functions that
an individual can effectively access, representing their effective freedom to choose different combi-
nations of functions or ways of life that they value (Hick, 2012). This broad concept encompasses
an individual’s ability or strength to accomplish specific functions. Sen posits that this capacity con-
stitutes human freedom, manifesting as real opportunities for well-being, and reflecting the freedom
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 23Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
to lead one type of life over another. He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of human capacities,
extending beyond a singular dimension, allowing a focus on various functional aspects of life such
as literacy, health, or political freedom.
Sen argues that evaluating people should center on their capacity to live well, rather than
solely on material wealth or happiness. Human development, according to Sen, involves expanding
people’s capacity to choose. In this context, poverty signifies the exclusion of fundamental opportu-
nities and options for human development. Basic elements of human development, such as a long,
healthy, and active life, good living conditions, freedom, decency, confidence, and respect from
others, are considered essential. Poverty, in Sen’s view, extends beyond the mere lack of essential
conditions for material life; it encompasses the deprivation of basic capabilities. Premature death,
severe malnutrition, persistent diseases, illiteracy, and other vulnerabilities reflect this deprivation.
Sen crucially distinguishes between poverty as a lack of capacity (capacity poverty) and poverty in
terms of low income (income poverty), contending that these two perspectives are interconnected.
Multidimensional Poverty Approach
As defined by the United Nations, poverty is the inadequacy of minimum capacity to par-
ticipate effectively in social activities (David, 2005). It extends beyond material insufficiencies to
include aspects such as insufficient food, clothing, education, medical care, land for cultivation, and
employment opportunities. Poverty encompasses insecurity, lack of rights, exclusion, vulnerability
to violence, living in precarious conditions, and lacking access to clean water and sanitation.
Multidimensional poverty is evaluated through both income and non-income criteria. Con-
cerns related to malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, unhappiness, and despair contribute to the concept
of multidimensional poverty. Lack of economic participation and a voice in society or politics can
lead to exclusion, preventing individuals from enjoying the benefits of socio-economic develop-
ment. Multidimensional poverty, indicated by a lack of basic social services, is measured by the
international Multidimensional Poverty Index, encompassing health, education, and living condi-
tions. This index complements traditional income-based poverty measurements.
There is a broad consensus among countries, politicians, and scholars that poverty is a multi-
dimensional phenomenon, indicating an insufficiency or unsatisfactory level of basic human needs.
Multidimensional poverty represents a state in which individuals fail to meet at least their funda-
mental life needs.
DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods
The concept of livelihood has been a central concern for forums and scholars globally, provid-
ing foundational principles to address issues such as hunger eradication, poverty reduction, job
creation, and the improvement of living standards. The United Kingdom Department for Inter-
national Development (DFID) defines livelihood as encompassing “the capabilities, resources, and
activities necessary for a means of living for people” (Department for International Development
(DFID), 1999). It signifies the integration of natural, economic, social, and cultural resources held
by individuals, households, or social groups. These resources can either generate income to enhance
material living standards or be exchanged to meet diverse life needs. Chambers and Conway de-
scribe livelihood as inclusive of the capabilities, resources, and activities essential for an individual’s
means of living (Chambers & Conway, 1992).
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 23Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
to lead one type of life over another. He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of human capacities,
extending beyond a singular dimension, allowing a focus on various functional aspects of life such
as literacy, health, or political freedom.
Sen argues that evaluating people should center on their capacity to live well, rather than
solely on material wealth or happiness. Human development, according to Sen, involves expanding
people’s capacity to choose. In this context, poverty signifies the exclusion of fundamental opportu-
nities and options for human development. Basic elements of human development, such as a long,
healthy, and active life, good living conditions, freedom, decency, confidence, and respect from
others, are considered essential. Poverty, in Sen’s view, extends beyond the mere lack of essential
conditions for material life; it encompasses the deprivation of basic capabilities. Premature death,
severe malnutrition, persistent diseases, illiteracy, and other vulnerabilities reflect this deprivation.
Sen crucially distinguishes between poverty as a lack of capacity (capacity poverty) and poverty in
terms of low income (income poverty), contending that these two perspectives are interconnected.
Multidimensional Poverty Approach
As defined by the United Nations, poverty is the inadequacy of minimum capacity to par-
ticipate effectively in social activities (David, 2005). It extends beyond material insufficiencies to
include aspects such as insufficient food, clothing, education, medical care, land for cultivation, and
employment opportunities. Poverty encompasses insecurity, lack of rights, exclusion, vulnerability
to violence, living in precarious conditions, and lacking access to clean water and sanitation.
Multidimensional poverty is evaluated through both income and non-income criteria. Con-
cerns related to malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, unhappiness, and despair contribute to the concept
of multidimensional poverty. Lack of economic participation and a voice in society or politics can
lead to exclusion, preventing individuals from enjoying the benefits of socio-economic develop-
ment. Multidimensional poverty, indicated by a lack of basic social services, is measured by the
international Multidimensional Poverty Index, encompassing health, education, and living condi-
tions. This index complements traditional income-based poverty measurements.
There is a broad consensus among countries, politicians, and scholars that poverty is a multi-
dimensional phenomenon, indicating an insufficiency or unsatisfactory level of basic human needs.
Multidimensional poverty represents a state in which individuals fail to meet at least their funda-
mental life needs.
DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods
The concept of livelihood has been a central concern for forums and scholars globally, provid-
ing foundational principles to address issues such as hunger eradication, poverty reduction, job
creation, and the improvement of living standards. The United Kingdom Department for Inter-
national Development (DFID) defines livelihood as encompassing “the capabilities, resources, and
activities necessary for a means of living for people” (Department for International Development
(DFID), 1999). It signifies the integration of natural, economic, social, and cultural resources held
by individuals, households, or social groups. These resources can either generate income to enhance
material living standards or be exchanged to meet diverse life needs. Chambers and Conway de-
scribe livelihood as inclusive of the capabilities, resources, and activities essential for an individual’s
means of living (Chambers & Conway, 1992).
24 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
The DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods, detailed in the “Sustainable Livelihoods
Guidance Sheets” published in 1999, aims to promote policies and actions for sustainability and
poverty reduction (Department for International Development (DFID), 1999). The key compo-
nents of this analytical framework can be summarized as follows:
Firstly, the livelihood framework considers factors that directly impact livelihoods, encompass-
ing: 1) the priorities individuals recognize in the process of livelihood development; 2) the liveli-
hood strategies they choose to pursue those priorities; 3) the institutions, policies, and socio-polit-
ical organizations crucial for their access to assets or opportunities and for the resulting livelihood
outcomes; 4) the livelihood approaches of individuals and households towards the five types of capi-
tal and their effective utilization of all capital types; 5) living conditions, which include economic,
technological, demographic trends, shocks, and seasonal variations (Ashley & Carney, 1999).
Figure 1. DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods
(Department for International Development (DFID), 1999)
Secondly, the livelihood analysis framework consistently places people and their livelihoods at
the center of livelihood development, emphasizing their pivotal role in the development process.
Thirdly, the livelihoods framework recognizes that policies, institutions, and processes sig-
nificantly impact access to and utilization of assets, thereby influencing livelihoods. Moreover, the
framework of sustainable livelihoods analysis is considered a comprehensive approach in the ex-
amination of livelihoods and sustainable livelihoods development. It emphasizes that people do not
exist in isolation within an area or community. Studies have underscored the necessity to identify
livelihood development opportunities and limitations related to livelihoods from multiple perspec-
tives, including region, level, and sector. This involves applying livelihood analysis across regions,
sectors, social groups, and families to understand the diverse factors affecting people, recognize the
multitude of strategies employed to secure their livelihoods, and understand the various outcomes
they pursue.
The DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods, detailed in the “Sustainable Livelihoods
Guidance Sheets” published in 1999, aims to promote policies and actions for sustainability and
poverty reduction (Department for International Development (DFID), 1999). The key compo-
nents of this analytical framework can be summarized as follows:
Firstly, the livelihood framework considers factors that directly impact livelihoods, encompass-
ing: 1) the priorities individuals recognize in the process of livelihood development; 2) the liveli-
hood strategies they choose to pursue those priorities; 3) the institutions, policies, and socio-polit-
ical organizations crucial for their access to assets or opportunities and for the resulting livelihood
outcomes; 4) the livelihood approaches of individuals and households towards the five types of capi-
tal and their effective utilization of all capital types; 5) living conditions, which include economic,
technological, demographic trends, shocks, and seasonal variations (Ashley & Carney, 1999).
Figure 1. DFID’s framework of sustainable livelihoods
(Department for International Development (DFID), 1999)
Secondly, the livelihood analysis framework consistently places people and their livelihoods at
the center of livelihood development, emphasizing their pivotal role in the development process.
Thirdly, the livelihoods framework recognizes that policies, institutions, and processes sig-
nificantly impact access to and utilization of assets, thereby influencing livelihoods. Moreover, the
framework of sustainable livelihoods analysis is considered a comprehensive approach in the ex-
amination of livelihoods and sustainable livelihoods development. It emphasizes that people do not
exist in isolation within an area or community. Studies have underscored the necessity to identify
livelihood development opportunities and limitations related to livelihoods from multiple perspec-
tives, including region, level, and sector. This involves applying livelihood analysis across regions,
sectors, social groups, and families to understand the diverse factors affecting people, recognize the
multitude of strategies employed to secure their livelihoods, and understand the various outcomes
they pursue.
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 25Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Fourth, people’s livelihoods are analyzed concerning land ownership and access to capital or
capital assets. The household livelihood analysis framework revolves around two central concepts.
First, the concept of livelihood is often understood and used in different ways and at different levels.
Second, the concept of “capital” for livelihood is crucial. The Sustainable Livelihoods Analytical
Framework posits that people utilize various types of household livelihood capital to make a liv-
ing. Theoretical research suggests that individuals rely on five types of capital assets—or forms of
capital—to ensure livelihood security, reduce poverty, and eradicate poverty. These include physical
capital, financial capital, social capital, human capital, and natural capital. These types of capital
represent both inputs and outputs in the household livelihood development process.
Finally, the sustainable livelihoods framework exhibits both strengths and weaknesses. In terms
of strengths, Caroline Moser has summarized three main points: 1) A person-centered approach
transforms the household livelihood framework, incorporating diverse groups’ participation in the
livelihood development process; 2) The cross-sectoral focus allows livelihood users to address all pol-
icy issues relevant to the poor in each sector, covering access to livelihoods, financial services, mar-
kets, labor, fair employment opportunities, and personal security; 3) An interdisciplinary approach
recognizes multiple social entities with different sources of income, challenging the assumption that
rural residents are exclusively farmers (Moser & Dani, 2008). However, the household livelihood
framework also faces weaknesses, notably: 1) At the organizational level, the framework’s emphasis
on multiple domains makes its application more challenging; 2) At the political level, the livelihood
analysis framework has not received due attention, neglecting gender, political, market relations,
and factors affecting sustainable livelihoods; 3) In practice, the household livelihood framework
struggles to effectively explain the connection between micro and macro levels, where people use
different types of capital to earn a living and escape poverty.
METHODOLOGY
The research aims to investigate the impact of living capacity, production capacity, and devel-
opment capacity on the poverty of impoverished households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province,
Vietnam. Subsequently, the study proposes solutions to alleviate poverty in these households.
The participant pool comprised 420 Khmer households, representing the most economically
challenged households across five communes (Tan Hiep, Ham Giang, Ngai Xuyen, Kim Son, and
An Huu Quang) in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province. The researcher employed a convenient sam-
pling method to collect data. A questionnaire, utilizing a five-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 for
strongly disagree to 5 for strongly agree), was directly distributed to the participants. The question-
naire comprised 19 scales categorized into three groups of independent variables (living capability,
production capability, and development capability) and one group of dependent variables (causes
of poverty).
Upon data collection, a quantitative method was applied to analyze the gathered results using
SPSS ver 25. Crobach’s Alpha reliability and the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method were em-
ployed to assess the scales. According to Peterson, a scale is deemed acceptable and well-evaluated if
it satisfies two concurrent conditions: Firstly, the overall Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient must exceed
0.7. Secondly, the corrected item-total correlation, representing the correlation coefficient through
total variables, should be greater than 0.3 (Peterson, 1994).
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 25Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Fourth, people’s livelihoods are analyzed concerning land ownership and access to capital or
capital assets. The household livelihood analysis framework revolves around two central concepts.
First, the concept of livelihood is often understood and used in different ways and at different levels.
Second, the concept of “capital” for livelihood is crucial. The Sustainable Livelihoods Analytical
Framework posits that people utilize various types of household livelihood capital to make a liv-
ing. Theoretical research suggests that individuals rely on five types of capital assets—or forms of
capital—to ensure livelihood security, reduce poverty, and eradicate poverty. These include physical
capital, financial capital, social capital, human capital, and natural capital. These types of capital
represent both inputs and outputs in the household livelihood development process.
Finally, the sustainable livelihoods framework exhibits both strengths and weaknesses. In terms
of strengths, Caroline Moser has summarized three main points: 1) A person-centered approach
transforms the household livelihood framework, incorporating diverse groups’ participation in the
livelihood development process; 2) The cross-sectoral focus allows livelihood users to address all pol-
icy issues relevant to the poor in each sector, covering access to livelihoods, financial services, mar-
kets, labor, fair employment opportunities, and personal security; 3) An interdisciplinary approach
recognizes multiple social entities with different sources of income, challenging the assumption that
rural residents are exclusively farmers (Moser & Dani, 2008). However, the household livelihood
framework also faces weaknesses, notably: 1) At the organizational level, the framework’s emphasis
on multiple domains makes its application more challenging; 2) At the political level, the livelihood
analysis framework has not received due attention, neglecting gender, political, market relations,
and factors affecting sustainable livelihoods; 3) In practice, the household livelihood framework
struggles to effectively explain the connection between micro and macro levels, where people use
different types of capital to earn a living and escape poverty.
METHODOLOGY
The research aims to investigate the impact of living capacity, production capacity, and devel-
opment capacity on the poverty of impoverished households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province,
Vietnam. Subsequently, the study proposes solutions to alleviate poverty in these households.
The participant pool comprised 420 Khmer households, representing the most economically
challenged households across five communes (Tan Hiep, Ham Giang, Ngai Xuyen, Kim Son, and
An Huu Quang) in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province. The researcher employed a convenient sam-
pling method to collect data. A questionnaire, utilizing a five-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 for
strongly disagree to 5 for strongly agree), was directly distributed to the participants. The question-
naire comprised 19 scales categorized into three groups of independent variables (living capability,
production capability, and development capability) and one group of dependent variables (causes
of poverty).
Upon data collection, a quantitative method was applied to analyze the gathered results using
SPSS ver 25. Crobach’s Alpha reliability and the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method were em-
ployed to assess the scales. According to Peterson, a scale is deemed acceptable and well-evaluated if
it satisfies two concurrent conditions: Firstly, the overall Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient must exceed
0.7. Secondly, the corrected item-total correlation, representing the correlation coefficient through
total variables, should be greater than 0.3 (Peterson, 1994).
26 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
Furthermore, a Linear Regression Model was utilized to investigate the impact of independent
variables on the poverty status of Khmer households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province.
TABLE 1. Research Methodology
Classification Item
Target Poor households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province.
Sampling procedure Convenient sampling method.
Sample size 420.
Questionnaire Likert scale, directly survey.
Quantitative method Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient > 0.7.
EFA> 0.3.
Linear Regression Model: check correlation between independent
variables and dependent variable.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Out of the 420 questionnaire papers distributed, 403 were deemed valid, with the remaining
considered invalid. The research results are outlined below:
Validity Verification of Scale (Exploratory Factor Analysis)
Table 2 illustrates that the Cronbach’s Alpha values for all scales of independent variables ex-
ceeded 0.80, satisfying the research requirements. All independent variables were deemed suitable
for inclusion in the rotation matrix analysis.
TABLE 2. Validity Verification of Scale (Independent variables).
Scale Mean
if Item
Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if
Item Deleted
LC LC1 11.4690 11.280 .827 .863 .864
LC2 11.6476 11.866 .805 .820 .870
LC3 11.9429 12.099 .838 .908 .862
LC4 11.9801 11.010 .856 .930 .856
PC PC1 25.0819 23.304 .815 .928 .875
PC2 25.1315 23.110 .834 .951 .873
PC3 24.9752 24.557 .872 .964 .869
PC4 24.8859 25.320 .847 .952 .871
PC5 24.7692 25.815 .826 .930 .872
PC6 24.8859 26.678 .824 .921 .874
PC7 24.6725 27.261 .791 .883 .876
Furthermore, a Linear Regression Model was utilized to investigate the impact of independent
variables on the poverty status of Khmer households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province.
TABLE 1. Research Methodology
Classification Item
Target Poor households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province.
Sampling procedure Convenient sampling method.
Sample size 420.
Questionnaire Likert scale, directly survey.
Quantitative method Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient > 0.7.
EFA> 0.3.
Linear Regression Model: check correlation between independent
variables and dependent variable.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Out of the 420 questionnaire papers distributed, 403 were deemed valid, with the remaining
considered invalid. The research results are outlined below:
Validity Verification of Scale (Exploratory Factor Analysis)
Table 2 illustrates that the Cronbach’s Alpha values for all scales of independent variables ex-
ceeded 0.80, satisfying the research requirements. All independent variables were deemed suitable
for inclusion in the rotation matrix analysis.
TABLE 2. Validity Verification of Scale (Independent variables).
Scale Mean
if Item
Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if
Item Deleted
LC LC1 11.4690 11.280 .827 .863 .864
LC2 11.6476 11.866 .805 .820 .870
LC3 11.9429 12.099 .838 .908 .862
LC4 11.9801 11.010 .856 .930 .856
PC PC1 25.0819 23.304 .815 .928 .875
PC2 25.1315 23.110 .834 .951 .873
PC3 24.9752 24.557 .872 .964 .869
PC4 24.8859 25.320 .847 .952 .871
PC5 24.7692 25.815 .826 .930 .872
PC6 24.8859 26.678 .824 .921 .874
PC7 24.6725 27.261 .791 .883 .876
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 27Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Scale Mean
if Item
Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if
Item Deleted
DC DC1 15.1960 15.909 .855 .923 .850
DC2 15.8437 16.286 .803 .882 .860
DC3 15.2804 17.541 .856 .932 .848
DC4 15.1563 17.784 .846 .933 .850
DC5 14.8610 21.020 .742 .776 .861
Note: LC: Living capability; PC: Production capability; DC: Development capability.
Table 3 further verifies the validity of the scale for the dependent variable, indicating that all
Crobach’s Alpha coefficients for the scales exceeded 0.8, surpassing the threshold of 0.70. Addition-
ally, all scales exhibited Correlated Item-Total Correlation greater than 0.3, qualifying them for
inclusion in the matrix rotation analysis.
TABLE 3. Validity Verification of Scale (Dependent variable).
Scale
Mean if
Item Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if Item
Deleted
COP COP1 8.3871 1.531 .904 .832 .834
COP2 8.4442 1.879 .842 .769 .896
COP3 8.1216 1.629 .798 .660 .920
Note: COP: The causes of poverty.
Factors Analysis on Factors Affecting
TABLE 4. KMO and Bartlett’s Test.
Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy. .751
Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity Approx. Chi-Square 15948.659
df 120
Sig. .000
KMO, measuring the suitability of factors analysis, yielded a value of 0.751, surpassing the acceptable
threshold of 0.5. The Bartlett sphericity verification (df = 91, sig. = 0.000) confirmed the appropriate-
ness of factors analysis.
TABLE 2. Continuación
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 27Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Scale Mean
if Item
Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if
Item Deleted
DC DC1 15.1960 15.909 .855 .923 .850
DC2 15.8437 16.286 .803 .882 .860
DC3 15.2804 17.541 .856 .932 .848
DC4 15.1563 17.784 .846 .933 .850
DC5 14.8610 21.020 .742 .776 .861
Note: LC: Living capability; PC: Production capability; DC: Development capability.
Table 3 further verifies the validity of the scale for the dependent variable, indicating that all
Crobach’s Alpha coefficients for the scales exceeded 0.8, surpassing the threshold of 0.70. Addition-
ally, all scales exhibited Correlated Item-Total Correlation greater than 0.3, qualifying them for
inclusion in the matrix rotation analysis.
TABLE 3. Validity Verification of Scale (Dependent variable).
Scale
Mean if
Item Deleted
Scale Variance
if Item
Deleted
Corrected
Item-Total
Correlation
Squared
Multiple
Correlation
Cronbach’s
Alpha if Item
Deleted
COP COP1 8.3871 1.531 .904 .832 .834
COP2 8.4442 1.879 .842 .769 .896
COP3 8.1216 1.629 .798 .660 .920
Note: COP: The causes of poverty.
Factors Analysis on Factors Affecting
TABLE 4. KMO and Bartlett’s Test.
Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy. .751
Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity Approx. Chi-Square 15948.659
df 120
Sig. .000
KMO, measuring the suitability of factors analysis, yielded a value of 0.751, surpassing the acceptable
threshold of 0.5. The Bartlett sphericity verification (df = 91, sig. = 0.000) confirmed the appropriate-
ness of factors analysis.
TABLE 2. Continuación
28 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
TABLE 5. Total Variance Explained
Initial Eigenvalues Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings
Total % of Variance Cumulative % Total % of Variance Cumulative %
14.059 67.871 67.871 14.059 67.871 87.871
6.225 25.444 93.315 6.225 25.444 93.315
1.409 2.071 95.386 1.409 2.071 95.386
TABLE 6. Rotated Component Matrixa
Component
1 2 3
PC2 .861
PC4 .854
PC1 .822
PC5 .820
PC3 .814
PC6 .806
PC7 .772
DC2 .835
DC4 .794
DC1 .761
DC3 .756
DC5 .750
LC1 .811
LC3 .791
LC2 .761
LC4 .622
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis.
Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization.
a
Rotation converged in 6 iterations.
Table 5 reveals three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0, explaining a total variance of
95.386%. The rotation matrix categorizes the 16 scales into three groups of factors affecting poverty
(Table 6).
TABLE 5. Total Variance Explained
Initial Eigenvalues Extraction Sums of Squared Loadings
Total % of Variance Cumulative % Total % of Variance Cumulative %
14.059 67.871 67.871 14.059 67.871 87.871
6.225 25.444 93.315 6.225 25.444 93.315
1.409 2.071 95.386 1.409 2.071 95.386
TABLE 6. Rotated Component Matrixa
Component
1 2 3
PC2 .861
PC4 .854
PC1 .822
PC5 .820
PC3 .814
PC6 .806
PC7 .772
DC2 .835
DC4 .794
DC1 .761
DC3 .756
DC5 .750
LC1 .811
LC3 .791
LC2 .761
LC4 .622
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis.
Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization.
a
Rotation converged in 6 iterations.
Table 5 reveals three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1.0, explaining a total variance of
95.386%. The rotation matrix categorizes the 16 scales into three groups of factors affecting poverty
(Table 6).
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 29Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Regression Model
TABLE 7. Model Summaryb
R R Square Adjusted R Square Std. Error of the Estimate Durbin-Watson
.841 a .707 .705 .19440 1.983
a
Predictors: (Constant), Development capability, Production capability, Living capability.
b
Dependent Variable: The causes of poverty.
TABLE 8. Coefficienta
Model
Unstandardized
Coefficients
Standardized
Coefficients t Sig.
B Std. Error Beta
1 (Constant) 1.748 .197 8.890 .000
Living capability .146 .058 .260 2.536 .012
Production capability .152 .039 .200 3.886 .000
Development capability .416 .074 .685 8.293 .000
The regression model aimed to unveil the relationship between independent and dependent
variables. Table 8 shows that three independent variables—Development capacity (DC), Living ca-
pability (LC), and Production capability (PC)—positively and significantly influence the poverty of
poor households. Development Capacity exerted the strongest influence (Beta coefficient adjusted
by 0.685), followed by Living Capability (Beta coefficient adjusted by 0.260) and Production Capa-
bility (Beta coefficient adjusted by 0.200). The regression equation illustrating the poverty of poor
households in Tra Cu District is presented as follows:
COP=0.685*DC+0.260*LC+0.200*PC
CHART 1. The Research Result
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 29Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
Regression Model
TABLE 7. Model Summaryb
R R Square Adjusted R Square Std. Error of the Estimate Durbin-Watson
.841 a .707 .705 .19440 1.983
a
Predictors: (Constant), Development capability, Production capability, Living capability.
b
Dependent Variable: The causes of poverty.
TABLE 8. Coefficienta
Model
Unstandardized
Coefficients
Standardized
Coefficients t Sig.
B Std. Error Beta
1 (Constant) 1.748 .197 8.890 .000
Living capability .146 .058 .260 2.536 .012
Production capability .152 .039 .200 3.886 .000
Development capability .416 .074 .685 8.293 .000
The regression model aimed to unveil the relationship between independent and dependent
variables. Table 8 shows that three independent variables—Development capacity (DC), Living ca-
pability (LC), and Production capability (PC)—positively and significantly influence the poverty of
poor households. Development Capacity exerted the strongest influence (Beta coefficient adjusted
by 0.685), followed by Living Capability (Beta coefficient adjusted by 0.260) and Production Capa-
bility (Beta coefficient adjusted by 0.200). The regression equation illustrating the poverty of poor
households in Tra Cu District is presented as follows:
COP=0.685*DC+0.260*LC+0.200*PC
CHART 1. The Research Result
30 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
DISCUSSIONS
Quantitative results from the questionnaire indicate a positive correlation between Living
Capability (LC), Production Capability (PC), Development Capability (DC), and the pov-
erty of poor households in Tra Cu district, Tra Vinh Province. The lack of these capabilities
contributes to poverty. Development capacity demonstrated the most substantial influence on
poverty (Beta coefficient B=0.685), followed by Living capability (B=0.260) and Production
capability (B=0.200). Living capability encompasses factors such as house size, housing struc-
ture, transport infrastructure, health care, and drinking water. Production capability includes
arable land, mechanization level, agricultural knowledge, resilience to natural disasters, and
occupational capability. Development capacity involves demographics, educational attain-
ment, language proficiency, access to information, self-reliance, community participation,
and motivation to escape poverty.
This aligns with existing studies by Nguyen Quang Tuyen and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai
(Q. T. Nguyen & Nguyen, 2016), Negash, Etsay, and Aregay (Negash et al., 2019), Hong Ha
Nguyen (Hong Ha Nguyen, 2017), Ha Hong Nguyen and Nhan Van Nguyen (H. H. Nguyen
& Nguyen, 2019), and Le Dinh Hai and Nguyen Lan Huong (Hai & Huong, 2022). Trani
et al emphasize health, education, employment, material well-being, social participation, psy-
chological well-being, and physical security as dimensions of poverty. Lack of access to health
care and education, unemployment, and insecurity contribute to poverty (Trani et al., 2015).
Akona suggests a positive relationship between household size and poverty, a component of
Living capability (Akona, 2014). Borko includes factors like land size, access to credit, and
market access in Production and Development capability, all negatively associated with pov-
erty and he mentions land shortage, soil fertility, market access, and off-farm employment
opportunities as dimensions of poverty (Borko, 2017).
CONCLUSION
This research adopts a multidimensional approach to understanding poverty, considering vari-
ous aspects affecting households, such as land scarcity, limited healthcare access, inadequate edu-
cation, insufficient transportation, lacking infrastructure, and restricted capital access. The study
incorporates Amartya Sen’s capability approach, focusing on living capability, production capability,
and development capability. The primary objectives were to identify factors influencing poverty in
Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province, and propose solutions for sustainable poverty alleviation. The
findings reveal a positive relationship between living capability, production capability, development
capability, and poverty. Development capability emerges as the most influential, followed by living
capability and production capability.
Given word and time constraints, the research primarily relied on questionnaires as the re-
search instrument, targeting households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province. Future research
could enhance the methodology by incorporating interviews and secondary research, expanding the
sample size to include households from other Districts in Tra Vinh Province. Recognizing potential
psychological impacts on questionnaire responses is essential for ensuring data accuracy.
DISCUSSIONS
Quantitative results from the questionnaire indicate a positive correlation between Living
Capability (LC), Production Capability (PC), Development Capability (DC), and the pov-
erty of poor households in Tra Cu district, Tra Vinh Province. The lack of these capabilities
contributes to poverty. Development capacity demonstrated the most substantial influence on
poverty (Beta coefficient B=0.685), followed by Living capability (B=0.260) and Production
capability (B=0.200). Living capability encompasses factors such as house size, housing struc-
ture, transport infrastructure, health care, and drinking water. Production capability includes
arable land, mechanization level, agricultural knowledge, resilience to natural disasters, and
occupational capability. Development capacity involves demographics, educational attain-
ment, language proficiency, access to information, self-reliance, community participation,
and motivation to escape poverty.
This aligns with existing studies by Nguyen Quang Tuyen and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai
(Q. T. Nguyen & Nguyen, 2016), Negash, Etsay, and Aregay (Negash et al., 2019), Hong Ha
Nguyen (Hong Ha Nguyen, 2017), Ha Hong Nguyen and Nhan Van Nguyen (H. H. Nguyen
& Nguyen, 2019), and Le Dinh Hai and Nguyen Lan Huong (Hai & Huong, 2022). Trani
et al emphasize health, education, employment, material well-being, social participation, psy-
chological well-being, and physical security as dimensions of poverty. Lack of access to health
care and education, unemployment, and insecurity contribute to poverty (Trani et al., 2015).
Akona suggests a positive relationship between household size and poverty, a component of
Living capability (Akona, 2014). Borko includes factors like land size, access to credit, and
market access in Production and Development capability, all negatively associated with pov-
erty and he mentions land shortage, soil fertility, market access, and off-farm employment
opportunities as dimensions of poverty (Borko, 2017).
CONCLUSION
This research adopts a multidimensional approach to understanding poverty, considering vari-
ous aspects affecting households, such as land scarcity, limited healthcare access, inadequate edu-
cation, insufficient transportation, lacking infrastructure, and restricted capital access. The study
incorporates Amartya Sen’s capability approach, focusing on living capability, production capability,
and development capability. The primary objectives were to identify factors influencing poverty in
Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province, and propose solutions for sustainable poverty alleviation. The
findings reveal a positive relationship between living capability, production capability, development
capability, and poverty. Development capability emerges as the most influential, followed by living
capability and production capability.
Given word and time constraints, the research primarily relied on questionnaires as the re-
search instrument, targeting households in Tra Cu District, Tra Vinh Province. Future research
could enhance the methodology by incorporating interviews and secondary research, expanding the
sample size to include households from other Districts in Tra Vinh Province. Recognizing potential
psychological impacts on questionnaire responses is essential for ensuring data accuracy.
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 31Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
RECOMMENDATIONS
To facilitate sustainable poverty reduction, several recommendations are proposed:
Firstly, it is necessary to have separate policies for each group of poor/near-poor households
suitable to the circumstances of the household and each specific location. The State needs to review
and classify groups of poor/near-poor households according to their ability to escape poverty in
order to have appropriate support measures. For example, households that are not or are unlikely
to be able to escape poverty, such as those who are unable to work due to illness or old age, need to
strengthen policies for “fish”. On the contrary, households with working capacity need to support
“fishing rods” such as loan support for production development, vocational training in accordance
with market requirements, etc. It is necessary to limit cash policy support. Households that are not
chronically poor need to clearly define the duration, route of support and support conditions to
avoid dependence.
Second, it is necessary to review and adjust the implementation of credit policies to ensure
that the program achieves its goals. Although credit policy plays an important role in the state’s
poverty reduction, there are still many limitations. The State needs to assess and categorize borrow-
ers in a clear and transparent manner and clearly grasp the borrowing purposes of households. Loan
sources should be diversified with many different borrowing and repayment methods, considering
the increased loan term and level in accordance with the household’s borrowing needs and purposes.
At the same time, it is necessary to give more autonomy to households receiving credit support.
Besides, it is necessary to have a mechanism to closely monitor the purposes of using loans of house-
holds and to handle cases of improper use of loans.
Third, it is necessary to develop criteria for assessing poor households/out of poverty in the
direction of multidimensional poverty approach to properly identify the status of households. The
state should be more flexibility in formulating criteria for selecting poor households/out of poverty
suitable to the locality. It is necessary to base on the situation of the locality, to develop appropri-
ate criteria to evaluate households, for areas with high living standards, it is necessary to raise the
poverty line, towards building a multidimensional poverty line related to aspects such as health,
education, housing, market access, etc.
Fourth, there should be policies to encourage investment to create more off-farm jobs to help
diversify income sources for people. Local governments need to have policies to encourage invest-
ment or support local small businesses to expand production to diversify jobs, associated with stable
income from available resources and the characteristics of each locality. Accordingly, households
with little land or those with abandoned fields link together and apply the model of growing clean
vegetables to export to foreign countries.
Fifth, the policy of subsidizing education does not stop at tuition fee exemption or reduction
for poor/near-poor households. Investment in education is an opportunity to help the poor im-
prove their lives and raise their incomes. Therefore, the education subsidy policy needs to expand
more support, create conditions for children to go to school such as subsidizing part of the cost
of school supplies, scholarships for poor students who overcome difficulties with a large number
and higher value. At the same time, it is necessary to propagate in the direction of helping poor
households realize the long-term benefits of education, encouraging households to send their
children to school.
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 31Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
RECOMMENDATIONS
To facilitate sustainable poverty reduction, several recommendations are proposed:
Firstly, it is necessary to have separate policies for each group of poor/near-poor households
suitable to the circumstances of the household and each specific location. The State needs to review
and classify groups of poor/near-poor households according to their ability to escape poverty in
order to have appropriate support measures. For example, households that are not or are unlikely
to be able to escape poverty, such as those who are unable to work due to illness or old age, need to
strengthen policies for “fish”. On the contrary, households with working capacity need to support
“fishing rods” such as loan support for production development, vocational training in accordance
with market requirements, etc. It is necessary to limit cash policy support. Households that are not
chronically poor need to clearly define the duration, route of support and support conditions to
avoid dependence.
Second, it is necessary to review and adjust the implementation of credit policies to ensure
that the program achieves its goals. Although credit policy plays an important role in the state’s
poverty reduction, there are still many limitations. The State needs to assess and categorize borrow-
ers in a clear and transparent manner and clearly grasp the borrowing purposes of households. Loan
sources should be diversified with many different borrowing and repayment methods, considering
the increased loan term and level in accordance with the household’s borrowing needs and purposes.
At the same time, it is necessary to give more autonomy to households receiving credit support.
Besides, it is necessary to have a mechanism to closely monitor the purposes of using loans of house-
holds and to handle cases of improper use of loans.
Third, it is necessary to develop criteria for assessing poor households/out of poverty in the
direction of multidimensional poverty approach to properly identify the status of households. The
state should be more flexibility in formulating criteria for selecting poor households/out of poverty
suitable to the locality. It is necessary to base on the situation of the locality, to develop appropri-
ate criteria to evaluate households, for areas with high living standards, it is necessary to raise the
poverty line, towards building a multidimensional poverty line related to aspects such as health,
education, housing, market access, etc.
Fourth, there should be policies to encourage investment to create more off-farm jobs to help
diversify income sources for people. Local governments need to have policies to encourage invest-
ment or support local small businesses to expand production to diversify jobs, associated with stable
income from available resources and the characteristics of each locality. Accordingly, households
with little land or those with abandoned fields link together and apply the model of growing clean
vegetables to export to foreign countries.
Fifth, the policy of subsidizing education does not stop at tuition fee exemption or reduction
for poor/near-poor households. Investment in education is an opportunity to help the poor im-
prove their lives and raise their incomes. Therefore, the education subsidy policy needs to expand
more support, create conditions for children to go to school such as subsidizing part of the cost
of school supplies, scholarships for poor students who overcome difficulties with a large number
and higher value. At the same time, it is necessary to propagate in the direction of helping poor
households realize the long-term benefits of education, encouraging households to send their
children to school.
32 Van Khanh, Xuesong, Nga NguyenInteracción y P erspectiva. R evista de Trabajo S ocial Vol. 1 5 ( 1 ) : 2 0 2 5
In conclusion, implementing these recommendations requires a collaborative effort between
the government, local authorities, and communities, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability to ad-
dress the unique challenges faced by households in Tra Cu District and similar regions.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
• Akona, J. S. (2014). Factors affecting poverty levels in Kenya: Case study Busia county [Master of
Arts in Economics, University of Nairobi]. http://hdl.handle.net/11295/75012
• Alex, A.-K. (2014). Causes of Poverty in Africa: A Review of Literature. American International
Journal of Social Science, 3(7), 147–153.
• Ashley, C., & Carney, D. (1999). Sustainable livelihoods: Lessons from early experience. De-
partment for International Development.
• Bich Nguyen (2021). Sustainable poverty reduction experience in Tra Vinh province. The
Website of Vietnamese Fatherland Front. http://mattran.org.vn/dan-toc-ton-giao/kinh-nghiem-
giam-ngheo-ben-vung-o-tra-vinh-39900.html
• Borko, Z. P. (2017). Determinants of Poverty in Rural Households (The Case of Damot Gale
District in Wolaita Zone) A Household Level Analysis. International Journal of African and
Asian Studies, 29, 68–75.
• Chambers, R., & Conway, G. (1992). Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st
century. Institute of Development Studies.
• David, G. (2005). Indicators of Poverty & Hunger. United Nations.
• Department for International Development (DFID). (1999). Sustainable livelihoods guidance
sheets. UK. https://www.livelihoodscentre.org/-/sustainable-livelihoods-guidance-sheets
• Development Initiatives. (2021). Poverty trends: Global, regional and national. UK.
• Hai, L. D., & Huong, N. L. (2022). The Factors Influencing Multidimensional Poverty of
Households: A Case Study from Bac Kan Province. Journal of Forestry Science and Technology,
13, 118–130. https://doi.org/10.55250/jo.vnuf.2022.13.118-130
• Hick, R. (2012). The Capability Approach: Insights for a New Poverty Focus. Journal of Social
Policy, 41(2), 291–308. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279411000845
• Hong Ha Nguyen. (2017). The Research for Sustainble Poverty Reduction in Khmer Ethnic
Community. Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.17265/1548-
6583/2017.07.005
• Huynh, T., P. (2011). Factors influence the income from non-agricltural sectors [Master’s thesis].
Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
• Moser, C., & Dani, A. A. (Eds.). (2008). Assets, Livelihoods, and Social Policy. The World Bank.
https://doi.org/10.1596/978-0-8213-6995-1
• Negash, T., Etsay, H., & Aregay, M. (2019). Factors influencing households’ poverty status:
Evidence from selected rural Districts of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of the
Drylands, 9(2), 1015–1025.
• Nguyen, H. H., & Kien, T. M. N. (2022). Solutions to improve the income of poor house-
holds in Tra Vinh Province. Industry and Trade Magazine, 26.
• Nguyen, H. H., & Nguyen, N. V. (2019). Factor Affecting Poverty and Policy Implication
of Poverty Reduction: A Case Study for the Khmer Ethnic People in Tra Vinh Province,
Viet Nam. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 6(1), 315–319. https://doi.
org/10.13106/JAFEB.2019.VOL6.NO1.315
In conclusion, implementing these recommendations requires a collaborative effort between
the government, local authorities, and communities, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability to ad-
dress the unique challenges faced by households in Tra Cu District and similar regions.
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Asian Studies, 29, 68–75.
• Chambers, R., & Conway, G. (1992). Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st
century. Institute of Development Studies.
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Households: A Case Study from Bac Kan Province. Journal of Forestry Science and Technology,
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• Hick, R. (2012). The Capability Approach: Insights for a New Poverty Focus. Journal of Social
Policy, 41(2), 291–308. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279411000845
• Hong Ha Nguyen. (2017). The Research for Sustainble Poverty Reduction in Khmer Ethnic
Community. Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.17265/1548-
6583/2017.07.005
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Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
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https://doi.org/10.1596/978-0-8213-6995-1
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Evidence from selected rural Districts of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of the
Drylands, 9(2), 1015–1025.
• Nguyen, H. H., & Kien, T. M. N. (2022). Solutions to improve the income of poor house-
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of Poverty Reduction: A Case Study for the Khmer Ethnic People in Tra Vinh Province,
Viet Nam. The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 6(1), 315–319. https://doi.
org/10.13106/JAFEB.2019.VOL6.NO1.315
Capacitar a los empobrecidos: desarrollo de capacidades y reducción de la pobreza
en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 33Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
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en las comunidades Khmer de Tra Vinh 33Vol. 15(1) enero-marzo 2025/ 20 - 33
• Nguyen, Q. T., & Nguyen, T. N. M. (2016). Poverty Assessment and Analysis of Factors Affec-
ting Income of the Poor Khmer Households in Loan My Village, Tam Binh District, Vinh
Long Province. Global Journal of Human-Social Science: Economics, 16(1).
• Peterson, R. A. (1994). A Meta-Analysis of Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha. Journal of Consumer
Research, 21(2), 381. https://doi.org/10.1086/209405
• Prasad Acharya, K., Prasad Khanal, S., & Chhetry, D. (2022). Factors Affecting Poverty in
Nepal—A Binary Logistic Regression Model Study. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and
Humanities, 30(2), 642–663. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.30.2.12
• Tierney, W. G. (2015). Rethinking education and poverty. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Trani, J.-F., Bakhshi, P., Myers Tlapek, S., Lopez, D., & Gall, F. (2015). Disability and Poverty
in Morocco and Tunisia: A Multidimensional Approach. Journal of Human Development and
Capabilities, 16(4), 518–548. https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2015.1091808
• Truong, C. (2013). Factors Affect Household Income in Border Communes in Tay Ninh Province
[Master’s thesis]. Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
• Tung, D. T. (2018). Poverty and Ethnic Minorities: The Case of Khmer Households in
the Rural Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Economics & Sociology, 11(1), 233–244. https://doi.
org/10.14254/2071-789X.2018/11-1/15
• Vien, N. L. (2012). Factors affect household income in Tan Hiep District, Kien Giang Province
[Master’s thesis]. Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
• World Bank. (2018). Piecing Together the Poverty Puzzle. Washington, DC: World Bank.
https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1330-6