Workshop on Connecting Cooperatives and Enterprises for Sustainable Value Chains
In May 2026, nearly 100 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, universities, cooperatives, enterprises, and development organizations gathered in Hanoi for the workshop “Connecting Forestry and Agroforestry Cooperatives with Enterprises to Promote Commodity Value Chains.” The event was organized by the Vietnam National University of Forestry in collaboration with the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF/FAO) and relevant partners.
The workshop provided an important platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on the role of forestry and agroforestry cooperatives in promoting sustainable rural development, strengthening market linkages, and enhancing climate resilience.
The programme featured more than eight technical presentations and policy discussions, followed by three thematic working groups focusing on (i) policy and institutional frameworks; (ii) business and market linkages; and (iii) technical, financial, and scientific support services.
Several key questions emerged from the discussions:
- What opportunities and challenges are currently facing forestry and agroforestry cooperatives in Vietnam?
- How can policies and institutional arrangements better support collective economic development?
- What forms of cooperation and benefit-sharing mechanisms are most effective in strengthening value chains?
- How can partnerships between cooperatives and enterprises contribute to sustainable livelihoods and climate adaptation?
The workshop also highlighted a broader perspective: forestry and agroforestry cooperatives are not only economic actors but also important stewards of natural resources, biodiversity, and local knowledge. Their contribution is increasingly recognized in discussions on sustainable food systems, landscape management, and climate resilience.
For ALiSEA Vietnam, participation in this event reaffirms the importance of knowledge sharing and multi-stakeholder engagement in supporting agroecological transitions. The presentations and discussions generated valuable insights and practical experiences that may be relevant to researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and development organizations working on sustainable agriculture and forestry.
To facilitate wider learning and exchange, the workshop presentations and materials have been made available through the ALiSEA Knowledge Hub: https://ckan.ali-sea.org/dataset/ws-connecting-forestry-and-agroforestry-cooperatives-with-enterprises
ALiSEA invites its members and partners to explore these resources and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable forestry and agroforestry value chains.
