Welfare Impact of Remittances in Rural Vietnam: An Analysis of Income, Poverty and Food Security Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

This research examines the roles of remittances in improving economic well-being using mixed-methods approach. For quantitative analysis, we use the panel data in rural Vietnam and employ instrumental variable (IV) method. Quantitative findings show that remittances improve total labour income and self-employment income, while reducing agricultural, wage and natural resource-based income sources. Remittances also reduces poverty indices and enhances food security. Qualitative analysis sheds lights on the rationales behind the allocation of remittances towards specific purposes. In light of these findings, we underscore the need for relevant policy interventions to optimize the benefits of remittances, improving improve rural well-being.