SCAP-IPSARD

The Southern Center for Agricultural Policy (SCAP) is a division of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD), headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. SCAP specializes in research and consultancy across various domains, including agricultural and forestry economics, policy analysis, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management. The center is staffed by a team of 20 professionals, comprising 3 Ph.D. holders, 6 individuals with Master’s degrees, and 11 with Bachelor’s degrees.

In alignment with Vietnam’s “Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development for the Period 2021-2030 and Vision to 2050,” approved by the Prime Minister on January 28, 2022, SCAP is committed to promoting ecological agriculture, vibrant rural communities, and innovative farming practices. This strategy emphasizes comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches, focusing not only on agricultural advancement but also on rural development and the enhancement of income, livelihoods, and living conditions for rural populations, especially farmers.

SCAP operates under the umbrella of IPSARD, which functions as an independent, legally and financially autonomous unit within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). IPSARD’s primary mandates include conducting research to provide scientific bases for policy formulation, evaluating impacts of policies, strategies, plans, and programs in the agriculture and rural development sectors. Additionally, IPSARD offers multi-dimensional information to support decision-making processes in management, production, trade, and investment related to agriculture and rural development.

SCAP’s collaborative efforts extend to various national and international projects. For instance, SCAP has been involved in studies assessing the effects of natural disasters on rice production at the farm level in Vietnam, providing valuable insights into agricultural resilience and policy implications.