Vietnamese farmers have been asked by the authorities to vacate their farms for the construction of a Trump family-backed golf resort, offering them dollars as compensation. The construction of the golf resort is scheduled to begin next month. Notably, it is offering thousands of villagers massive compensation packages to vacate the land that has remained a prominent source of rural livelihood for decades
Trump Golf Resort: An opportunity for elderly farmers
The farms to be converted into the golf resort currently support fruit farms growing bananas, longan, and other crops. Viewing it as an opportunity, several elderly farmers, afraid of struggling to find alternative livelihoods in Vietnam’s vibrant economy, which holds a substantial young demographic. The project is the first venture for the family business of US President Donald Trump in Vietnam, which received fast-track approvals as it negotiated a crucial trade deal with Washington.
Furthermore, authorities will identify the final compensation rates based on land size and location, with the approval expected next month. Five farmers facing dispossessions said authorities flagged reimbursements worth between $12 and $30 per square metre of farmland. Not only this, they are also offered additional payments for uprooted plants and provisions of rice for some months.
Farms are managed by the state
In Vietnam, Farms are managed by the state. Moreover, farmers are allotted small plots for long-term use, but they are unable to retaliate when authorities decide to take the land back. The Retaliation concluded in Protests, but it’s of no use. Compensation is paid by the state, but developers pay the bill. Some of the farmers seem dissatisfied with the proposed rates because their small plots would generate low payments. Eventually, Thousands of villagers will be affected, the document stated that the final payment decisions were expected next month.