Every year, Viet Nam is heavily affected by disasters triggered by natural hazards. More than 70% of the population is at risk from various types of natural hazards such as floods, typhoons and droughts. Over the past two decades, such disasters annually kill more than 400 people and cause economic losses of 1-1.5% of GDP.

Disasters often cause damages and losses in the Agriculture Sector, including crops and plantation, livestock, aquaculture and salt production. The disaster damages and losses have negative impacts on the life and activities of farmers and communities, particularly those located in the in disaster-prone areas of Viet Nam.

Helping the Agriculture Sector to recover after large-scale disasters is essential to effective longer-term recovery. Currently, assessment of damages in the Agriculture sector is carried out in accordance with the Joint Circular No. 43/2015/TTLT-BNNPTNT-BKHĐT. The statistics and damage assessment according to the forms of this Circular have contributed to speeding up emergency assistance for people and communities, but there is room to further improve the systems in line with the Circular’s indicators.

This Guideline on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment in the Agriculture Sector has been adapted 1and tested in Viet Nam to assist disaster management agencies, local authorities and local organizations to carry out comprehensive assessment and planning of disaster recovery. It aims to support main stakeholders to undertake more effective damage, loss, and impact assessments as well as to prioritize the needs of households and communities as part of medium and long-term recovery planning.

The Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority and the United Nations Development Programme in Viet Nam are pleased to introduce this Guideline which we hope can be useful in helping make effective postdisaster recovery planning.