Policies for Irrigation Development of Vietnam’s Southwestern Region during the Republic of Vietnam (1955 - 1975)

Abstract

Historical evidence proves the linkage between the economic development of Vietnam’s southwest region with its hydraulic system and agriculture. Right after taking power in 1955, the Government of the Republic of Vietnam issued many policies to improve and develop the hydraulic infrastructure to exploit the potential land of the southwest region. Based on our survey and analysis of sources, especially those at the National Archives Center II, this article presents in depth the policies for irrigating development in Vietnam’s southwest region by Sai Gon’s government, from which to draw some comments and assessments on the impact of those policies on the economy, military and traffic in the southwestern region from 1955 to 1975.