MARKET POTENTIAL AND VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF WILD AND CULTIVATED GANODERMA LUCIDUM IN THE BUFFER ZONE OF KON KA KINH NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM
Vol. 135 No. 5S-1 (2026), Special Issue: SAST 2025
Vol. 135 No. 5S-1 (2026)

MARKET POTENTIAL AND VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF WILD AND CULTIVATED GANODERMA LUCIDUM IN THE BUFFER ZONE OF KON KA KINH NATIONAL PARK, VIETNAM

Special Issue: SAST 2025
https://doi.org/10.26459/hueunijed.v135i5S-1.8076
Published 2026-04-23
Thi Thu Hue Ha
1School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, 144 Xuan Thuy, Dich Vong, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sy Hung Uong
PRCF Vietnam
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Keywords

Ganoderma lucidum, non-timber forest products, value chain, ethnic minority, sustainable livelihoods

Abstract

This study analyzes the market potential and value chain of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) in the buffer zone of Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam. Despite its high medicinal and economic value, commercialization remains limited by unsustainable wild harvesting, low value addition, and unequal benefit distribution among the Banah ethnic group. Using a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys (n = 187), interviews, and focus groups, we mapped the value chain, assessed socioeconomic and ecological dynamics, and conducted a SWOT analysis to evaluate the feasibility of under-canopy cultivation. Results reveal that wild lingzhi stocks declined by 40% from 2020 to 2024 due to overharvesting, while foragers capture less than 25% of final retail prices. SWOT findings indicate strong community interest (60% of households) and ecological suitability for cultivation under acacia canopies as key strengths, alongside weaknesses such as low technical knowledge, limited financial access, and water scarcity. Opportunities include partnerships with private processors, participation in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, and adoption of certification schemes (organic, FairWild) to enhance traceability and market value. However, ongoing ecological decline, drought, and gender inequalities pose significant threats. The study emphasizes the need for an integrated strategy linking cultivation, value addition, cooperative marketing, and gender-sensitive capacity building. By applying the Sustainable Value Chain (SVC) framework, this research provides evidence-based insights for inclusive and ecologically responsible commercialization of non-timber forest products in Vietnam’s upland buffer zones.

https://doi.org/10.26459/hueunijed.v135i5S-1.8076
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