Social Networks, Adaptive Capacity,  and Sustainable Livelihoods of Rural Migrant Street Vendors in Hanoi

Date Received: 27-02-2026

Date Accepted: 09-06-2026

Date Published: 28-07-2026

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KINH TẾ XÃ HỘI VÀ PHÁT TRIỂN NÔNG THÔN

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Phuong, T., Cuc, L., & Phuong, N. (2026). Social Networks, Adaptive Capacity,  and Sustainable Livelihoods of Rural Migrant Street Vendors in Hanoi. Vietnam Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 24(7), 978–988. https://doi.org/10.31817/tckhnnvn.2026.24.7.10

Social Networks, Adaptive Capacity,  and Sustainable Livelihoods of Rural Migrant Street Vendors in Hanoi

Tran Thi Minh Phuong , Ly Thu Cuc , Nguyen Van Phuong (*)

  • Tác giả liên hệ: [email protected]
  • Keywords

    Sidewalk economy, sustainable livelihoods, social capital, informal dynamic capabilities, inclusive urban governance, PLS-SEM

    Abstract


    Situated within the institutional voids of emerging economies, this study integrated Social Capital Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to decode the survival mechanisms of informal rural-to-urban migrants. Employing a rigorous spatial-temporal intercept sampling strategy, cross-sectional data from 238 agricultural street vendors in Hanoi were empirically validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that sidewalk adaptive capacity acted as an operative black-box, fully mediating the translation of latent network resources into sustainable livelihood performance. Crucially, bridging social capital exerted a significantly stronger leverage on adaptive agility compared to bonding ties. By conceptualizing street vending tactics as informal dynamic capabilities, this research theoretically challenged traditional zero-tolerance clearance policies. Ultimately, it advocated for an inclusive urban governance paradigm, highlighting informal agrifood systems as highly resilient arteries for urban food security that align seamlessly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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