Dam, Tuyet ThiBurritt, Roger L.Pisaniello, John D.2026-01-012026-01-010378-3774ORCID:/0000-0001-5156-5376/work/189023803https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733800179We examine safety data pertaining to ten dams in Vietnam and we conduct interviews with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of the adequacy of dam safety policy. All ten dams in our study were rated as 'high' hazard and face a high risk of failure due to both physical and management inadequacies. The responsibility and accountability for dam safety has been poorly implemented, leading to low levels of assurance for the communities affected. The evidence suggests that policies pertaining to dam safety accountability and assurance in Vietnam do not yet satisfy international benchmarks. The established policy benchmarks and their key elements provide guidance on both aspirational and essential policy reform in Vietnam; the minimum practice benchmark representing a baseline expectation for developing countries. The original contribution of the paper is two-fold: (i) we assess for the first time the adequacy of dam safety policy and practices in Vietnam and (ii) our process of assessment can be replicated in other similar developing countries for testing the adequacy of dam safety policy against international standards and for identifying any necessary policy reforms.Special thanks are extended to the following key people and organizations. Associate Professor Nguyen The Quang, Dr Le Trung Tuan, Mr Dang Duy Hien, Mr Dam Van Dung, and Mr Nguyen Dang Quang who enthusiastically supported the collection of data in Vietnam. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government for the financial support provided in the form of an Endeavour Scholarship. Appreciation also goes to Mr Arthur Spassis from CAGS for his kind research assistance.12en© 2012 The Author(s)Agricultural dams accountability, Triangulation methodPolicy benchmarksPublic policyWater storage safety201210.1016/j.agwat.2012.06.00684863839756