Evaluation of bamboo as an alternative cropping strategy in the northern central upland of Vietnam: Above-ground carbon fixing capacity, accumulation of soil organic carbon, and socio-economic aspects

► We analyzed the socio-economic and environmental aspects from bamboo production. ► In the long run, bamboo offers several benefits over other land uses, i.e. cassava. ► Bamboo provides the highest return to labor but the lowest land productivity. ► Soil carbon under bamboo is 20% higher than that of cultivated land with cassava. ► Late income derived from bamboo and low return on land hinder farmers to grow bamboo.