Transforming livelihoods through livestock farmer groups in Northwest Vietnam

The CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition, and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING) was launched in Vietnam in 2022 and aims to transform the livestock sector in Son La Province by the end of 2024. Known locally as ‘Chăn-hênh,’ the initiative focuses on addressing the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities through five intervention work packages. A significant aspect of Chăn-hênh’s strategy is the formation and support of livestock farmer groups (FGs), which provide forums for capacity development and market access.

In 2023, SAPLING’s interventions in competitive livestock value chains led to the establishment of new common interest groups (CIGs) and the assessment of existing ones. A few existing groups showed readiness for collaboration, prompting the creation of six new CIGs with 89 members across various villages.

Efforts to change farmers' mindsets about livestock production revealed concerns about market prices, financial capital, and the role of FGs. Training sessions addressed these issues, encouraging farmers to manage production costs and embrace technological advancements. Integrating a gender lens in these activities ensured both men and women were involved in decision making process.

In 2024, SAPLING plans to introduce circular economy practices and provide training on business plan development to further support farmer groups. This initiative is part of CGIAR’s broader efforts to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems.

Read more on CGIAR website: https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/sapling-support-transforming-livelihoods-through-livestock-farmer-groups-in-northwest-vietnam/