Diversifying livelihoods in disadvantaged areas

Poverty reduction is not just about providing support; more importantly, it's about creating diverse livelihood options that suit people's specific circumstances. From poultry and livestock farming models to technical support, breeding stock, and changes in production mindset, diversifying livelihoods is helping many poor and near-poor households gradually stabilize their lives, reduce their dependence on support, and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

Residents of Doan Ket village (Con Minh commune) are taking care of a flock of chickens provided by a livelihood diversification project.

In implementing the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, many localities have shifted from a scattered support approach to selecting livelihood models that suit the natural conditions, production practices, and capabilities of each household. These livelihood diversification projects are designed flexibly, creating more production options and helping people become more proactive in developing their family economies .

In Doan Ket village, Con Minh commune, Mr. Nong Dinh Tuong's family is one of the households receiving livelihood support through a chicken farming model. Participating in the project, his family received 100 chicks, feed, initial supplies, and guidance on care techniques. Unlike before, this farming project is being implemented in a more systematic way.

Mr. Tuong's family received detailed guidance from technical staff and the seed supplier on every step, from preparing the coop and preventing and controlling diseases to caring for the flock according to proper procedures. As a result, the chickens grew steadily, had a high survival rate, and provided an initial source of income, helping his family supplement their livelihood alongside traditional agricultural production. Not only Mr. Tuong's family, but many other poor and near-poor households in Con Minh commune are also benefiting from these diverse livelihood models.

Mr. Phan Van Tuan, Director of Tran Phu Cooperative, shared: "When participating in livelihood diversification projects, the cooperative not only provides breeding stock and supplies but also coordinates technical guidance, monitors the breeding process, and promptly supports people when difficulties arise. This partnership helps poor and near-poor households reduce risks and gradually become familiar with more efficient production methods..."

Poor households in Con Minh commune are being supported with chicken breeds as part of a livelihood diversification model under the National Target Program for Sustainable Poverty Reduction.

Along with poultry farming, diversified livelihood models have also expanded to include breeding buffalo, cattle, goats, and horses in many localities. In Vinh Thong commune, people receive support in the form of suitable livestock for the natural conditions, and participate in training courses on animal care and disease prevention, gradually forming stable and long-term livelihoods.

For diversified livelihood models to be effective, the roles of seed suppliers, cooperatives, and local authorities must be clearly defined and linked to their responsibility to support people during implementation.

Mr. Trieu Duc Thong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Phuc commune, said: "Right from the selection stage, the locality coordinated with mass organizations to carefully review and ensure that the target group was indeed poor and near-poor households and met actual needs. During the implementation process, the quality control of livestock and supplies, as well as the monitoring of livelihood models, were strengthened to promptly address difficulties and avoid superficial support."

Experience shows that when people's livelihoods are diversified to suit the conditions of each household, poverty reduction is no longer a short-term issue. People have more production options, gradually increasing their income and reducing their dependence on government support.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202601/da-dang-hoa-sinh-ke-o-vung-kho-b251d10/