• Those who "keep the flame" of the new rural development
  • Making breakthroughs in building new rural areas and achieving sustainable poverty reduction.
  • Building new rural areas: "In line with the Party's will and with the people's hearts"

Developing sustainable livelihoods

Currently, the province has 43 out of 55 communes meeting the standards for New Rural Development, 3 communes meeting the standards for advanced New Rural Development, and 1 commune meeting the standards for model New Rural Development. Many criteria have achieved high scores, over 80%, such as irrigation, electricity, housing, labor, health, education , national defense and security, and information and communication. Along with building New Rural Development, the province has also paid special attention to poverty reduction through many comprehensive solutions. By the end of 2025, the province will have 3,456 poor households, accounting for 0.63%, a decrease of 1,015 households compared to the previous year; and 7,489 near-poor households, accounting for 1.37%, a decrease of 612 households.

Rural transportation infrastructure is becoming increasingly improved. (Photo: Huu Tho)

However, despite the achievements, the process of building new rural areas in Ca Mau still faces many difficulties and challenges. Rural transportation infrastructure in many areas is not yet synchronized; agricultural production remains small-scale and lacks value chain linkages. Especially with its vast territory, intricate river system, and frequent impacts from climate change, erosion, and saltwater intrusion, the need for sustainable rural development is more urgent than ever.

Based on this reality, Ca Mau has determined that it must strongly shift its development mindset: from "infrastructure investment" to "improving the quality of life"; from "the State doing the work" to "the people taking ownership"; and from "purely agricultural production" to "multi-value rural economy ". In this journey, developing sustainable livelihoods is considered a crucial foundation for poverty reduction, income improvement, and retaining people's attachment to their homeland.

As the only model new rural commune in the province, Vinh Thanh is demonstrating a suitable direction in building sustainable rural areas. The criteria for a model new rural commune are implemented flexibly, in accordance with the local conditions, with agricultural production identified as the key sector.