Sustainable poverty reduction linked to new rural development in Ham Thanh

Thanks to the effective implementation of the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas for the period 2021-2025, Ham Thanh commune (Lam Dong province) has chosen a direction suitable to its actual conditions: supporting breeding cattle and buffaloes in conjunction with building livestock farming models along the value chain.

As a result, hundreds of Raglai ethnic minority households have achieved sustainable livelihoods, gradually escaping poverty and contributing to the fulfillment of new rural development criteria in the highlands.

Many poor and near-poor households in Ham Thanh commune have received support in the form of cows and buffaloes to develop their economy.

Giving the "fishing rod" to disadvantaged households.

Implementing the National Target Programs on building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas, giai đoạn 2021-2025, Ham Thanh commune has implemented two rounds of support for breeding cows and buffaloes for the people.

In total, 165 head of livestock (101 cows, 64 buffaloes) were given to 165 poor, near-poor, and newly-escaped-poverty households (within 36 months).

According to Ms. Luong Thi Moi, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Ham Thanh commune, the choice of breeding cows and buffaloes to support the livelihoods of the local people stems from the long-standing production practices of the ethnic minority communities. The people here are accustomed to grazing livestock, have readily available natural pastures and agricultural by-products as feed, so the costs are low, they are easy to care for, and are suitable for long-term development.

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Beyond simply providing breeding stock, the local authorities also organize technical training, and veterinary officers regularly monitor and guide livestock care and disease prevention. As a result, the total livestock population in the program increases by 50-70% each year, creating a stable source of income for participating households.

Ms. Luong Thi Moi, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Ham Thanh Commune

Local officials discuss the model of breeding cattle with residents.

Having been a poor household for many years, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tho, from My Thanh 1 village, still clearly remembers the day she received a breeding cow from the government. "I was so happy then, it felt like the biggest asset I've ever had," Ms. Tho shared.

Through diligent farming, her family's herd of cattle has now grown to 5. Each year, she culls the non-reproductive cows to sell as beef, earning tens of millions of dong, which covers living expenses and allows her to reinvest in developing the herd.

Starting with just one cow as initial support, the family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, from the same village, now has a herd of 13 cows, including 6 breeding females. By utilizing harvested corn, rice, and beans as feed, combined with grazing on the grassy slopes near the forest, her family maintains a stable herd of cows year-round.

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Having land for production under Resolution 04 of the Provincial Party Committee, and receiving support in the form of breeding cows, my family has the motivation to work hard, and our lives are much more prosperous than before.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, My Thanh 1 village, Ham Thanh commune

In addition to support for cattle farming, people also receive support for breeding buffaloes.

Besides cattle, the project also offers the option of breeding buffaloes. Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang, from My Thanh 1 village, boldly took on the responsibility of raising buffaloes, a livestock animal with a long-standing connection to the Raglai people. In addition to the buffalo she received as support, she also cares for five other buffaloes belonging to other households in the village, earning an additional income of approximately 5 million VND per year.

"The buffalo is our livelihood; raising it gives us peace of mind to focus on our work," shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang.

According to statistics, 110 Raglai households in Ham Thanh have escaped poverty thanks to the benefits of this model – a significant number in fulfilling the poverty reduction criteria of the new rural development program.

Traders come directly to the area to buy livestock from the local people.

Community engagement, moving towards sustainable livestock farming.

What sets the cattle and buffalo breeding model in Ham Thanh apart is that it doesn't develop in isolation. Households are encouraged to participate in community livestock development groups, sharing experiences, supporting each other in production, and linking up for product consumption.

Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong, Head of the Management Board of My Thanh 1 village, said: "With the establishment of a community group, people no longer work independently. When traders come to buy cows and buffaloes, the whole group discusses and agrees on the price, resulting in a more stable market."

Livestock farming along the value chain not only helps increase income but also changes the production mindset of the people. Gradually abandoning the habit of clearing forests for slash-and-burn agriculture, the people are becoming attached to pastures and livestock pens, moving towards safe, large-scale livestock farming, creating products with added value.

With the breeding cows and buffaloes handed directly to them, a new door has opened for the Raglai people in Ham Thanh commune. These are not only economic assets but also a source of hope and motivation for the people to take control of their lives and gradually reduce their dependence on government support.

Sustainable poverty reduction, linked to the construction of new rural areas, is clearly evident in Ham Thanh. And from this highland region, the story of the "means of livelihood" – breeding cattle and buffalo – continues to be written, through the perseverance and hard work of the ethnic minority people.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/giam-ngheo-ben-vung-gan-voi-xay-dung-nong-thon-moi-o-ham-thanh-410431.html