Creating sustainable livelihoods from the “Cow Bank” program

Implemented since 2010 by the Central Red Cross Society, the "Cow Bank" program aims to create livelihoods for poor households and those in difficult circumstances through the form of assisting cows in breeding. In the province, the program has given hundreds of breeding cows to the poor and those in difficult circumstances, helping people have conditions to develop the economy and escape poverty sustainably.

Hoa Binh City Red Cross Society gives breeding cows to poor households in Group 2, Dan Chu Ward.

This is a creative and practically effective model, helping beneficiaries have more means of production and economic development. After 15 years of implementation, the model has been replicated in the province, giving more hope to the poor and those in difficult circumstances. Accordingly, poor households receive breeding cows to raise, give birth to the first female calf, continue to care for the calf until it is 6 months old, then transfer the calf to another poor household in the area to raise. After giving the first calf, the beneficiary household fully owns the breeding cow. In this way, the number of breeding cows increases, meaning that more and more poor households are supported. Households that receive cows are all evaluated in residential areas, meet the set criteria, have human resources and breeding capacity. The criteria for selecting beneficiaries of the program are poor households but must have labor and barns for breeding. The program has brought about practical results, contributing to opening up a way out of poverty, especially for people in remote, isolated and extremely disadvantaged areas, while also multiplying hope for other families.

Mr. Bui Van Hung's household in San Sop hamlet is one of the poor households in Son Thuy commune, Mai Chau district, relying only on hired labor, with limited health and unstable income. Through the assessment of the Red Cross and local authorities, Mr. Hung received a breeding cow from the "Cow Bank" program, and was also consulted and supported with knowledge on breeding cows, creating a livelihood, having the opportunity to increase income and improve life.

"I am very excited to receive the attention of the Red Cross Society and the departments, branches and organizations of the district, helping my family have a breeding cow to earn a living and increase income. I will take good care of the cow so that it is healthy, creating resources for economic development. We hope to continue to receive more attention and support from all levels and branches, creating conditions for poor households to have the opportunity to escape poverty" - Mr. Hung shared.

The "Cow Bank" program has reached the poor in districts and cities in the province and shown positive results. The program was implemented in 10 districts and cities, with 413 breeding cows supported for 722 poor households in 2010, up to now developing to 982 cows, with a total value of nearly 13 billion VND, thereby helping many households escape poverty and improve their lives. From the program, some households that received cow support have developed a herd of up to dozens of cows, combined with the VAC model to bring high economic efficiency. Each bred cow adds joy and hope to the poor and disadvantaged in the area.

Comrade Bui Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Provincial Red Cross Society, said: "Cow Bank" is a meaningful program, bringing practical results, deeply humane, demonstrating the sharing and cooperation of the whole community for households in difficult circumstances. Thereby contributing to hunger eradication, poverty reduction, local economic development, and implementation of social security policies. In the coming time, we need more support from organizations, businesses, and individuals with good hearts so that the program can continue to spread, develop widely, and give more hope to escape poverty for many poor households and those in difficult circumstances."

Hoang Anh

Source: https://baohoabinh.com.vn/274/201771/Tao-sinh-ke-ben-vung-tu-chuong-trinh-Ngan-hang-bo.htm