Changing the mindset and practices of people in mountainous regions.

Over the past period, the persistent support of the Fatherland Front at all levels and the persistent propaganda and mobilization efforts of grassroots officials have contributed to changing the perceptions of people in mountainous areas, helping them to improve their lives and achieve sustainable economic development.

A sugarcane farming model implemented by a household in Kham Duc commune has provided a stable source of income for the family. Photo: HA THU

Transformation

Many years ago, Lao Du village (Kham Duc commune) was a poor area. After several migrations, the Gie Trieng people chose Lao Du as their place of settlement. Life at that time mainly depended on clearing forests for slash-and-burn agriculture, and the people's economy was still very difficult. Not only Lao Du, but many villages in Kham Duc also previously followed old farming practices and fragmented production...

Faced with this reality and the State's investment, the Fatherland Front at all levels in Kham Duc determined that to achieve sustainable poverty reduction, the first priority is to change people's perceptions. Following Directive No. 27-CT/HU dated February 9, 2023, on the campaign "Changing mindsets and practices among ethnic minorities to gradually overcome poverty sustainably" of the former Phuoc Son District Party Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Kham Duc commune coordinated with associations and organizations to assign cadres to be in charge of each area, directly going to the grassroots to propagate and mobilize support.

Undeterred by long distances, Front Committee officials, village Front Committee members, and influential individuals persistently visited each household to explain and guide people on how to do business. Notably, they encouraged people to gradually abandon the practice of clearing forests for slash-and-burn agriculture, switching to wet rice cultivation, acacia planting, and livestock farming; and implemented livelihood support programs directly for the people.

The family of Ms. Y Bông (Lao Đu village) was previously classified as a poor household. With support in the form of 16 piglets and cows, along with livestock farming techniques, her family gradually gained a stable source of income. From relying solely on farming, she has now combined it with raising pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks to develop her economy. As a result, her family earns tens of millions of dong annually, gradually improving their lives and providing their children with a proper education.

“Previously, my family was poor and mainly worked in agriculture. After receiving government support for livestock farming, I shifted my focus to developing livestock to provide for my children's education. Now, my family has escaped poverty, my eldest daughter has graduated from university, has a job, and has her own family,” shared Ms. Y Bông.

In the process of changing people's perceptions, the role of Front Committee officials and influential community members is crucial. Through their prestige and exemplary conduct, they become a bridge between the government and the people, directly mobilizing people to change their mindset and practices in order to overcome poverty.

For example, Ms. Dinh Thi Y Vinh (Hamlet 1, Kham Duc Commune), a respected figure in the locality, has mobilized villagers to cultivate crops, grow sugarcane, and raise livestock in free-range farming to alleviate poverty. Thanks to her efforts, Hamlet 1, one of the most disadvantaged areas in Kham Duc Commune, has seen significant improvements.

From being accustomed to old production practices, the people have gradually changed their mindset, boldly applying science and technology to farming and livestock raising; choosing economic development directions suitable to the actual conditions. Among them, the sugarcane farming model of Mr. A Nham's household is a shining example. On an area of ​​about 2.5 hectares, the sugarcane garden yields an average of 10-11 tons/ha each year, bringing in a stable income. Thanks to hard work, knowing how to apply advanced technology and switching to suitable crops, his family's economy is increasingly thriving, becoming one of the exemplary households in the locality.

The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Kham Duc commune presents solidarity houses to local people. Photo: HA THU

Partnering for sustainable development

Mr. Luong Son Quang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Branch of Hamlet 1 (Kham Duc Commune), said that in recent times, many households in the area have boldly switched crops and applied techniques to production to develop a sustainable economy. In the coming time, the Hamlet Front Committee will strengthen coordination with associations and organizations to organize training courses and promote exemplary models to help people improve their livelihoods.

According to statistics, Kham Duc commune currently has 2,275 households with 9,741 inhabitants, of which ethnic minorities account for nearly 40% of the population.

“Through a gradual and persistent approach using practical models, we have helped people recognize effective models that will contribute to improving their lives. It can be said that the new Kham Duc commune has followed in the footsteps of Kham Duc town and Phuoc Xuan commune, with an increasingly positive transformation. New roads have been widened, houses are more spacious, and children are attending school more regularly than before,” shared Nguyen Van Bang, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Kham Duc commune.

Currently, Da Nang city has 94 administrative units at the commune, ward, and special zone levels; including 37 communes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Many mountainous communes have effectively implemented the campaign to change mindsets and practices, and have initially yielded clear results. Models for poverty reduction, livelihood development, livestock farming, afforestation, community tourism, etc., have contributed to increasing income, gradually changing production thinking, and significantly improving the material and spiritual lives of the people.

Despite achieving many positive results, the changes across localities remain uneven. The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Da Nang City stated that the city is developing a project titled "Changing Mindsets and Practices Among Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Communities" to create strong, synchronized, and sustainable transformations. The project aims to promote a shift in mindset from "waiting and relying" to "proactive and self-reliant"; improve the effectiveness of sustainable poverty reduction; and build appropriate livelihood models, contributing to narrowing the development gap between mountainous and lowland areas. The project sets a target of 100% of communes in ethnic minority and mountainous areas establishing exemplary models of "changing mindsets and practices"; and 100% of ethnic minority households having access to information and signing commitments to eliminate outdated customs.

With the involvement of the entire political system and the proactive spirit of the people, the highland villages are expected to flourish and develop sustainably.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/thay-doi-nep-nghi-cach-lam-cua-dong-bao-vung-cao-3338641.html