Overview
This project aimed to improve the income of smallholder cattle producers through intensification of beef cattle production and increased market linkages in mountainous crop-livestock systems in the north-west of Vietnam.
The first phase delivered technical solutions for raising cattle in this remote region with respect to feed availability and shelter. This second phase delivered solutions for transitioning livestock production from extensive grazing to intensified production. This included forage and silage production and expansion of cattle shelters. The new cooperative was also instrumental in developing a culture of collective action for farmers and supply chain stakeholders to work together.
Conducted in 2 districts in Dien Bien province, the project focused primarily on Tuan Giao district. The potential outreach in Tuan Giao was expected to be at least 1080 farmers over the life of the project. Farmer interest groups were formed and used to drive farmer participation in on-farm experimentation and market-oriented interventions. The goal was to demonstrate success at the commune level and engage with at least 270 households in Tuan Giao by the end of the first year, with a target of 450 households by the end of the second year.
The project also introduced the interventions to a second district and made 60 farmers aware of the new cattle production techniques. Gender equity was considered throughout the project, addressing the traditional and potential roles of women and girls, and monitoring the effect of interventions on them.
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