Dak Lak (VNA) - CARE International in Vietnam teamed up with the Community Development Centre (CDC) and authorities of Ea Drong commune and Cu Bao ward in Dak Lak province on August 12 to wrap up a sustainable livelihoods development project that has been transforming rural farmers’ livelihoods.
Launched in December 2022, the project targeted farming households in former Buon Ho town, now split into Ea Drong commune and Cu Bao ward. Over two and a half years, it delivered 54 training sessions on raising livestock, processing coffee, and crafting handmade goods, directly benefiting 5,260 farmers, 60% of whom were ethnic minority women.
The project rolled out 21 pilot models, from goat and pig farming to coffee cultivation and the adoption of agricultural technology, helping farmers beef up production, spruce up livestock facilities, and improve market linkages.
In microfinance, 31 support groups with 366 members were formed, raising over 1.4 billion VND (53,000 USD) in loans for production, trade, and household needs.
Market access for traditional production groups improved through business dialogues, technical upgrades, product diversification, and buyer connections. Indirectly, more than 11,000 people felt the ripple effects, with women and ethnic minorities getting a real shot at economic power.
“Our target was to support over 4,000 farmers with tools, market information, and resources,” said CDC Director Bach Thanh Tuan. “The results show that equipping communities, especially women, with knowledge and tools drives lasting, positive change”.
Vuong Thai Nga, CARE Vietnam’s representative, highlighted the improvement of farmers' skills in production, financial management, and market access through training, seed and livestock support, and group models. “Farmers have seen income gains, enabling them to cover school fees and healthcare”, she said.
The project’s impact is set to keep rolling through community-driven sustainable agriculture and business initiatives in Dak Lak, with a lasting impact on women's role in the family economy./.
