Sustainable livelihoods pave the way out of poverty

In the mountainous border communes of Tan Tien and Thang Tin in Tuyen Quang Province, “Compassionate Community” Cooperative Groups have been established to help poor and near-poor households develop livestock farming and build sustainable livelihoods. The programme, jointly implemented by the Tuyen Quang Red Cross Society and the provincial Cooperative Alliance, provides VND 900 million in livelihood support, creating opportunities for local people to improve their living conditions and gradually escape poverty.

Tan Tien is a mountainous commune with rugged terrain and limited production conditions. By the end of 2025, its multidimensional poverty rate remained above 60%. In response, a “Compassionate Community” Cooperative Group focusing on raising local pig breeds was established, bringing together 30 poor and near-poor households from Ma Lu Vo and Nam Nan hamlets.

Leaders of Tan Tien and Thang Tin communes present establishment decisions to the two “Compassionate Community” Cooperative Groups.

The model is set to provide 150 piglets, averaging five per household, along with financial assistance to purchase animal feed during the initial stage. The selection of local black pig breeds aims to make use of indigenous advantages and suit livestock farming conditions in mountainous areas. Participating households are responsible for preparing pigsties, raising the animals and implementing disease prevention and control measures.

In Thang Tin Commune, a breeding cattle model has also been launched in Coc Cai Hamlet, with 30 members participating in the cooperative group. The model is expected to provide a sustainable source of income for households with available land, labour and suitable livestock farming conditions.

Photo caption: Provincial Red Cross Society leaders present livelihood support funds to disadvantaged households participating in the two “Compassionate Community” Cooperative Groups.

According to Nguyen Hoang Long, Chairman of the Tuyen Quang Red Cross Society, the two cooperative groups have received a total of VND 900 million, or VND 450 million each, benefiting 60 disadvantaged households with VND 15 million per household. Bringing households together in cooperative groups also creates opportunities for sharing experience, receiving technical guidance and strengthening production links.

Alongside these two models, the provincial Red Cross Society is implementing the “Compassionate Community – Connecting Love” flagship model in Thuong Nong Commune, with a total investment of VND 2.09 billion. More than VND 300 million has also been provided to the brocade weaving and embroidery group in Nam Dan Hamlet to help preserve traditional crafts while promoting economic development.

Through these initiatives, humanitarian activities are gradually shifting from short-term relief towards livelihood support, capacity building and long-term development opportunities, enabling local people to improve their livelihoods and work towards sustainable poverty reduction.

Minh Thuy