Awakening new thinking in poverty reduction

BHG - Over the years, Vi Xuyen District has implemented many sustainable poverty reduction programmes with a synchronised approach combining infrastructure investment and livelihood creation, notably awakening the spirit of self-reliance and self-sufficiency among the people and helping them escape poverty by themselves instead of depending on support.

Bach Ngoc Commune residents’ horse breeding model under Vi Xuyen District’s livelihood support project.

Luong Cong Han’s family of seven in Ngoc Linh Commune received support to buy breeding cattle through the national target programmes. Thanks to his diligent care, the cattle have grown quickly. Han also took on additional jobs to increase his family’s income.

In 2024, his family applied to exit poverty status, giving up support for those in more difficult circumstances. This spirit of self-reliance has spread with many other households in the commune having also written requests to exit poverty status.

One of Vi Xuyen’s notable approaches to poverty reduction is focusing on empowerment and awakening self-reliance in each resident. The district has shifted from direct support to sustainable livelihood models, such as fruit tree cultivation, livestock raising, handicraft development, and value chain production. In particular, the organic and VietGAP-certified orange cultivation models have leveraged local advantages.

The district also organises vocational training and technical transfers to help people improve their skills and apply modern production methods to increase productivity and income. Projects focusing on livelihood diversification, nutrition improvement, and production support have shown clear results.

In 2024, the district implemented 37 livelihood projects, organised 21 vocational training classes with 686 trainees, and created new jobs for 3,750 workers, achieving 177% of the provincial target.

Over 11,400 households gained access to preferential credit, with total outstanding loans of 645 billion VND (25.4 million USD). Additionally, 185 households transformed their mixed gardens into high economic value gardens, thus contributing to improved living standards.

As a result, the number of poor households in the district has decreased by 1,192, exceeding the provincial target. The poverty rate has fallen to 17.55%. More importantly, these projects not only brought economic benefits but also strengthened community bonds, fostering mutual support, experience sharing, and the collective strength to overcome difficulties. The people’s spirit of self-reliance has sown seeds of hope for a sustainable future.