Background

The mountainous north-west region of Vietnam is home to a diverse
ethnic minority population and has some of the highest levels of
poverty and inequality in Vietnam. Ethnic minority women living in
remote areas experience unique forms of disadvantage including
isolation, lower levels of education, and lack of decision making power
in their households. These barriers prevent them from accessing
opportunities and benefiting from economic growth as Vietnam moves
towards a market based economy.

This program will address these challenges by combing the strengths
of three International NGOs with extensive experience in Vietnam to
increase the social and economic empowerment of women in the pig,
cinnamon and banana agricultural value chains.

Results

• More than 1,800 women and men, mainly from ethnic minorities,
  directly benefit from the project.
• Members of producer groups have income increase opportunities
  from better access to market information, improved bargaining
  power with inputs and outputs wholesalers, and improved access to
  quality services (such as financial and extension services).
• Members of producer groups have higher value products as a result
  of market-driven production and sustainable certification; Needs of
  producer groups incorporated into Government policies, programs
  and services.
• Member of producer groups have better skills as a result of
  training in farming techniques, business planning, financial literacy
  (budgeting, accounting and cost and benefit analysis), negotiation
  skills and marketing.
• Women share household labour more equally with men and have
  greater influence in decision-making and control over
  household income.
• More women hold leadership positions in producer groups.