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With a total budget of EUR 180,000 (equivalent to more than VND 5.2 billion), the project provides life-changing opportunities for many people with disabilities and ethnic minorities in difficult circumstances.

Life-changing opportunity

Born into a family of four, Luong Van Cuong, a resident of Dien Quang commune (Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province), suffered from a disability in his hand since childhood. His younger brother is also paralyzed, must not move, and needs daily care. The whole family depends on the labor of his parents. For a disabled person living in a remote mountainous area, studying, finding a job, or being financially independent seems impossible.

A turning point came to Cuong when he received support from the "Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration" project (FMNR) implemented by WVIV.

He was instructed in breeding techniques, supported with breeding chickens, and trained in making probiotics to take care of chickens with homemade food from leaves, rice bran, and vegetables. From the learned knowledge, he proactively produced probiotics to sell to local people. This not only helped him increase his income but also spread the friendly and effective farming model in the community.

Luong Van Cuong was supported with breeding chickens and trained to make probiotics. (Photo: WVIV)

"Encouraged by the promising results, I confidently started producing probiotics to sell to other farmers. I also took the initiative to learn various skills, including production, preservation, processing, and market access. Previously, I believed I could only rely on my parents for support. However, I have proven that I can earn a living with my own hands despite my disability, no longer feeling like a burden to my family," Cuong shared.

Towards sustainable livelihood

Cao Xuan Chieu, Vice Chairman of Dien Quang Commune People's Committee and Head of the Project Management Board, highlighted the challenges faced by Ba Thuoc district in Thanh Hoa province, one of the most disadvantaged areas in the region. The district's population is predominantly ethnic minorities who rely on agriculture for their livelihood, but they struggle with unstable incomes due to outdated production methods, depleted resources, limited farming techniques, and restricted market access. Additionally, the community grapples with climate change, natural disasters, insufficient irrigation water, and limited grazing land.

To address these issues, the FMNR project was initiated to enhance sustainable livelihoods through an environmentally friendly agricultural model. The initiative seeks to boost production efficiency while safeguarding natural resources. Key activities include training in natural agricultural production techniques, provision of suitable plant and animal varieties, guidance on processing animal feed using available materials, promotion of organic fertilizers, and the application of probiotics.

The project is designed to directly support over 3,000 individuals, including 236 people with disabilities and 334 vulnerable children, while also indirectly benefiting approximately 13,000 others through the broader impact of its models.

The FMNR project aims to improve sustainable livelihoods for people. (Photo: WVIV)

Cao Xuan Chieu, Vice Chairman of Dien Quang Commune People's Committee and Head of the Project Management Board, shared that the FMNR Project has revolutionized people's approach to production. It has encouraged them to adopt new techniques, use organic fertilizers, cut costs, and raise environmental consciousness. Notably, the project has recognized and enhanced the role of women and individuals with disabilities. Chieu expressed hope for the project’s expansion to other villages and for strengthened connections with agricultural product consumption businesses, aiming to build a clean agricultural product brand for the region.

Vu Thi Van Anh, an expert in Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion at WVIV, highlighted the misconceptions surrounding people with disabilities. She emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, individuals with disabilities possess aspirations to work, assert themselves, earn a livelihood, and live independently. She underscored the importance of removing barriers such as societal prejudice, lack of confidence, and limited access to opportunities.

Van Anh noted that, when provided the right opportunities, people with disabilities not only transform their own lives but also create a positive ripple effect on their families and communities. “We firmly believe that investing in the disadvantaged is investing in the sustainable development of the locality,” she concluded.

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