'Cow Bank' - providing opportunities to escape poverty sustainably

(Baonghean) - The “Cow Bank” project of the Vietnam Red Cross Society has been implemented in Nghe An since 2007, and has so far supported hundreds of breeding cows for 24 communes in 13 poor districts and those affected by natural disasters. This meaningful support has given the poor the opportunity to actively work in production, increase their income and improve their lives.

Different from other poverty reduction programs and projects, the “Cow Bank” project helps each poor household to have a breeding cow. After the cow gives birth to the first calf, it will be given to another poor household (if it gives birth to a male calf, it will be given to the District Red Cross Society to sell, then buy a female calf and continue to give it to the poor household). After the first birth, the breeding cow will belong to that family. This encourages people to work hard and take care of their livestock to benefit from the project.

The “Cow Bank” project to support disadvantaged families who were particularly affected by the historic flood in October 2010 in Hung Nguyen district was implemented in Hung Linh and Hung Lam communes. From 50 breeding cows handed over to 50 poor households, 21 more cows have been given to other poor households in the locality.

During the 9 years of project implementation in Nghe An, the number of cows supported by the poor households has increased to over 14 thousand, helping poor households with production conditions and economic development.

Although she has to work hard day and night, alone with 6 sao of rice fields, in her free time, Ms. Dang Thi Hien (Hamlet 6, Hung Linh Commune) does many jobs for hire. However, without the means of production, she has to raise 2 growing children alone, so poverty still clings to her. With support from the Red Cross at all levels for breeding cows through the "Cow Bank" Project, her family has the opportunity to develop their economy.

After nearly 5 years of receiving breeding cows, caring for them, and serving production, Ms. Hien has transferred the calves to a poor household in the commune. Her family's breeding cow is preparing to give birth to a second calf. Ms. Hien shared: "Previously, during the crop season, I had to exchange labor, work for hire to borrow buffaloes and cows from brothers and neighbors or rent plows to prepare the land for sowing and planting. Fortunately, I was supported with breeding cows and production equipment, which not only reduced the hardship but also saved on rental costs, increased productivity and income for the family. I also had more conditions to take care of my children's education."

In Yen Thanh district, the "Cow Bank" project has been implemented since 2011, and has so far supported 82 families to receive cows (52 households in Bao Thanh commune, 31 households in Lang Thanh commune). Accordingly, families in difficult circumstances are supported with breeding cows (7 million VND/cow) to help them develop their economy. From here, many families have escaped poverty, such as the family of Ms. Dao Thi Nam (a single female) in hamlet 4, Lang Thanh commune, who was supported with breeding cows and gave birth to 5 more calves. Income from selling calves and cows for production has helped her pay for her children's university education, and the family has escaped poverty.

Or the family of Mr. Nguyen Ba Dung (a disabled household) in Hamlet 6, Lang Thanh Commune, received breeding cows. Up to now, he earns about 10 million VND per year from selling calves. The family of Mr. Cao Dinh Canh in Hamlet 12, Bao Thanh Commune, has been supported with breeding cows since 2011. After a period of caring for breeding cows, they have sold 3 litters of calves so far, which has allowed them to build tiled houses and have more money for their children's education. After 5 years of implementing the "Cow Bank" project in Yen Thanh District, the breeding cows have given birth to 219 calves, and 83 have been transferred to new households. The number of calves that the family benefits from the project, they keep to raise 136 (estimated average value of each cow is 10 million VND).

The family of Ms. Dang Thi Hien, Hamlet 6, Hung Linh Commune (Hung Nguyen) received cow support from the "Cow Bank" Project.

After 9 years of implementing the "Cow Bank" project in Nghe An, 654 breeding cows have been supported for poor families in the districts of Nam Dan, Hung Nguyen, Yen Thanh, Nghi Loc, Quynh Luu, Anh Son, Con Cuong, Tuong Duong, Thanh Chuong, Quy Chau, Quy Hop, Ky Son and Que Phong.

The total number of breeding cows has increased significantly, up to now it has increased to 1,430. Of which, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society has implemented in Nghe An from 2010 to present with 1,034 cows; the Vietnam - France Friendship Association has supported from 2007 to present with 390 cows, and Ngoc Nam Company Limited has supported up to now with 6 cows. The number of breeding cows supported by the project has been well cared for and developed by the families. The number of calves has been added to the "Cow Bank" project and continues to be transferred to other families. Thanks to that, more and more poor households have benefited from the project and received support for economic development.

Discussing the significance of the "Cow Bank" project implemented in Nghe An recently, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien - Vice President of the Provincial Red Cross Society said: The project has practical significance for poor households, creating livelihoods, supporting them to develop the economy, improve their lives; at the same time, contributing to spreading the movement of supporting and helping the poor, promoting the spirit of mutual love in the community. In the coming time, the association will continue to mobilize philanthropists and business organizations to support the program to continue developing the "Cow Bank". There are still many poor households in the province, so the association really hopes to receive support from the Central Association so that local people have the opportunity to escape poverty sustainably".

Dinh Nguyet