Than Uyen (Lai Chau) – Final workshop of the Project "Community sub-projects are collectively self-managed by Ethnic Minority for better life conditions"

Summary of Project's Results after 3 Years of Implementation

on Lai Chau Online Newspaper (Turn on Cc for English subtitles)

Attending the workshop were representatives of DWC, leaders of the district Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; members of the district's Project Management Board; leaders of the People's Committee, representatives of the key community members and the villagers of 4 project villages in 2 communes of Muong Kim and Pha Mu.

Workshop overview

At the workshop, the delegates agreed that, after more than 3 years of implementation, community sub-projects managed by ethnic minority groups (Mong and Thai) funded by INKOTA have been implemented according to the plan. The sub-projects have made a significant contribution to improving and enhancing the lives of the people of Huoi Bac village, Pa Khom village in Pha Mu commune and Hang village, Tham Phe village in Muong Kim commune.

Representatives of DWC presented the results of the project

During the implementation process, the project focuses on capacity building activities for the local people.  Up to now, the project has completed 26 sub-projects. In which, 19 infrastructure sub-projects and 7 production model sub-projects with a total capital of over 3 billion VND (INKOTA supports nearly 1.2 billion VND, Than Uyen district’s counterpart is over 798 million VND, people in 4 villages contribute in labor, in kind and cash over 1.1 billion VND).

740m of village roads and roads to the production area have been concreted; 576m of production roads is expanded, 1,049m of domestic drainage ditches have been completed; 600m of domestic power lines, 5 solar lighting systems with 179 electric bulbs, 3 water supplies for domestic use with the total pipe length of 10,460m. Remodeling 01 temporary school house into a community house with an area of 105m² etc.
In addition, when participating in production model sub-projects, collaborative farmer groups have been approached with new methods to replace traditional and inefficient production methods in the locality. The models are all aimed at new environmentally friendly and bio-safety production methods. People can participate and learn new techniques, how to do branding and promotion, plan and expand models, thereby gradually increasing income and improving their lives.
Up to now, the watermelon growing model in Tham Phe and Hang villages has 36 households participating, the total production area is 47,200m2 for a total harvest of 78.82 tons of watermelons, sold at 12,000 VND/1kg. During the production process, the groups composted over 90 quintals of green manure, over 1,100 liters of herbal pesticides, nearly 5,200 liters of indigenous microbial fertilizers; the model of raising and fattening buffaloes and cows in Pa Khom village with 10 households participating, the total number of buffaloes and cows initially fattened was 24 (4 buffaloes, 20 cows), they have composted 5.2 tons of bran for breeding process. Sold 09 cows, 01 buffalo at prices from 15,000,000 VND/head to 18,000,000 VND/head; The model of raising local black chickens in Huoi Bac village with 11 households participating, the current number of chickens is 588 chickens, 2.3 tons of homemade feed were produced for chickens, 300 eggs are incubated, 300 chickens have been sold, an average of 2kg to 2.3kg each at the price of 150,000 VND/1kg. The vegetable growing model with 09 participating households with an area of 2,000m2 has yielded 1,160kg with an average selling price of 13,000 VND/1kg. Through the implementation of sub-projects, nearly 1,500 people have improved their lives. The capacity in group discussion, planning and implementing community/group work of the people have also been improved.

Representatives of the key community members share experiences

At the workshop, leaders of the People's Committee of Pha Mu commune, Muong Kim, representatives of the key community members shared the results, experiences and effectiveness of the sub-projects. At the same time, she expressed her hope that the donor, INKOTA and DWC will continue to coordinate to implement other projects in the area. Contributing to improving and enhancing the lives of ethnic minorities who are still in difficulties in Than Uyen district.

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