Journey of Poverty Reduction in Lang Son

Thanks to effective production models and the close support of all levels of the Women’s Union, many ethnic minority women in Lang Son province have boldly taken charge of their lives, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction and life improvement for their families.

Ms. Trieu Thi Tien proudly shows off her family’s acacia forest and the joy of getting out of poverty

Traveling on a winding gravel road from the center of Tran Yen commune, it took us over an hour to reach Nooc Mo hamlet. In this remote area, Mr. Dang Van Thieu and Ms. Trieu Thi Tien (the Dao ethnic group) have turned barren hills into lush green forests. Once a poor household with unstable income, they are now a shining example of poverty eradication, thanks to effective use of policy-based loans.

Ms. Tien, a petite woman with a sun-weathered face, shared with pride and joy as she worked on clearing grass: “We were supported by VBSP with a loan of VND 120 million, and my husband and I decided to invest in forestation. Now we have more than 8 hectares of acacia, eucalyptus and cinnamon. Our 6-year-old acacia forest is almost ready for harvest, expected to generate over VND 300 million”.

Not only has Ms. Tien got out of poverty, but she has also inspired many other women in the village to confidently access credit, learn new production models and gradually affirm their roles in developing household economies.

After more than 10 years as a poor household, with support from local authorities and the Women’s Union, in 2024, the family of Ms. Be Thi Hanh (in Ang Mo hamlet, Tan Tien commune, Trang Dinh district) officially escaped poverty.

Recalling the difficult years, Ms. Hanh shared: “My husband became disabled after an accident. Since 2016, I have been the main breadwinner. Our income relied mainly on over 1 hectare of black jelly (Mesona chinensis). Since 2017, I also planted nearly 2,000 cinnamon trees. Due to lack of capital and experience, the model was ineffective. In 2020, I took a loan of VND 50 million from VBSP to expand the cinnamon and black jelly cultivation and bought better techniques. Now, we have nearly 6,000 cinnamon trees and over 3 hectares of black jelly. Since 2023, we’ve earned over VND 100 million annually from these crops, helping stabilize our finances. This year, we have got out of poverty”.

With guidance from officials of the Women’s Union in Khang Chien commune (Trang Dinh district), Ms. Nguyen Thu Hien (in Ban Nam hamlet) took out a VND 50 million loan from VBSP Trang Dinh district to invest in 1 hectare of fruit trees. After receiving the loan, she also participated in technical training sessions organized by the commune and independently researched planting and care techniques. Thanks to these efforts, her fruit trees have thrived. Since 2022, her family has harvested 5–6 tons of fruit annually, bringing in over VND 100 million in income per year.

With the support of policy-based credit and the companionship of all levels of the Women’s Union, these once-poor women have worked diligently and persistently to change their lives.

Phuong Anh