Growing resilience from the ground up: How improved forages are transforming upland livestock systems in Vietnam
In the steep hills of Vietnam’s Northwest Highlands, livestock are far more than animals. Cattle, buffalo, and pigs are savings accounts, sources of food, and vital contributors to household resilience – especially for ethnic minority communities living in remote upland areas. Yet for decades, livestock productivity in this region has been constrained by a familiar challenge: not enough good-quality feed, especially during the long dry season.
- Agricultural Innovation
- Vietnam
- livestock
Growing resilience from the ground up: How improved forages are transforming upland livestock systems in Vietnam
In the steep hills of Vietnam’s Northwest Highlands, livestock are far more than animals. Cattle, buffalo, and pigs are savings accounts, sources of food, and vital contributors to household resilience – especially for ethnic minority communities living in remote upland areas. Yet for decades, livestock productivity in this region has been constrained by a familiar challenge: not enough good-quality feed, especially during the long dry season.
Recent research from Son La province shows that this challenge is not insurmountable. By combining improved forage technologies with participatory, gender-responsive approaches and strong local partnerships, farmers are beginning to close the feed gap – unlocking gains in productivity, resilience, and livelihoods along the way.