Preferential Credit Empowers Women in Da Nang’s Highland Areas to Develop Livelihoods and Achieve Sustainable Poverty Reduction

In recent years, preferential credit provided by VBSP has become an important catalyst enabling many ethnic minority households in AVuong, a highland commune of Da Nang City, to confidently invest in production activities and gradually achieve sustainable poverty reduction. Among them, many Co Tu women have overcome various barriers, boldly accessed policy credit, developed effective livelihood models, and improved their families’ living standards.

Ms. Bnuoch Thi Blac, from R’cung Village, AVuong Commune, Da Nang City, utilized a preferential loan to invest in poultry housing and expand chicken farming

Opening the Path to Sustainable Poverty Reduction for the Co Tu Community

A typical example is Ms. Alang Thi Diem of Bhlooc Village, AVuong Commune, a single mother whose determination and resilience have helped transform her family's future. In 2016, with a loan of VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,950) from the VBSP Tay Giang Transaction Office, she purchased two breeding pigs and invested in livestock facilities. Through hard work and a willingness to learn modern husbandry techniques, she gradually expanded her herd from a single sow to six breeding pigs, with a total herd of more than 30 pigs of various ages. Each year, she sells two batches of pigs, generating profits of over VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,950) per batch.

Ms. Diem further diversified her livelihood by investing in cattle raising. She currently owns five breeding cows, producing between three and five calves annually. In addition, she has developed six hectares of cinnamon plantations, now more than ten years old and approaching harvest. Thanks to these stable income sources, she fully repaid her VBSP loan in 2025.

Sharing her journey, Ms. Diem said: “Without the Government-supported loan, I would not have had the opportunity to develop my livelihood. At first, I was worried, but I kept learning and worked hard. Today, my family's living conditions have improved significantly, and I plan to borrow additional capital to further expand my livestock business”.

Recalling the early days, Ms. Diem explained that as a single mother she aspired to build a better future like others in her community. In 2016, she borrowed VND 50 million (approximately USD 1,950) from VBSP to purchase breeding stock and construct livestock facilities. She initially bought two pigs and gradually expanded the herd through breeding. Today, she owns six breeding sows, each producing two litters annually, generating net profits of VND 40-50 million (approximately USD 1,560-1,950) per year after expenses.

Alongside Ms. Diem, Ms. Bnuoch Thi Blac of R’cung Village, AVuong Commune, has emerged as another outstanding example of Co Tu women successfully developing household businesses. Using preferential loans from VBSP, she invested in livestock facilities, expanded large-scale poultry farming, and developed cinnamon and fruit tree cultivation.

Today, she owns more than 1.6 hectares of orange orchards and three hectares of cinnamon plantations while maintaining a flock of over 1,500 chickens per production cycle, generating annual income of several hundred million dong. Her family has also invested in construction machinery, creating stable employment opportunities for local workers.

Ms. Blac shared: “When we first got married, our family faced many difficulties. Determined to improve our lives, my husband and I borrowed capital from VBSP to establish a farm, engage in cultivation, and expand trading activities. By saving part of our earnings, we gradually invested in machinery, purchasing an excavator and a truck to support road construction and land leveling, making transportation easier for local residents. We also transport products such as rattan, cassava, and cinnamon, while purchasing agricultural products directly from households in the area”.

Not only has her family achieved sustainable poverty reduction, but she has also become one of the most outstanding farmers in production and business development in AVuong Commune and Da Nang City.

Continuing to Deliver Capital to Highland Communities

Policy credit activities in AVuong Commune have produced encouraging results, becoming a bright spot in poverty reduction and social welfare efforts in mountainous areas. According to Mr. Vu Dinh, Director of the VBSP Tay Giang Transaction Office, the implementation of preferential lending programs has been carried out effectively and in a targeted manner, delivering tangible benefits to local residents.

The experiences of Ms. Diem and Ms. Blac clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of policy credit. Both women boldly accessed preferential loans to develop livestock production and other income-generating activities. By using the loans for their intended purposes and managing their businesses efficiently, they have steadily increased household income and fully repaid their loans on schedule. From facing significant hardships, both families have now achieved economic stability and prosperity on their native land.

Importantly, their contributions extend beyond their own households. Both women actively share production techniques and practical experience with other women in the community, helping them adopt effective livelihood models. Their leadership has inspired a spirit of self-reliance and initiative among local residents.

Mr. Dinh noted that in the coming period, the VBSP Tay Giang Transaction Office will continue assessing local credit demand and allocating additional resources to meet borrowers’ needs. The office will also replicate successful livelihood models throughout AVuong Commune and other localities under its management.

In 2025 alone, policy credit programs in AVuong Commune supported 726 poor households, near-poor households, and post-poor households in accessing loans, helping create employment for 240 workers. The programs also contributed to the constructi    on and renovation of 300 houses, significantly improving living conditions for local residents.

During the first three months of 2026, total policy credit resources in the commune exceeded VND 116 billion (approximately USD 4.5 million), representing a 4% increase compared to the end of 2025. Total outstanding loans surpassed VND 94 billion (approximately USD 3.7 million), achieving 100% of the first-quarter growth target. Notably, no overdue debt was recorded, reflecting strong credit quality and effective loan management.

These achievements demonstrate that policy credit serves not only as a catalyst for production and livelihood development but also as a powerful tool for changing mindsets, fostering self-reliance, and encouraging people to pursue sustainable poverty reduction and legitimate prosperity. This foundation will continue to support AVuong Commune in achieving its sustainable poverty reduction goals in the years ahead.

Tran Hau