Supporting more than 16,000 women and ethnic minority communities in Đắk Lắk to practice sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods

The “She Thrives” project, funded by Cargill and implemented by CARE International in Vietnam in partnership with the Center for Community Development (CDC) and the People’s Committee of Cư Bao and Ea Drong communes, officially concluded on August 12, 2025 in Đắk Lắk after three years of implementation (2022–2025). Launched in late 2022, the project set out to support more than 15,000 people (majority of which are women and ethnic minorities) in enhancing their production capacity, financial management, and market access through technical training, financial support, provision of breeding livestock, farming inputs, and the establishment of community-based groups. By the end of the project cycle, She Thrives had exceeded its target, directly and indirectly supporting over 16,000 people to practice sustainable agriculture and improve their livelihoods.

Women and farmers participating in livestock training in Buôn Hồ

Over the past three years, the project organized dozens of training courses on livestock farming, poultry raising, coffee processing, and traditional handicrafts, directly enabling 5,260 people (60% of them women) to significantly increase their income. Participating households have expanded their production scale, upgraded facilities, and built stronger market linkages, thereby improving income and family well-being, including paying for children’s tuition and healthcare. At the same time, 31 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) with 366 members (most of them women) were established, mobilizing and rotating nearly 1.4 billion VND to support essential production, business, and household needs. The project also helped traditional producer groups improve techniques, diversify products, and strengthen buyer engagement, highlighting the strong potential for sustainable development of agriculture and community-based businesses in the region.

VSLA members during a community meeting

These results reflect not only economic improvements but also the empowerment of women in their households and communities. Ms. T’Lui Niê, a project participant from Cư Bao, Đắk Lắk, shared: “Thanks to the training and support from the She Thrives project, I’ve gained the confidence and knowledge to expand my family’s livestock business. For the first time, I feel like I can truly contribute to our income and make decisions that shape our future.”

Portrait of Ms. T’Lui Niê at her small farm

The “She Thrives” project is part of the joint commitment of CARE, Cargill, and CDC to promote sustainable agricultural development in Vietnam. By enhancing local capacity, improving access to finance and markets, and strengthening resilience, the project has laid the foundation for more inclusive and sustainable growth for women and ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands.

Group photo at the project closing ceremony in Buôn Hồ, Đắk Lắk