Livestock in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are integral to the livelihoods and nutrition of nearly all poor rural households. The promotion of smallholder chicken production and productivity in LMICs is an increasingly important focus for development practitioners, given its potential for significant income and nutrition benefits. However, low-producing chicken genotypes typically dominate smallholder production systems in Southeast Asia. Genetic improvement of chicken strains, combined with improved management practices, is central to sustainably improving village chicken production systems in Vietnam. 

The project focuses on the selection and importation of suitable exotic chicken breeds. These breeds were carefully chosen to ensure adaptability to small-scale farming conditions in tropical climates, while also possessing traits preferred by local consumers. Farmers were subsequently trained in improved farming techniques and flock management practices. 

The results of the project are scalable and regionally relevant due to the complementary nature of its activities, which integrate genetic improvement with capacity building and management interventions.