Smallholder cattle production plays an important role in rural livelihoods in Son La Province in northwest Vietnam. Approximately 180,000 households keep more than 300,000 cattle, making cattle an important asset for income generation and livelihood resilience among rural and ethnic minority communities. However, productivity in smallholder systems remains low due to limited access to improved genetics, quality feed resources, and animal health services. Addressing these constraints is essential for improving system performance and profitability, as well as strengthening the broader cattle value chain. 

Under the Chăn-Hênh initiative, implemented through CGIAR and national partners, a set of integrated productivity-enhancing innovations has been developed and piloted to address key constraints in Son La Province. These innovations focus on three main areas: improving cattle genetics, strengthening feeding practices, and improving animal health services. 

Access to improved genetics has been strengthened through the promotion of artificial insemination (AI) services delivered by trained local providers. Feeding practices have been improved through the introduction of improved forage species and locally appropriate feed baskets, enabling better use of local feed resources and more consistent year-round feeding. In addition, the initiative has strengthened animal health services by training local providers and improving farmers’ access to basic veterinary services and disease prevention measures. 

Alongside these technical interventions, the initiative has invested in capacity building for farmers and service providers through training, demonstration farms, and farmer groups. These activities aim to improve knowledge of cattle management practices while strengthening linkages within the value chain. 

Early results suggest that integrated interventions addressing genetics, feeding, and animal health can provide a practical pathway for improving productivity in smallholder systems. The next stage will focus on scaling these innovations to additional communes in Son La Province, while strengthening local service delivery and market linkages. Local partners will play a central role in scaling efforts.