Opportunities for ethnic Ban pig smallholders in safe pork value chain in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam
Local Ban pigs are raised by ethnic minority farmers in the mountainous areas of Vietnam due to their good adaptability to harsh conditions and low input requirements. Ban pork is considered tastier and more tender than pork from exotic breeds and has the potential to bring higher prices for farmers. However, Ban pigs are mainly sold in local markets due to weak linkages between smallholder pig farmers and other actors in the value chain, and incomplete information on consumer preferences. Vietnamese consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety and tend to prefer certified and safe products. Food safety issues in pig production are now considered at all nodes along the value chain. The challenge is how to promote the marketing potential of Ban pork products and improve pork safety management along the value chain. This study was conducted in Hoa Binh province and Hanoi under the project: Market-based approaches to improving the safety of pork in Vietnam (SafePORK) project from 2018 to early 2023 through a series of assessments aligned with intervention activities, including assessing Ban pig production, studying marketing and branding options, and developing business plans for cooperatives. The approach included training, mentoring, study visits, provision of low-cost equipment, facilitation of partnerships with private sector actors, and business plan development. The results showed that there are many opportunities for smallholder Ban pig farmers to create new market linkages, market shares, and profits when working within a cooperative. Branding Ban pork with support from local authorities is essential to enable better market access. The SafePORK project addressed food safety issues through training and provision of low-cost equipment, contributing to behavioral changes in pig slaughtering. Creating new market linkages takes time. To ensure sustainability, the distribution of added value among cooperative and market actors must be transparent and involve all stakeholders
