At 269 Tan Xuan Cooperative in Son La province, women take the lead. Their local bamboo forest provides them with a stable income and also plays an important role in land restoration. 

In the mountains of Son La province in rural northwestern Viet Nam, the future is bright for women bamboo farmers. Bamboo is a material that has been closely intertwined with Vietnamese culture for centuries. It supplies livelihoods for people in remote and rural areas who sell it as food (bamboo shoots), an energy source, as building material or for making crafts and utensils. 

Up until six years ago, the women in Son La province worked as individuals and times were tough. But since the 269 Tan Xuan cooperative was established in 2019, with support from the FFF, women bamboo farmers of all ethnicities are flourishing. 

As Ms Cao Thi Tam, who leads the cooperative explains, “Initially, we had 12 members. By getting organized into a cooperative, our farmers could share bamboo production costs, sell their products more effectively, and have access to services such as training and social welfare."

“We have expanded rapidly into a strong and stable cooperative, and today we have 80 members. The goal of 269 Tan Xuan Cooperative is to empower women, improve incomes, protect natural resources and strengthen collaboration between farmers,” she continues. 

Women take the lead 

With three-quarters of its members being Indigenous women of Thai, H’mong, and Muong ethnic groups, they are taking the lead in bamboo production. Although the physical task of chopping down the bamboo trees is frequently done my men, the women are completely in charge of the processing and marketing. 

Typically, the women will go to the Ta Lao Forest in the mornings after they have fulfilled household and family tasks, where they will take care of the bamboo trees. In the afternoon, they will undertake processing tasks at the cooperative’s factory. This includes classifying bamboo shoots by quality, washing and cleaning them, feeding the bamboo into the chopping machine and drying machine, and packaging and labelling the finished product. 

“Thanks to their work at the cooperative, our women members have learned business skills. They are more confident and have a greater voice in the family and community,” adds Ms Tam. 

Embracing innovation 

The 269 Tan Xuan cooperative have introduced modern technologies to increase the value of their bamboo shoots. By using a clean drying machine without smoking, they are improving the taste, colour and fragrance of their product and boosting its market value. 

The cooperative is also using digital innovation to get ahead. For example, they are using QR codes to trace bamboo shoot products and comply with certification schemes. Product traceability enhances its market value.

They have created a brand name for their edible products – “Tan Xuan 269 Bamboo Shoots” – and are also using digital marketing and e-commerce platforms such as Shopee , Zalo and Facebook to reach wider markets. As well as selling locally, the cooperative now supplies businesses further afield in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

A valuable and sustainable crop

Due to its fast-growing nature and extensive root and rhizome system, bamboo is an important component in forest conservation and land restoration efforts in the Tan Xuan commune, helping to combat climate change. 

Initially produced as food and fuel wood, the cooperative now also sells their bamboo as construction materials, livestock fodder and for use in handicrafts. These additional streams of revenue boost the farmers’ incomes. The cooperative continues to achieve success and its revenue has increased six times compared with when it first started in 2019.

“Working at the cooperative has given me a stable job and income and has improved life for my family,” said Luong Thi Thu cooperative member.