From Struggle to Strength: Raising Chickens for a Healthier Child in Laos

Surrounded by beautiful mountains far away from Saravane Province, is a home to 65 families with over 350 residents, where 27-year-old Mr. Aumnut lives with his wife, Eeenut (26), and their two daughters: 8-year-old Nut and 2-year-old Non. Like many families in their community, Aumnut’s family primarily depends on farming, cultivating potatoes for sale, and raising chickens and fish.

Despite their efforts, Aumnut’s family faced significant challenges in providing nutritious food and securing a stable income, earning less than 700,000 LAK (approximately $22) per month from selling fish caught in the river and foraged non-timber products. One of their struggles was that the chickens they raised were kept in a traditional manner, similar to how their parents had done, but sadly, many of them died. The family's food supply was inconsistent, often relying on what they could gather from the forest and the river. This instability negatively impacted their children's health; in 2022, their youngest child became severely malnourished due to a lack of proper nutrition. Being underweight as a child can lead to serious health challenges, including weaker bones and muscles, less energy to play and learn, and a higher risk of illness. 

In mid-2023, everything changed when Mr. Aumnut’s family was selected to participate in the Samoui Nutrition Action Program (SNAP). Initially, he believed that raising chickens would be simple, given his past experiences. However, he quickly realized that successful poultry farming required detailed attention, regular vaccinations, and proper feeding practices. “At first, I thought raising chickens was easy. But after learning the proper steps and methods, I understood the care and diligence needed to succeed,” Mr. Aumnut reflected.

Aumnut and 654 families across 15 villages received training on livestock care, including building chicken coops, proper feeding, and regular vaccinations. Monthly follow-ups and the establishment of a village veterinarian ensured that families had the necessary resources to prevent disease and treat sick animals. Each village also had a group leader providing ongoing support and guidance, alongside agricultural experts from support from SNAP and the Samoui District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO). 

Among the various initiatives provided by SNAP, raising chickens became a highlight for Aumnut. He started with ten chickens and, following the training, quickly saw results; at his peak, he had over 100 chickens, consuming and selling the majority for food and other necessities of life. However, he limited the number of chickens he kept at one time to avoid overwhelming his capacity to care for them, as well as to manage the cost of chicken feed. Aumnut’s family's food security improved, and his daughter’s malnutrition significantly decreased. “After I received support for raising chickens from the program, it changed our lives. I went from not knowing to becoming a model for other families. We now have a steady income from selling chickens in the village. In 2024, we earned 14,000,000 kip (approximately $640), which we used to purchase equipment for the kids, improve the chicken coop, and buy feed. This project has truly transformed our family’s life,” he shared with pride. 

Raising chickens not only provided food and income for Aumnut's family but also ensured a healthier, balanced diet for their children, with access to chicken, fish, eggs, and fresh vegetables. This improved nutrition helped Aumnut’s youngest daughter move from ‘severely underweight’ in 2022 to ‘moderately underweight’ in June 2024. For a child, progressing from ‘severely underweight’ isn’t just about gaining kilos—it’s a big step toward the strength and resilience every child deserves. Non is now one step further from health challenges like weak bones, low energy, and higher risks of sickness, and one step closer to a happier, healthier life.

Led by World Vision and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), SNAP has positively impacted many children, such as Non. The rate of underweight children under five, which peaked at 51% in 2022, has decreased to 37% in 2024. This progress was achieved through strong coordination among the SNAP team, local government, and a community-driven approach that fosters local ownership and peer-to-peer learning. Aumnut reflects, “I am proud and happy that my daughter is better now, but we will continue to care for her to ensure she is even healthier. I won’t stop here; I’ll keep raising chickens and sharing best practices with my neighbors because I’ve seen firsthand how it has changed our lives for the better.” As Aumnut shares his knowledge with neighbors, their community moves closer to overcoming the challenges of malnutrition, proving that with the proper support, transformation is possible.