Integrated GIS and participatory-based approach to map livestock-based farm typology in Sơn La Province, Vietnam

Livestock production plays a central role in rural livelihoods and agri-food systems in the Northwest Highlands of Viet Nam, particularly in Son La Province, where beef cattle and pig systems contribute significantly to household income, food security, and local economies (Mwema et al., 2025). However, livestock systems in this region are highly diverse, shaped by complex interactions between agro-ecological conditions, land availability, market access, and household resources (Atieno et al., 2021). Understanding this diversity is essential for designing effective, equitable, and environmentally sustainable livestock development interventions.
The CGIAR Research Program on Livestock research conducted the project “Li-chăn – Livestock-led interventions towards equitable livelihoods and improved environment in the North-West Highlands of Vietnam”, developed an initial farm typology for Mai Sơn District, Son La Province (Hammond et al., 2021). This work identified three dominant livestock-oriented farm types, with a particular focus on beef cattle and pig production systems