From livestock to rat breeding, he gains confidence - and cash

Bamboo rats raised by Xiao Ling. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The foreign-financed program provides impoverished households with 6,000 yuan ($880) - enough to raise a heifer - along with training in such areas as sustainability, improved animal and resource management, and communication, to help farmers succeed. Xiao was among the first batch of trainees.

"Heifer International's training taught us to be smart farmers - how to make and implement plans and raise animals," he said.

He used the grant money to raise more cattle while keeping his pig business.

"I am more confident and have a clearer plan and goals for doing business," he said.

The number of cattle Xiao raised quickly grew from six to 17 as he mastered animal husbandry. He also established a cattle-raising cooperative, the first of its kind in Hongxing bringing the other 44 households together.

Grasping the opportunity, he armed himself with new knowledge and succeeded in lifting his family out of poverty.

Though some people had doubts, Xiao won their support. Heifer International funded his trip to Nanning, and three fellow townsmen invested 150,000 yuan.

"My fellow townsmen trusted me and are willing to help," he said. "There must be a team behind any business."

Zheng Zunsheng, director of the poverty alleviation and development office of Chengmagang, said: "A man cannot stand on his feet if he has no confidence, and is unable to succeed in any business if he has no knowledge."