Current Status and Key Factors in Semi-Natural Swiftlet Farming for Edible Bird Nest Production in Binh Thuan, Vietnam

Introduction Swiftlet farming in Vietnam is a new and fast-growing agricultural activity. Farmers build special houses to attract swiftlets, which produce edible bird nests (EBN) from their saliva in these houses/farms. These nests are very valuable because they are used as food and for health benefits, especially in traditional Asian dishes and medicine. The global demand for these bird nests is high, especially among Chinese communities worldwide. Because of this demand, many people in Vietnam have started farming swiftlets. However, the industry faces challenges. Farmers need better knowledge on protecting the environment, ensuring good quality, and using proper farming techniques. Objectives Part of this project aims to understand the key factors that help farmers succeed. The goal is to improve nest farming practices and balance economic benefits with environmental protection to achieve sustainable development in the sector, both in Binh Thuan and throughout Vietnam. Methods We conducted surveys with farmers, directly observed swiftlet houses, and visited producers in Binh Thuan province, Vietnam, to understand the whole production chain from breeding to finished products. We also set traps to collect insects around the swiftlet houses and observed how nests are cleaned and packed. Results and Expectations Currently, there are more than 23,000 bird houses in Vietnam. In Binh Thuan province alone, there are over 1,600 bird houses; however, most farmers involved are amateur technicians without specialized training. There is a clear need for focused training programs in this field. Farmers reported that humidity, insect availability, house design, and sound systems are very important for success. Insects are more common in rural areas and during the rainy season, which benefits edible bird nest (EBN) production. We hope our results will help improve training programs and inspire new product development.