An IFAD delegation makes a field visit to Oudomxay province.

Agriculture Fund gives boost to food and nutrition in Laos

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is providing US$48.30 million from 2023 to 2029 to improve food and nutrition security, enhance climate resilience, and increase small-scale farmers’ incomes.
The additional financing is being provided under Phase 2 of the Agriculture for Nutrition project.
IFAD is also co-financing two projects in Laos under the Partnerships for Irrigation and Commercialisation of Smallholder Agriculture project, with a total of US$30 million from 2019 to 2025. This focuses on intensified agricultural development, value chain development, and improved nutritional practices.
The new tranche of financial support was confirmed during a recent visit by an IFAD delegation and UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Sara Sekkenes, to Oudomxay province.
They saw first-hand the results of IFAD’s support through Phase 1 of the Agriculture for Nutrition programme, financed by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme.
The visit focused on the role of small-scale farmers in improving household nutrition and food security through sustainable agriculture.
“Small-scale farmers in Laos are a great example of the kind of potential we can unlock for rural people and communities in collaboration with our partners,” said Jyotsna Puri, Associate Vice-President of the Strategy and Knowledge Department at the International Fund for Agricultural Development during her four-day visit.
“If we can provide access to finance, training, technology and markets, we can help rural families build more prosperous lives for themselves and reduce hunger and malnutrition,” she added.
“IFAD has longstanding experience around the world in working with governments to transform rural areas and we’ve seen the results of this partnership in our work with Laos as well.”
Regional Director for the Asia and the Pacific Division at IFAD, Reehana Raza, said “Today, Laos’ small-scale farmers face multiple challenges, including volatile food and fuel prices and the effects of climate change.”
“IFAD will continue to support the government in helping small-scale farmers to improve nutrition, agricultural production and market access as well as build their resilience to shocks.”
Since 1978, IFAD based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience.
IFAD has supported 17 programmes and projects in Laos for a total of US$509.07 million (with IFAD contributing US$164.81 million), directly benefitting about 330,000 rural households.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 8, 2023)