Synopsis
Laos and IFAD have committed to enhancing rural livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with national development plans and global goals, benefiting thousands of farmers.Key Takeaways
- Laos and IFAD strengthen their partnership.
- Focus on sustainable agricultural practices.
- Over 350 villages benefited from irrigation projects.
- Challenges include malnutrition and poor infrastructure.
- Collaboration aims for food security and community upliftment.
Vientiane, Feb 6 (NationPress) The nation of Laos and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have reiterated their enduring dedication to enhancing rural livelihoods, in harmony with Laos' Ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On Tuesday, representatives from the Lao government and various stakeholders convened in Vientiane to assess IFAD's existing strategy within the country and to establish a groundwork for future initiatives aimed at improving rural development, as reported by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Thursday.
As a UN food agency, IFAD is pivotal in funding projects like the Partnerships for Irrigation and Commercialisation of Smallholder Agriculture (PICSA), which has positively impacted over 350 villages in Laos by enhancing irrigation systems and market access, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
Furthermore, IFAD supports initiatives that advocate sustainable agricultural practices to boost rural incomes and enhance nutrition.
With more than 60% of the population of Laos residing in rural areas and depending on agriculture, many farmers still rely on conventional farming techniques, facing challenges such as inadequate irrigation and subpar road infrastructure.
These obstacles contribute to alarming rates of malnutrition, with approximately one-third of children under five being affected by stunting and 40% of women experiencing anaemia.
Over the last 45 years, the Lao government and IFAD have developed vital infrastructure, including rural roads, irrigation systems, and farmer nutrition centers, benefiting around 360,000 farmers.
As the government and IFAD persist in their partnership, their mutual objective remains centered on nurturing a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that elevates rural communities and ensures food security for generations to come.
