Agriculture and Climate Change (Commonwealth Union) _ The European Union (EU) has allocated EUR1.5 million to spearhead a transformative project in Laos aimed at advancing smart agriculture practices to combat climate change while addressing the specific needs of vulnerable women and youth farmers. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) for this initiative was formally inked in Vientiane, underscoring a significant step towards sustainable agricultural development.
Oxfam’s Country Director in Laos, Thasphorn Butaling, and Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Director of the Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Institute (NAFRI), sealed the partnership during the signing ceremony.
Spanning across 15 villages in seven districts, the project’s reach extends to areas notably affected by climate variations, including Savannakhet and Luang Prabang provinces. With a targeted outreach to 300,000 farming families and 100,000 individuals, the initiative is poised to deliver tangible benefits through the dissemination of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques, knowledge, and skills. By enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience, the project aims to bolster livelihoods, improve nutrition, and fortify food security for local communities.
Central to its mission, the project seeks to empower women, youth, local authorities, and vulnerable farmer groups by fostering their capacities and promoting innovative CSA practices. The multifaceted approach encompasses capacity-building initiatives at both the central and grassroots levels, ensuring a holistic transformation of agricultural practices.
Laos, grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, faces escalating challenges due to shifting weather patterns, heightened flood risks, and prolonged drought periods. Against this backdrop, the project emerges as a beacon of hope, offering practical solutions to mitigate climate-related vulnerabilities and build sustainable agricultural systems resilient to future challenges.
In a nation where agriculture sustains the livelihoods of over 70% of the population, with a substantial portion living below the poverty line, the significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By harnessing the power of smart agriculture, the project not only fosters environmental sustainability but also paves the way for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation across Laos.
