20 years Swiss support to agricultural extension in Laos
Eighty percent of Laos' population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. For over 20 years, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, in partnership with Helvetas, has supported Laos in making agriculture more effective and sustainable. Through the LEAP and LURAS projects, they have strengthened rural advisory services, focusing on poverty reduction, climate change adaptation, and the Green Extension Approach. These efforts have improved public extension services, empowering farmers with knowledge, market access, and sustainable farming practices.
AFS Newsletter - Member Article by
Making Agriculture in Laos Fit for Change
Authors: Lara Ehrenzeller, Marieke van Schie, Souvanthong Namvong
This year’s rice planting season in Laos started with droughts, making it difficult for farmers in parts of the country to plant after a heat wave in April and May. Then, just before harvesting season, Typhoon Yagi swept across Southeast Asia, bringing severe flooding to Laos. With climate change progressing quickly, Lao farmers must brace themselves for an increase in the frequency and/or severity of droughts, fires, storms and floods. These events are causing more and more damage to crops, homes, infrastructure and the economy. Helvetas has therefore been supporting Laos in developing a productive, inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, and recently undertook a study looking back at two decades of support.
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