IBSA Fund Annual Report- Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Partners

Department of Planning and Investment of Bolikhamxay Province; Department of Irrigation; UNDP Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Overview

The project improved the overall livelihoods and food security of communities in the two poorest districts of Bolikhamxay Province by improving the irrigation system and promoting sustainable management of natural resources through community management groups. It encouraged shifting cultivation practices and promoted village forest management and diversification.

Key Achievements

• Three irrigation infrastructure works were completed in Nam Ser, Nam Yang and Nam Phou, providing water to a 630-hectare agricultural area. As a result, rice cultivation expanded to the dry season, increasing the total area of cultivation from 150 hectares to 500 hectares. Water management and agriculture practices were improved by the establishment of community water-user groups.
• Watershed management plans were developed through community participation. Over 300 farmers were trained in watershed management as well as in rice-seed preparation and selection, dry-season vegetable extension, after-harvest conservation, and techniques for growing nine selected cash crops.
• Cash crops were introduced and piloted across 7.4 hectares by 40 households in 4 villages.
• A fisheries co-management committee was established. Farmers’ capacity for sustainable fisheries management was enhanced through a study tour.
• Over 7,700 farmers benefited from different services provided by this project.

Challenges

• Natural factors may cause delays in irrigation infrastructure works.
• Appropriately designed projects could help the country and its people to overcome the obstacles faced with natural resources management plans such as management plans for watersheds and forests.

Link of the Project to National Priorities

This project responded directly to the agricultural-sector strategy of the Government on achieving self-sufficiency in food production, promoting crop diversification and expanding irrigation development.

This project responded directly to the agricultural-sector strategy of the Government on achieving self-sufficiency in food production, promoting crop diversification and expanding irrigation development.