The European Union (EU) has approved EUR1.5 million for implementing a project in Laos to promote smart agriculture to respond to climate change and to address the needs of vulnerable women and youth farmers’ groups.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the project was signed in Vientiane on March 18 by Oxfam’s Country Director in Laos Thasphorn Butaling, and Director of the Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Institute (NAFRI) Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh.

The project will be implemented in 15 villages in seven districts, of which three districts, Xepon, Vilabouly and Champhone are in Savannakhet province and four districts, Xiengngeun, Nan, Chomphet and Phoukhoun are in Luang Prabang province.

The project is expected to directly benefit a total of 300,000 farming families and 100,000 other people in Laos, especially through the provision of techniques, knowledge and skills related to Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). It is also expected to improve yields, livelihoods, nutrition and food security. The main objective of the project is to reinforce the capacities of women, youngsters, local authorities and groups of vulnerable farmers, and to promote CSA innovations and practices in Laos.

The activities of projects include building capacities to promote CSA practice among stakeholders at the central and local levels.

Laos is particularly affected by the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures are causing seasonal changes in weather patterns, leading to increased flooding and extended periods of drought.

Currently, 72 percent of arable land is used for growing rice and more than 70 percent of the Lao population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, and 26 percent of these people live in poverty.