Laos

Integrated rural development in the east of Khammouane province

Owing to their geographical location on the riverbank, the ten villages targeted in this programme suffer from terrible flooding in the rainy season. The construction of the Nam Theun II dam, upstream of the villages, will raise the water level and further increase the population’s difficulties.

Annual production of rice fails to cover the food needs of its population (3,193 people). With extremely low monthly revenue, the villagers can only hope to cover the most basic of needs and good living conditions are hard to come by. However, the region has a real potential, especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism.

In response to these observations, Triangle is implementing a reliable, sustainable irrigation system to serve the paddy fields. The programme, run in partnership with the PAFO (Provincial Bureau of Agriculture and Forests), will allow rice growers to produce a second harvest in the dry season and thus guarantee food autonomy.

Secondly, in collaboration with local producers, we are triggering diversification of cultures to help optimise production. Part of this programme will be dedicated to finding ways of improving commercialisation/sale of new crops (e.g. alternatives to rice).

And to conclude, we are establishing other income-generating activities to raise local people’s revenue and improve their living conditions.

• Funding: Région Rhône-Alpes
  
• Global budget: €116,5 thousand  
  
• Duration: 12 months, starting May 1, 2009

This programme represents a one-year extension of the previous operation aiming to improve food security in Khammouane province by increasing local production, supporting marketing processes and lines, and strengthening local capacities.

Project achievements:

• Strengthen the operating acquisitions of the water management committees for irrigation of water in Gnomalath and Mahaxay districts.
• Create canals in Nongkok village to prepare cultivation of new, irrigated paddy fields.
• Continue technical training courses for the farmers,

Monitor the development of food security in the area (production level, price on markets).
As with the previous project, this action will be carried out in partnership with the PAFO farming departments.