VIENTIANE: Laos can improve health and food security by strengthening agricultural value chains, supporting rural areas, and expanding nutrition-focused food systems, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.
The “Strengthening Foundations for a Food-and Nutrition-Secure Future in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic” report outlines key challenges to food security in Laos, including low agricultural productivity worsened by climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent gender inequality.
The report highlights the importance of integrated solutions to address these challenges, such as climate change mitigation, improving rural services, and boosting agricultural productivity to establish resilient food systems.
ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR, Shanny Campbell, said food security is fundamental to social welfare, peace, and prosperity.
“Addressing infrastructure gaps, disaster vulnerability, and nutritional deficiencies requires close collaboration and coordinated investment.”
ADB is now working closely with the government to enhance food security through several recently approved projects in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
One of these efforts, the Building Resilience and Reducing Rural Poverty Project, aims to improve food use and nutrition, empower women, and build climate resilience among poor and vulnerable households.
To further improve food availability and accessibility, the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Livestock Health and Value Chains Improvement Project will see work to upgrade livestock health and value chain infrastructure.
The Mekong project aims to strengthen policies that allow for better supply, health, safety, and trade of livestock and related products.
In addition, the Flood and Drought Mitigation and Management Sector Project seeks to reduce the economic and financial losses caused by extreme weather events while enhancing dietary diversity.
ADB is also working to support the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies in addressing high inflation and food price volatility as they advance measures under the government’s national agenda to tackle economic and financial challenges. - Vientiane TImes/ANN
