The Director-General José Graziano da Silva of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Executive Director David Beasley  of the World Food Programme (WFP), together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Sub-regional Director Thomas Rath visited the Lao People's Democratic Republic from 14-16 May 2019 to raise greater awareness about the importance of integrated food systems to improve food and nutrition security, and to see first-hand the agencies' collaborative programmes in action.

During their visit on 15^th May 2019, the delegation visited several sites in the country's northern Oudomxay Province where a food security and nutrition project is being implemented by FAO, IFAD and WFP with the Government of Lao PDR and other partners to help boost nutrition in rural areas

FAO is working with farmers to grow more nutrition foods and increase their incomes from livestock so they can afford more-nutritious food for their families. This is alongside FAO's work to encourage rice farmers to raise fish in their rice paddies to provide both extra income and a nutritious source of protein. FAO's Farmer Field Schools also help family farmers increase productivity for better food and nutrition security. FAO is also working with the Government of Lao PDR and other partners to prepare strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) to improve their livelihood and nutrition of the beneficiary communities.

"FAO is committed to working together with IFAD, WFP and the Government of Lao PDR and its people to boost nutrition. The three agencies are already making a difference in farming families' lives and livelihoods, and we strive to continue this progress to achieve Zero Hunger," Graziano da Silva said.