Future-Focused Agriculture Enabled as Digital Handover Empowers Authorities in Lao PDR's Oudomxay, Luangprabang provinces with FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)'s project for Preventing Risks and Mitigating Impacts of COVID-19 on Vulnerable Smallholders in Northern Lao PDR has been active since meeting with the governors of Oudomxay and Luang Prabang provinces in Lao People's Democratic Republic from July 5-10, 2021.

In November, digital equipment to facilitate virtual meetings was provided to ease communication amid the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of Japan-funded Preventing Risks and Mitigating Impacts of COVID-19 on Vulnerable Smallholders in Northern Lao PDR project aims to enhance farmers' food, nutrition, and livelihoods and the impact on their livelihoods to prevent and recover from COVID-19 risks, strengthen disease prevention capability and reduce pandemic related impacts on society.

The equipment was also supported by the FAO Technical Cooperation Project (TCP/LAO/3802) on Capacity Building for silk and orange production.

 Ms. Sourignahak Sakonhninhom and Sengthong Phothisak, Luang Prabang Provincial Project Coordinators received by Mr. Sivon Vongkhamchan, Head of the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office of Luangprabang. On November 15, 2021, at 11.30 a.m., the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office of Luang Prabang Province held a public meeting.

Provincial Agriculture and Forestry of Oudomxay province head Mr Khamphone Mounlamai received Provincial Project coordinator of Oudomxay, Mr Sengthong Malaithong, to facilitate the handover.

Amid the challenges presented by the COVID19 pandemic, FAO expects that the digital equipment provided will make it easier to undertake field work inside the target provinces.