Latest news with #SustainableAgrifoodSystemsSectorProject
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos launches climate-smart farming project in six provinces
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos is stepping up efforts to tackle climate-related food insecurity and open new export opportunities, with US$68.5 million in support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and partners to modernise agriculture in six climate-vulnerable provinces. The new Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project, running from 2025 to 2030, will focus on improving food security, nutrition, and climate resilience in three northern provinces—Xayabouly, Phongsaly, and Houaphanh, and three southern ones, Salavanh, Sekong, and Champasack. Backed by a mix of loans and grants from the ADB, the EU-ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, and the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the project reflects the growing need to protect food systems from climate shocks while increasing farm productivity and export potential. At the centre of the plan is climate-resilient farming. Smallholder farmers will receive hands-on training to adapt to changing weather, with a focus on high-value crops like bamboo, coffee, and durian that suit both market demand and local conditions. The project also offers affordable microfinance options to help farmers and rural businesses stay afloat during extreme weather. Key infrastructure such as irrigation systems and rural roads will be upgraded to allow year-round farming and easier access to markets. Community involvement and gender inclusion are also major parts of the plan. Both men and women will help lead and maintain local infrastructure projects, ensuring long-term success and shared responsibility. By tackling climate risks, food shortages, and trade barriers all at once, the project marks a big step in preparing Laos's rural economy for a more unpredictable future. - Laotian Times
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
ADB approves US$65.8mil to boost climate-resilient agrifood systems in Laos
VIENTIANE: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$65.8 million financing package to support the government's efforts to modernise and strengthen agrifood systems, improve rural livelihoods and build climate resilience across Laos. The funding for the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project aims to improve climate resilience, food security, nutrition and incomes of vulnerable households and communities. It will also increase the competitiveness of Lao agriculture in both domestic and export markets, the bank said on its website on July 7. 'This initiative is reflective of ADB's commitment to expand its support to long-term food and nutrition security in Asia and the Pacific,' said ADB Country Director for Laos, Shanny Campbell. 'By strengthening agrifood systems, this project will benefit rural households and enterprises through higher incomes and enhanced access to markets.' The project will focus on high-value commodities including bamboo, coffee, durian, sustainable cassava and tea, helping producers add value before shifting to export markets. Investments in financial services, privatised technical services, small-scale infrastructure and food safety will be provided in support of these objectives. The project will offer financial services nationwide, while technical advisory services and infrastructure will be delivered in Champasak, Salavan and Xekong provinces in the south and Huaphan, Phongsaly, and Xayabouly provinces in the north. The project will be supported by a US$50 million package from ADB, the Asean Infrastructure Fund, and the European Union-Asean Catalytic Green Finance Facility, along with US$15.8 million in grants from the Asian Development Fund, the Green Climate Fund—through the Community Resilience Partnership Programme Investment Fund—and the High-Level Technology Fund. The Lao agriculture sector holds significant growth potential, spurred by rising domestic and regional demand. However, unlocking this potential requires improving the competitiveness and resilience of agrifood systems, boosting food security and nutrition, and increasing exports of high-value commodities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
