Climate Resilient Agriculture, Laos

In the mountainous north of Laos subsistence farming is
still widespread, but the harvests are often insufficient to
feed families for an entire year. The effects of climate
change are palpable here and when the rains arrive too late
or are insufficient it directly worsens the food security of
farming families.
The goal of this project by our new partner NGO ASEBO
(Association for Extension of Sustainable Natural
Beekeeping, Oudomxay) in northern Laos is to improve
food security. Originally conceived with the idea of
reducing dependence on dry rice cultivation through honey
production, the project also promotes cultivation of other
agricultural products such as cardamom.
Farmers are trained by local farmers who have already
successfully cultivated new crops. This peer-to-peer
exchange is practical, enjoys high acceptance, and promises
sustainability. BASAID supports the training and information
exchange between farmers as part of a
larger project.
The aim of the project, which is planned to last over 3
years, is to reduce the number of families with
insufficient food supplies (less than 9 months) from the
current 442 to 376.