
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Support to Integrated Irrigated Agriculture in Two Districts in Bolikhamxay
Overview
The project improved the overall livelihoods and food security of communities in the two poorest districts of Bolikhamxay Province by improving the irrigation system and promoting sustainable management of natural resources through community management groups. It encouraged shifting cultivation practices and promoted village forest management and diversification.
Beneficiaries
Communities in the two poorest districts
Partners
Department of Planning and Investment of Bolikhamxay Province, Department of Irrigation, UNDP Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Budget
$1,323,000
Duration
January 2012–September 2015
Key Results
Over 7,700 farmers benefited from different project services. A total of 40 households in 4 villages piloted
7.4 hectares of cash crops. A fisheries co-management committee was established; farmers’ capacity for sustainable fisheries management was enhanced through a study tour.
A 630-hectare agricultural area was provided with water after 3 irrigation infrastructure works were completed in Nam Ser, Nam Yang and Nam Phou; the total cultivation area was increased from 150 to 500 hectares; and rice cultivation was expanded to the dry season.
Over 300 farmers were trained in watershed management as well as in rice-seed preparation and selection, dry-season vegetable extension, after-harvest conservation, and techniques for growing nine selected cash crops. Community water-user groups were established and watershed management plans were developed to improve water management and agriculture practices.