Bokeo Food Security Project

Bokeo, home to three main ethnic groups, is one of the more remote provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and has remained largely isolated from the rest of the country. Most of the province is mountainous, heavily forested and difficult to access. For many communities living in Bokeo province, the Mekong River is the only means of access and communication.

The project's goal was to improve declining productivity for farmers and develop income-generating opportunities for the rural population in general. Specific activities included:

• improving food security through increased rice production and improved animal health
• rehabilitating and developing irrigation systems
• introducing sustainable management strategies for highland areas
• promoting better health among rural communities, especially through child immunization and increased access to safe drinking water
• improving education, especially for women and ethnic minorities
• strengthening the capacity of grass-roots organizations
• supporting the delivery of government services to the area

Source: IFAD