Sustainable livelihoods for human security in Lao PDR - home gardens for food security, rural livelihoods, and nutritional well-being
Khammounheuang, K.; Saleumsy, P.; Kirjavainen, L.; Nandi, B.K.; Dyg, P.M.; Bhattacharjee, L.
Regional Development Dialogue 25(2): 203-228
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-6505 Document Number: 627082
The first part of this paper gives an overview of the development and environmental conditions in Laos, describing the availability of various natural resources as well as the linkages between poverty and the environment. It also introduces various policy decisions taken and being implemented in the country with respect to poverty reduction, socioeconomic development, and management of the environment. It especially highlights food security as one of the most important development objectives for poverty reduction and human security in the country. The second part of the paper provides information on a project implemented jointly by the Lao government and the FAO to promote home gardens as a means for improving the nutritional well-being of households in four villages of Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces as well as in Vientiane municipality. It first introduces the home gardening concept, which includes growing vegetables and fruits, raising small livestock, promoting fishponds, and creating nutritional awareness to increase the use of a diverse variety of foods. It then statistically examines the impacts of this home-gardening project that has been implemented to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods in poor villages of Laos. The paper concludes by presenting some lessons from this experience.