22 – 27 June 2023

A visit was made to Laos in Vientiane and Vang Vieng from June 22nd to June 27th, 2023, to discuss food sovereignty and sustainable food systems with partners and youth and select 2-3 participants from Laos for the Mekong Young Farmer exchange event in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from August 21st to 24th, 2023.

Lao Farmer Network (LFN):

The Lao Farmer Network (LFN) focuses on four main objectives: exchanging information, supporting technology on seed saving, strengthening the network, and advocating for policies. As of 2022, LFN boasts 42,810 members, with approximately one-third being young farmers aged between 15 to 45 years old. Operating across 16 provinces and comprising 173 groups, LFN supports farmers in enhancing their products and business ventures, such as rice seed improvement and post-harvest management. Young farmers lack financial support, technology, and understanding from their families. Additionally, logistical obstacles hinder the agricultural sector’s efficiency, impacting product quality and market accessibility. Policy advocacy is crucial to address these issues effectively.

Thung Mung Cooperative:

Thung Mung Cooperative, mainly comprised of farmers, focuses on organic farming to ensure food security and stable livelihoods. Despite challenges like storm damage to their greenhouses, the cooperative persists in its vision, emphasizing the importance of financial management and community support. Exploring climate adaptation funds can provide sustainable solutions for climate-affected communities.

Rural Development Agency (RDA):

The RDA highlights trends such as labor immigration and the expansion of monocropping, which adversely affect food security and local food culture. The monocrop system, driven by policies favoring carbohydrate crops, exacerbates dependence on imported food and compromises environmental sustainability. Health issues, including malnutrition and non-communicable diseases, underscore the urgent need to prioritize local food and food sovereignty to revitalize sustainable food systems.

Vang Vieng Organic Farm:

Established in 1996, the Vang Vieng Organic Farm advocates for natural and traditional farming methods to promote health and environmental sustainability. Despite its success, land ownership issues and financial constraints hinder young people’s involvement in organic farming. Education and support are essential to empower the next generation of organic farmers. In summary, these initiatives underscore the importance of community collaboration, policy advocacy, and education in promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture in Laos.

ALiSEA (Agroecology Learning Alliance in Southeast Asia)

ALiSEA is a network of 170 members across five Southeast Asian countries, connecting 68 organizations in Laos focused on agroecology. They provide platforms for policy dialogues and conduct capacity-building activities. ALiSEA also promotes pesticide and herbicide control, seed preservation, and youth empowerment. Currently, Laos is facing issues with seed availability, quality, and demand and should focus on preserving and improving local seeds while promoting knowledge-sharing and agroecology among young people. In addition, food security challenges in Laos and Southeast Asia are due to policy issues, land appropriation, infrastructure development, logistics, and water management. ALiSEA aims to strengthen the agroecology network in Laos by collaborating with regional networks and organizing a youth exchange program in August 2023.