(KPL) The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Government of France and the World Food Programme (WFP) agreed on Apr 1 to jointly support communities in the northern province of the Lao PDR to improve food and nutrition security.

At the ceremony in Boun Neua, in the presence of the Province Governor, French Ambassador to the Lao PDR Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, and WFP Representative and Country Director Jan Delbaere signed a memorandum of understanding worth 500,000 Euros (approximately US$ 590,000) spanning 20 months, to address the immediate food and nutrition needs, as well as support the resilience of communities in Phongsaly Province.

“Communities, particularly women and children in the Lao PDR, are vulnerable to malnutrition due to disasters including floods, long-lasting drought and the most recent socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ambassador Jeanblanc-Risler, “The government of France support WFP’s efforts to improve nutrition behaviours and nutrition outcomes through various activities in Phongsaly and Yot-Ou  Districts in the province.”

Activities to be implemented over the course of the project include Farmer Nutrition Schools, which provide vital nutrition and agriculture education and skill-based training, using a variety of different media and community engagement strategies.

“We are grateful for the contribution of the government of France, allowing WFP to support the government in the mission to realizing Zero Hunger in the Lao PDR,” said WFP Representative and Country Director Jan Delbaere. “This project lays the foundation for good nutrition through the lifecycle, providing education to caregivers in the hope that this will be passed on to their children, building a strong and healthy next generation”.

The Farmer Nutrition Schools are coupled with a cash grant, enabling households to establish a home garden and/or purchase small livestock. The knowledge, skills, and resources to grow nutritious food gained through this support, aims to enhance the consumption of a diverse and nutritious diet and strengthens households’ abilities to be more resilient to disasters.

KPL