KPL
Bénédicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to the Lao PDR, conducted a field visit to Sekong Province on March 12 to review the progress of the School Meals Programme and highlight more than two decades of cooperation in agriculture and nutrition between the two countries.
The mission reflected the “Team France” approach, bringing together partners including the French Development Agency (AFD), research institutes CIRAD and IRD, as well as international partners such as Germany and the World Food Programme (WFP).
During the visit, Ambassador Deschamps emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation and shared commitment to supporting sustainable development and food security in Laos.
She noted that for more than 20 years, CIRAD and IRD have worked closely with Lao farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to improved food systems and better nutrition for communities.
The delegation reviewed the implementation of the School Meals Programme in three districts of Sekong Province, where the initiative currently benefits about 2,022 participants, including primary school children receiving daily nutritious meals.
Provincial authorities reported that the programme has helped increase school attendance and retention rates, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas, while also creating stable markets for smallholder farmers who supply fresh local produce to schools.
The visit also included discussions on strengthening local food supply chains and expanding the procurement of locally produced food to ensure the programme’s long-term sustainability.
Ambassador Deschamps reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting rural development and improving food security, noting that the experience in Sekong could serve as a model for strengthening community-based nutrition programmes across the Lao PDR.
KPL
