(KPL) Vice Minister of Planning and Investment Phonevanh Outhavong,  and Country Director and Representative of the World Food Programme in Laos Marc- Andre Prost visited the 'Agriculture for Nutrition' project, and the community capacity building and school lunch programme in Sekong, Saravan, and Champassak provinces.

The primary objectives of this mission were to underscore the enhancement of socio-economic development plans and to promote the implementation of agricultural activities such as farming and animal husbandry, ensuring food security and nutrition, aligning closely with the government's goals in partnership with the World Food Programme.

During this visit, the delegation engaged with village authorities and project-assigned teachers, fostering discussions and exchanging ideas on the programme's execution. They also had the opportunity to observe the lunch preparation and cooking processes, interacted with the school children during their mealtime, and collaborated closely with the cooks in Ngiew village, Laongam District, Saravan Province.

The visit also included interactions with farmers engaged in Agriculture for Nutrition Project Phase 2 in Lamam District, Sekong Province. The primary aims were to promote and oversee nutrition-focused activities, strengthen community engagement, particularly among women involved in agricultural activities, and address challenges related to food security and nutrition at the grassroots level, with a strong emphasis on community participation and ownership.

Additionally, the delegation explored collaborative endeavors aimed at enhancing livelihoods and improving food and nutrition security through the Cash Assistance and Resilient Livelihoods project in Thateng District, Sekong Province. This project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), aims to uplift community livelihoods and bolster food security. During this engagement, the delegation interacted closely with local authorities and beneficiaries, paying special attention to the involvement of women participants in the village.

The delegation also visited a school in Bachiengchaleunsouk District, Champasak Province, actively involved in the school lunch programme. The objectives of this visit were to monitor and support the programme's implementation, engage in meaningful discussions with the Village Education Development Committee (VEDC) and school teachers, observe the lunch preparations firsthand, interact with the school children and the dedicated cooks preparing the meals, and attentively listen to reports detailing the programme's outcomes and challenges. It's worth noting that pressing issues such as climate change and escalating food prices significantly impacted the execution of school lunches and the community's ability to contribute. On the same day, the delegation also seized the opportunity to visit the World Food Programme warehouse in Pakse District, Champasak Province, further enriching their understanding of the local food distribution dynamics.

KPL