(KPL) A community-based agriculture initiative supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) is helping rural families in southern Laos improve their livelihoods while strengthening food supplies for school meal programmes.

The project is being implemented in ChakhamYai villages in Thateng District, Sekong Province, where local farmers are participating in vegetable cultivation and egg-laying chicken raising activities aimed at increasing household income and improving food security.

Under the programme, WFP has provided farmers with essential production equipment, vegetable seeds, greenhouses, and training in modern farming techniques. The support allows villagers to increase agricultural productivity while ensuring a reliable supply of fresh food for local school lunch programmes.

During a recent field visit, an international delegation led by Marc-André Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director in Laos, Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Ambassador of Germany to the Lao PDR, and Bénédicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to Laos, visited farms in ChakhamYai villages. The delegation observed how local farmers grow vegetables and raise egg-laying chickens to supply ingredients for school meals.

According to Mrs. Py Senavanna, 37, a farmer in ChakhamYai village, life for many families has improved significantly since the project began.

“In the past, we relied on natural conditions and could grow vegetables only in one season, mainly for our own consumption,” she said. “Now, with the equipment, seeds and technical guidance provided by the project, we can grow vegetables all year round and sell them at the market.”

The farmers’ group in ChakhamYai village was established in early 2024. Currently, many families focus on vegetable production, while some households are engaged in raising egg-laying chickens.

In addition to supplying local markets, farmers also provide fresh vegetables to the school lunch programme in the village, helping ensure that students receive nutritious meals while supporting the local economy.

Farmers participating in the poultry activity said WFP provided them with 50 egg-laying chickens and supported the construction of chicken coops. Through training in poultry farming techniques, they now produce eggs for sale at local markets, selling around 20 to 30 trays each month.

Mrs. Py added that the project has helped improve her family’s economic situation. With the installation of greenhouses, her family can now grow vegetables in two seasons instead of just one.

“We can sell our vegetables at the market and earn around 400,000 to 500,000 kip per month,” she said.

Local officials say the initiative not only increases rural incomes but also strengthens community resilience by linking agricultural production with school nutrition programmes. By supporting small-scale farmers with tools, training and improved infrastructure, the project is helping build more sustainable livelihoods for rural communities in Sekong Province.

KPL