(KPL) The Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) , Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, organized the National Dialogue on Investment in Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Laos.

Livestock plays a pivotal role in the Lao PDR’s agriculture sector, contributing to over one-third of the sector’s value added. The demand for livestock and livestock products, including meat, milk, egg, among others, is rapidly increasing both domestically and in neighbouring markets, particularly China and Vietnam.

This growth is fuelled by the development of a regional road network throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion and bilateral agreements between the Lao PDR and its neighbours on livestock export. Livestock exports to China alone are valued at approximately USD 54 million annually.

The two-day (Nov 6–7) national dialogue aimed to address the challenges and opportunities for promoting investment in transforming the sustainable livestock sector.

During the workshop, Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Kaviphone Phouthavong praised FAO for its close collaboration over 5 decades and support to the people of the Lao PDR.

He also emphasized the urgent need for a Livestock Development Master Plan with National Plan of Action to support sustainable livestock development transformation. He acknowledged that a shared vision and strategies developed through this national dialogue will facilitate and gain commitment from all stakeholders, while priorities for mobilization of technical and financial resources will be established to support and realize the sustainable livestock transformation in the Lao PDR.

Director of FAO Animal Production and Health Division, Dr Thanawat Tiensin affirmed FAO’s long-standing commitment to the government of the Lao PDR to ensure food safety, food security and the economic wellbeing of millions of farming households. He recognized the significance of future contribution to be made through the livestock sector, and thus acted as a change actor to support the transformation.

Dr. Tiensin emphasized that such transformation must be sustainable while ensuring essential nutrients, livelihoods, and economic opportunities for millions of people. It needs to promote the long-term availability of the agrifood system, protect natural resources, enhance economic resilience, increase productivity, reduce production costs, enhance market competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and rural development.

FAO plays a crucial role in supporting its member countries to promote sustainable livestock production and climate actions through various interventions and initiatives. This includes providing technical assistance to countries, like the Lao PDR, in the development and implementation of policies and strategies for sustainable livestock production, encompassing climate-smart livestock practices.

FAO also conducts training programs and workshops aimed at enhancing the capacity of farmers, extension workers, and policymakers to adopt climate-friendly livestock production techniques. FAO also fosters the exchange of knowledge and experiences among countries, with a focus on promoting best practices and sharing successful case studies related to sustainable livestock production and climate change mitigation/adaptation. In addition, FAO supports research and innovation in livestock production systems, including the development and dissemination of climate-smart techniques and practices.

This two-day national dialogue workshop was attended by representatives from various ministries, both national and provincial levels, UN agencies and development partners, namely the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, World Vision and CARE International.

KPL