Northern Uplands Rice-based Farming Systems Research Project

Project completed

The project is entirely focused on these uplands production systems. Poverty in the uplands of Lao PDR is characterized by a lack of sustainable livelihoods. Households are vulnerable to food shortages and hardly able to meet family subsistence requirements while having few capital goods and farm implements, low levels of education and poor health. Since farmers attach a high priority to food self-sufficiency, enhanced rice productivity is considered an entry point for improvement of the agricultural production systems and sustainable resource management in the uplands. The project clearly aligns with current government policies. Improvement of household food security is a prominent objective of agricultural development highlighted in the Lao poverty reduction strategy. Through its focus on food self-sufficiency and agricultural development in the uplands, the project also contributes to the four policy priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It clearly fits in the strategic plan of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute  and contributes to its organisational and institutional strengthening. The project will contribute to improved food (rice) security and sustainable natural resource management for upland farm households in northern Lao PDR (development goal).

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Laos
Agriculture & food security
Agricultural research
Agricultural development
Agriculture value-chain development (til 2016)
Agricultural policy
01.10.2008 - 30.09.2014
CHF 3'529'000
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign academic and research organisation
Other International Organization
Private sector
Foreign state institution
  • Central State of South East
  • Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
  • Other OI
  • Foreign private sector North
  • SDC Field Office


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   3'529'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   2'556'746
Project phases

Phase 1 01.10.2008 - 30.09.2014   (Completed)