Summary:

UNDP Lao PDR is working with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) to strengthen regulatory, policy and investment frameworks for use of agrochemicals in the agricultural sector, improve access to low-non-chemical pest control alternatives, and improve access to financing environmentally sound management of hazardous pesticide and agriculture waste, including plastics in Lao PDR.  

The project will be implemented in Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Xiengkhuang, Bolikhamxay Province and Vientiane Capital from December 2023 until December 2027 with a total budget of 4,200,000 USD.  It is aligned with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, Outcome 4, Output 1: Natural resources sustainably used and managed. 

Background:

Lao PDR is a landlocked country in the heart of Southeast Asia. Only about 10% of the land area is used for agriculture, but it is a sector that provides livelihoods for 70% of the population yet only contributes to 30% of the GDP. While agriculture is the foundation for improving livelihoods and creating new opportunities, it also brings about noticeable social and environmental impacts. This limits the competitiveness of the sector while endangering human health and ecosystems due to the extensive use of agrochemicals, poor waste disposal practices, and deterioration of watersheds. In addition, the sector’s vulnerability to the impact of climate change and natural disasters and limited access to financial services for the rural poor exacerbate the threats to lives and livelihoods in rural areas. 

The Government of Lao PDR is taking appropriate measures to tackle these challenges and there is a need to further strengthen the policy and regulatory environment for sustainable agricultural practices by introducing and scaling up agroecological approaches such as integrated farming and integrated pest management (IPM). This, in turn, will reduce the demand for harmful pesticides and, at the same time, reduce the risk and uncertainties for public and private investment in the sector.