Lao PDR
Lao PDR, a country in Southeast Asia, is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Agriculture is a significant part of the country’s economy, with rice as the primary crop, making the sector crucial for food security and rural livelihoods. The country’s reliance on rain-fed irrigation systems, coupled with increasing climate variability, presents challenges for water management and agricultural productivity.
Approximately 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture, yet inefficient irrigation practices and the need for improved water resource management remain key barriers to sustainable growth. The development of climate-resilient agricultural practices and efficient irrigation systems is crucial for addressing both food security and economic growth in the country.
IWMI in Lao PDR
By means of the Stakeholder Forum of the Sub-sector Working Group on Irrigation (SSWG-IR), IWMI has engaged stakeholders to improve irrigation practices, including exploring opportunities for solar-powered irrigation systems to address water scarcity and energy constraints. IWMI research also promotes integrated rice-fish farming as a sustainable agricultural practice, working on policy engagements to support its adoption across the country.
In addition, our regional workshops on agribusiness public-private partnerships aim to foster collaboration among stakeholders in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam to strengthen agricultural value chains. Through these efforts, IWMI is supporting Lao PDR’s transition to more sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural systems that improve livelihoods and enhance food security.
Country representative
Latest Lao PDR news
Greenhouses help Lao PDR farmers adapt to climate variability
Could red rice be the key to a better future for farmers in Lao PDR?
How adaptive scaling can transform food systems in the Global South
Science and policy work together to advance food security in Lao PDR
Latest Lao PDR publications
Understanding early adoption of solar irrigation in Lao PDR: benefits, challenges and policy gaps
Performance and cost-benefit evaluation of farmer-managed solar-powered groundwater irrigation in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR: interim results from the first year of operation of four pilot systems
Food, Land, and Water (FLW) policies and institutions in Lao PDR