Vientiane, Lao PDR, April 7, 2026 – Lao PDR and France have officially launched two joint Programs aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and landscapes in the country. The launch was attended by guests of honor, including H.E. Linkham DOUANGSAVANH, Minister of Agriculture, and Environment, H.E. Bénédicte DESCHAMPS, Ambassador of France to Lao PDR, and Mr. Khamphoui SISBOUNHEUANG, Vice Chairman of the Savannakhet Provincial People’s Committee.

The two projects, financed by the French Government through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) with a total grant amount of 6 million euros, are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment from 2025 – 2027. The first project, “Promoting climate resilient irrigation”, led by the Department of Irrigation, with the technical assistance from GINGER SOFRECO and IWMI. The second project, “Building Long-term Climate-resilient Agriculture and Landscapes in Lao PDR (LTS)”, led by the Department of Planning and Cooperation with the technical assistance by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Lao PDR.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Lao PDR’s economy and employs around 67% of Lao PDR’s workforce. However, the sector is increasingly affected by climate change, particularly frequent floods and droughts that cause yearly damage and losses. These challenges continue to threaten food production and rural livelihoods across the country.

To address this, the government has prioritized stronger policies, improved planning, and increased investment in climate resilience. The LTS project will support these efforts by improving the government’s ability to develop investment strategies and policies toward long-term climate-resilient agriculture. Meanwhile, the PPRI project will promote agro-ecological transitions and improve water management in the irrigation schemes, helping to reduce losses from extreme weather, address water scarcity, increase agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.

While the two projects will be implemented separately, the joint program provides a coordinated platform to strengthen collaboration across sectors and institutions. By bringing together key stakeholders, it will support the development of policy recommendations and public investment initiatives, ensuring a more integrated and effective approach to advancing sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in Lao PDR.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Linkham Douangsavanh, emphasized: “the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Lao PDR’s economy, noting that strengthening the sector is essential for the country’s green and sustainable development”. He highlighted that both projects will support the Ministry in advancing its long-term vision for climate-resilient agriculture and landscapes.

H.E. Bénédicte DESCHAMPS, Ambassador of France to Lao PDR, added in her keynote remarks: “These two projects, consisting of a combined investment of 6 million euros, are far more than just funding figures on paper. They symbolize the enduring bilateral relationship between our two nations and the highly successful, decades-long cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the Agence Française de développement (AFD). Together, we share a common goal: to advance sustainable agriculture and rural development, always with the well-being of Lao farmers and communities at the heart of every effort”.

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For more information about PPRI and LTS projects, please contact:
– PPRI: Mr. Soulivanh Voravong, Coordinator of PPRI project, Department of irritation, Vanh2013@yahoo.com, 020 58343436
– LTS: Mr. Vongsone Xaythanith, Program Associate (Agriculture), Vongsone.xaythanith@gggi.org, 020 29959559