Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
Food For The Hungary UK

Contractor:
Food for the Hungry International (Laos)

Project Code: 160-680-008

Start Date: 01/04/1997

End Date: 31/03/2002

Status: Current

Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
Xieng Kho District in Houaphan Province, Lao PDR, has some of the worst socio-economic indicators in Laos. Annual food deficits have become normal in the valley and hills which form the area. In the past three years major relief operations have had to be undertaken in Xieng Kho to prevent malnutrition. Low crop yields and drought have exacerbated the economic problems caused by remoteness and poor infrastructure, to stagnate economic progress despite otherwise promising economic resources such as good soils. Inadequate food supply has also contributed to the high rates of morbidity and mortality within the district. The ethnic minority groups which comprise much of the district's population have only in recent years gained access to opportunities for literacy training. Access to health care and eduation remains at a low level.

Project Objectives:
To increase local incomes and agricultural production.

To reduce the high rates of local morbidity and mortality.

To focus on the development needs of women within the communities.

To increase the potential for self-development through education.

Intended Outputs:
Increased agricultural production of basic food stuffs because th amount of irrigated land increased at each of 20 weir sites.

Develop animal banks and other types of in-kind revolving credit at the village level so that villagers are able to make capital improvements on their land and/or diversify their incomes.

Villagers propagating fruit tree and cash crops.

Better nutrition from more abundant fruits and vegetables in the diet of project beneficiaries.

Potable water provided to the 15 new PHC target villages in co-operation with RCDP clean water staff.

The Provincial Water and Environmental Sanitation Project (WESP) office enabled and equipped to have the capacity to provide clean water to all villages in Houaphan.

Co-operate with MOD's Department of Non-formal Education in the design and implementation of functional literacy/skills training project for disadvantaged women.