By Chansom Khounsombath – CLICK
ALiSEA in Laos organized a thematic talk on “Youth and Agroecology” on October 20th, 2023. The talk was presented by three guest speakers from different sectors – Lao Farmer Network, People with Disabilities Development Association (PDDA) of Xiengkhouang and Youth from KubBanKan Project. The thematic talk was well-attended by 40 participants, who joined via Zoom and Facebook live streaming. The speakers’ presentations were informative and insightful, and the participants have experienced different ideas about agroecology activities and youth participation.
The first speaker, Mr. Vaxeng, KubBanKan Project implementor, shared the experiences of his project. The KubBanKan Project aims to develop the hometown in relation to agricultural and environmental aspects by collaborating with local villagers to find out the community’s problems and make plans together for agricultural training. Fermented feed from banana bunches, for example, which farmers will benefit from it for animal feed and even sell it to animal farms.
Mr. Vaxeng also expressed that working with the community needs comprehensive understanding about problems, possible solutions, farmer daily routine, and dialect language. These factors are significant to implement the project activities involving villager participation.
The second speaker, Ms. Phonekeo Vangna, Business development officer of Lao Farmer Network, presented the promotion of youth entrepreneurship which supports Lao youth by small grants to set up agriculture businesses. Selected youth will be trained how to write a business plan on their business ideas basis and will be awarded with a grant for winning proposals. For example, native pig farms, poultry farms, Vegetable shade houses and spring onion seed production.
The Last speaker, Mr. Thonglit Yoisaykham, from the PDDA of Xiengkhouang, shared fascinating agroecology activities done by PDDA to promote people with disabilities to access vocational training in order to develop an equal life in society. The sustainable agriculture production project by gender and disabled people participation is a part of PDDA activity which supports participants training to understand the role of gender, people with disabilities rights, agricultural policies, and tea and coffee plantation for agricultural commodities in sustainable methods. The project also provides seedlings and necessary facilities to participants to accomplish the project activities.
Throughout the discussion on this topic, many people have shared their ideas concerning agroecology challenges, promoting youth participation, building trust within the community, and so on. We would like you to encourage you to get involved in supporting similar initiatives or explore options for personal engagement in Lao agriculture and agroecology practices. Stay tuned for our next thematic talk.
- Presentations is available to download HERE
Video recorded is provide here: