Strengthening Food and Nutrition Security in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Two-thirds of people in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic live in rural areas, yet agriculture contributes less than one-fifth of gross domestic product. As such, farm incomes remain low and many lack access to safe and nutritious food sufficient to meet dietary needs and risk falling into poverty and food insecurity. Food insecurity has risen to as many as one-in-ten households, with most food-insecure households dependent on rice farming and lacking educational attainment. Gender, household size, and livelihood are also important determinants in whether one is food insecure. Long-term food security challenges relate to agricultural productivity, market infrastructure, and climate factors. In addition, food security is diminished by macroeconomic instability that has elevated inflation and limited fiscal space for investing in health and education services which manifests in high rates of malnutrition. This multidimensional challenge calls for integrated solutions that strengthen foundations for a food and nutrition secure future.