From fins to feathers: the power of trial and error – January 2019 – By Lampheuy Kaensombath and Syphachan Vannasy – Fall down seven times, stand up eight This old Japanese proverb is meant to encourage people to see what many might call ‘failure’ as an opportunity to learn and grow. The CDAIS experience with

Scaling out pig production in Dong Kha to the district – January 2019 – By Lampheuy Kaensombath and Khamla Sengphaxaiyalath – Eight group members and two DAFO (government) staff spent a week in November 2018 in Vientiane learning to make sausages. Making sausages is not very difficult. Making good sausages is a little more difficult, but

Organic produce taking root in consumers’ minds – January 2019 –  As the Lao economy grows, so does demand for healthy food like organically grown fruits and vegetables. “We started a group to grow organic vegetables around 2012 and we tried again in 2015 with DAFO [government] support,” says Mrs Khammone, leader of the Tongmang

Nurturing agents of change in agricultural innovation “Donor funded projects usually work separately from the government,” says Oudong Keomipheth, Deputy Director of the Planning and Cooperation Division, NAFRI and CDAIS Country Project Manager . “But instead of setting up their own office or partnering with a national NGO, CDAIS has partnered with us, the government.”

From virtual reality to real-world change – using a simulation game to increase cooperation in a rice value chain I have been to many meetings about policy but never a meeting like this! The CDAIS simulation reflects the way people really work. You can see the real problems” says Mr Vixay Somchalern, head of the

Pig farmers building bridges to success “Working with CDAIS has given us not only knowledge and skills, but also the confidence to make connections with the government and other partners.” says Mrs Dao Sansihalath, member of the Xanakham women’s pig rearing group. “What we have learnt is practical and is helping us grow our business

Cattle producers blazing new trails Smallholder farmers the world over like to raise cattle if they can and those in Lao PDR are no exception. “Cattle are our savings bank,” says Mr Phokham Keomanivong, a member of the Ban Keun cattle production group. “If you need money for an emergency or a special event like

Sowing the seeds of an organic and nutritious future “We have changed already since CDAIS started working with us” said Mrs Khammone Luanglath. “Because of the project, we have for example divided our responsibilities within the group and our profits have increased.” The CDAIS project is working with a group of organic vegetable growers in

Diversifying rice production with frogs, fish and more “I have seen my income grow since I started farming frogs and fish” says Bounlium Planethavong, “but other farmers need support to adopt the techniques I use.” The CDAIS project identified this innovation that increases and diversifies household income and nutrition by promoting the production of aquatic