A week-long workshop on collecting and analysing sex-disaggregated data began in Vientiane on 09 November 2009. The training was opened by Dr. Bounthong Bouahom, Permanent Secretary’s Office, and Mr. Serge Verniau, FAO Representative to Lao PDR.

“National socio-economic development planning must be supported by sound sex-disaggregated data across all policy areas. However, it is important to remember that sex-disaggregated data alone is not enough. We also need to analyze and understand the underlying cultural, economic, social and political factors that are part of the structural reasons for why human development indicators for men and women are not equal” Mr. Verniau said in his opening remarks.

“In many cases, data collection tools do not yet take into account a gender perspective and the methodologies are not standardized. This leads to data that is neither gender sensitive, nor comparable.”

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Mr Vongtavanh Chiemsisoulath is the winner of a 150,000 kip food basket. He became the lucky winner after having answered correctly to four questions related to insects and insect farming. Mr. Chiemsisoulath, 58, participated in the insect quiz at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) booth at the World Food Day and Poverty Eradication Week expo that was held at the Cultural Hall in Vientiane from 16 to 18 October. 

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FAO has organized web pages to support the collection and sharing of basic geo-spatial data, in particular satellite imagery, to conduct analysis for validating and assessing flood impact on population, natural resources and agriculture in the areas affected by Typhoon Ketsana.

At the moment, Landsat scenes and mosaics (2000 and 2005) have been uploaded for distribution.

FAO has also requested the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to trigger the activation of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters to support the damage assessment and response efforts related to Typhoon Ketsana in Lao DPR.

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Vientiane: The United Nations is stepping up its response to last week’s typhoon in southern Lao PDR, sending food, water and hygiene supplies to communities hit hardest by the devastating storm and floods.

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NEW FAO PROJECT HELPS LAO PDR CONSERVE AND SUSTAIN PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES

A new FAO project that was signed on 30 September 2009 in Vientiane supports the Lao PDR in strengthening its activities related to information on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Capacity Building and Enhanced Regional Collaboration for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources in Asia project will be put into action by the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute NAFRI.

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SMALLHOLDER LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS TO BENEFIT FROM INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT PROJECT 

An innovative project that aims at strengthening the capacity in animal production and veterinary services in Lao PDR was launched on Friday in Vientiane capital. H.E. Dr. Bounkhouang Khambounheuang Director General of Livestock and Fisheries and Mr. Serge Verniau FAO Representative to Lao PDR spoke at the opening.

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A two day meeting for senior food safety risk managers and scientific advisors was held in Vientiane on 21–22 September 2009 to prioritise food safety problems and discuss decision-making strategies for their effective control. The meeting was opened by Dr. Bounkouang Phichit, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Health. In his opening remarks Dr. Phichit stressed the importance of education, training and science to strengthen food handling and storage practices by farmers, processors and consumers. Dr. Phichit stated that food safety is a priority issue for the Government of Laos.  

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