The first policy dialogue event of the TAP-AIS Project in Lao PDR on Strengthening the Agricultural Innovation System for Sustainable Transformation of the Agri-Food System was organized virtually during the celebration of the World Food Day event and International Day and National Week for the Eradication of Poverty 2021 on 25 October 2021. The event was co-chaired by Mr. Thongphath Vongmany (Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), Ms. Sara Sekkenes (UN Resident Coordinator) and Mr. Nasar Hayat (FAO Country Representative) and was attended by more than 400 participants from relevant ministries, farmers, academia, development partners, CSOs, private sector organizations and embassies. The policy dialogue was moderated by Dr. Chansamone Phongoudom (Deputy Director General of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute). Four panelists participated in the discussion: Mr. Nasar Hayat (FAOR), Mr. Somxay Sisanon (DG of the Department of Technical Extension and Agro-Processing), Mr. Khammoun Xaymany (President of Lao Farmer Network) and Mr. Bounthieng Rattanavong (Vice President of Agri-Business Association).

The objective of this policy dialogue was to increase a shared understanding of agricultural innovation systems in Lao PDR and identify opportunities to strengthen innovation processes through policy development. The issue of multi-stakeholder coordination was highlighted in the discussion. This policy dialogue also served the purpose of determining a way forward for the TAP-AIS project policy dialogue series, which will continue with several more policy dialogue events next year.

This policy dialogue shared findings from the assessment of the agricultural innovation system in Lao PDR (full report available here) and a pathway to strengthen multi-stakeholder coordination to support agriculture innovation.

Panelists discussed and provided recommendations on ways to strengthen coordination among actors (such as organizations from the public, private and non-profit sector), simplify procedures for the import of new technologies (especially machinery) for agricultural production and the export of agricultural products. Coordination among different actors should be improved through a clear focus to do so, and a potential mechanism in place to facilitate this – actors could effectively coordinate to strengthen the capacity of farmers through forming production groups and associations, developing agriculture models and good practices. As farmers’ capacities improve so does their productivity which can benefit the whole Lao economy by generally minimizing reliance on imports and increasing exports of agricultural products.

Participants also recognized how important it is to promote and support women and youth, who are often the ultimate innovators. Particularly youth including new graduates who have better education and access to new information and technologies. One way to encourage innovation is to organize a competition on agricultural innovation at different levels throughout the country. However, there is a need to improve the policy enabling environment including policy implementation and enforcement to promote and support agricultural products based on market demands.