A training on the farmer information needs assessment (FINA) approach and tools took place at the Lao-Korea Agriculture Training and Development Centre at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC) in Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) on 30th March 2022. The training was well attended with 17 in-person participants from the national DAEC staff and the Lao Korea Development Centre as well as over 20 virtual participants from DAEC's wide network of provincial staff. FAO collaborated with regional experts from the Centre for Research on Science and Innovation Policy (CRISP) to organize and implement this training.

The training was opened and closed with excellent remarks from Mr. Sopha Sitthisom, Deputy Director General of DAEC and Project Steering Committee Member for the TAP-AIS project. The training consisted of a series of short presentations, guided discussions and practical group work, during which participants learned in an interactive manner about the importance of systematic assessment of farmer needs, the approaches and tools used to conduct such an assessment and good practices. This training was the first step of capacity development support provided by the TAP-AIS project to strengthen DAEC's capacity to provide services that are demand-driven and more responsive to the farmers’ needs.

In the next steps supported by CRISP and FAO, the trainees from DAEC will conduct a needs assessment with farmers in the field and analyze results to respond to identified farmer needs e.g. through targeted information products. Through this wholistic approach of participatory learning, DAEC staff bring their own rich experiences to the table and with support from CRISP and FAO experts will strengthen their capacities to better respond to farmer needs. Strengthened extension services provided by DAEC will in turn empower Lao farmers to innovate in order to improve their livelihoods and climate resilience.