Phonsavan. -  The World Food Day in 2014 highlighted the key role of family and smallholder farmers in improving food security and nutrition, reducing poverty, and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production systems.

The celebrations on 16 October in Phonsavanh were led by H.E Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham, Vice-Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, H.E Mr. Douangchit Changxayvang, Vice-Governor of Xieng Khouang Province, and Dr. Stephen Rudgard, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  The events were co-sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The Government and the U.N agencies emphasized that family farmers represent a large majority of the agricultural production in Lao PDR, and make a critical contribution to the country's food security and rural development.  Over three quarters of the country's population is engaged in agriculture, and almost all of those are smallholders working on their family farms.

Family farms are the largest source of employment for Lao PDR, and the foundation of its rural economy. From generation to generation, family members transmit their traditional knowledge to safeguard and benefit from Lao PDR's rich biodiversity. This also puts them on the front line in defence against malnutrition.

"Almost fourteen years ago, Lao PDR achieved self-sufficiency in rice. This is a major milestone of the country achieved thanks to the hard work of farmer families." H.E Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham said.

Yet, family farmers remain vulnerable. The main speakers noted the challenges faced by Lao family farmers, including increasing costs of agricultural inputs, vulnerability to natural disasters due to climate change, and the lack of access to markets.  Not all agricultural systems in Lao PDR are sustainable.  These challenges sometimes make family members move away from agriculture, which can affect the viability of the farms.

"FAO is supporting the government to develop and implement policies that protect family farmers. The agency's technical knowledge is directly benefiting family farmers in many ways" said Mr. Rudgard.  He explained that FAO is supporting Lao family farmers with training and technology so that they can produce crops and livestock more safely, improve the quality of their produce, and access markets more easily.

The other two Rome-based agencies specialized in food and agriculture, IFAD and WFP, are playing complementary roles to support family farmers. "Working in partnership with the government, WFP improves the resilience of villages, supporting community development activities through the creation of common assets such as feeder roads, irrigation systems or community tree planting." Mr. Bradley Guerrant, WFP representative said. For IFAD, investing in family and smallholder farmers is at the center of their rural development efforts since 1980, when the organization started operations in Lao PDR.

The government and the three UN agencies asserted their commitment to work together to improve the livelihoods of family farmers.

About World Food Day and the International Year of Family Farming

World Food Day is celebrated on October 16 to mark the day on which the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was founded in 1945.

The UN General Assembly designated 2014 "International Year of Family Farming" to recognize the importance of family farming in reducing poverty and improving global food security.  The 2014 World Food Day theme – "Family Farming: Feeding the World, caring for the earth"- was chosen to raise the profile of family farming and smallholder farmers on their significant role in eradicating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development, in particular in rural areas.