SEDA is in the process of collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture on the Medium Term Cooperation Program for Capacity Building for Farmer’s Organizations in Asia. We will be engaging in research to create systems of leadership among farmers in order to increase their standing in the Lao P.D.R. Ultimately this project will lead to collaboration among leaders in farmer’s organizations in ten countries in southeast Asia. As Laos does not currently have a national farmer’s organization, this project is vital to give a national and international voice to issues facing farmers today.

MTCP meeting to discuss farmer's organizations.

The female weavers participating in our micro-credit pilot project recently dropped off their latest batch of handmade fabrics. The project is now morphing into a long-term one, with the participants currently developing small groups and group policies. SEDA will continue to provide promotion and marketing for the weavers. Interested in purchasing some beautiful Lao fabric handmade using traditional methods and organic dyes? Contact SEDA for pricing.

Please visit Global Giving to show your support for these women:

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/lao-weaving-artisans-micro-credit-project/

New fabrics from our talented artisans.

SEDA’s founder/ chief executive recently visited the farmers participating in our fingerling fish micro-credit program. Due to low rains early in the rainy season the ponds don’t currently have enough water to hold fish. SEDA is still trying to raise sufficient funds to get this project to truly grow legs. Please visit Global Giving to show your support for these disadvantaged farmers:

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/micro-credit-for-disadvantaged-farmers-in-laos/

Fingerling breeding ponds await sufficient rain

SEDA was recently part of a group of 27 NPAs working together to increase opportunities for their organizations. These Lao non-profits linked up to discuss how to network with one another to increase communication with donors and development agencies. Among the topics discussed were the UN Civil Society Platform which will open 10 seats for NPAs and an upcoming ASEAN Civil Society Forum to be held in Vietnam. The groups present at the meeting will continue to stay connected to share information and report to one another. SEDA and the other NPAs present hope to reach out to more Lao NPAs in order to further expand networking opportunities.

SEDA’s founder/director had the unique opportunity to give a presentation on climate change entitled “Building Resilience Against Vulnerability” during an event at the Food Security Forum in the Philippines. Ms. QuachAngkham highlighted the vulnerability of sensitive populations of people in a changing climate. Her presentation included the detrimental effect of chemical agriculture on soil and ways to help communities build resistance. Her presentation was followed up with group workshops to discuss the problems presented. This event was a great opportunity to further SEDA’s mission of disseminating information about issues facing the poorest people of Laos. For more on the day’s activities, please follow this link:

http://investmentforumcsosideevent.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-1-updates-cso-side-event.html

Ms. QuachAngkham explaining the effects of climate change on poor populations

SEDA’s founder and director recently had the exciting opportunity to head to Manila, Philippines to share SEDA’s message and meet with new donors. Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosted the international forum in Manila to discuss issues of food security in a changing world. The forum was a place for civil society organizations (CSOs) such as SEDA to collaborate with private investors. FAO and IFAD were present as donors for the event. The forum featured government investors discussing which countries they should invest in for food security, and how to increase the standing of small farm holders. Concerns surrounding climate change were central to the discussion. The event was an important step as SEDA continues to increase its focus on issues of agricultural development, climate change, and food security.

CSO leaders in a panel discussion at the Food Security Forum