The results of the baseline survey of the Local development programme are in

The Local development programme (LDP), jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance and LuxDev, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its 2024 baseline survey. Conducted across four provinces in Laos, the survey sheds light on key development challenges and opportunities, laying the groundwork for more targeted and inclusive interventions.

The 2024 baseline survey of the LDP was conducted across all 226 target villages, 17 districts, in 4 provinces: Bokeo, Khammouane, Bolikhamxay and Vientiane. This effort was carried out by provincial and district-level public servants together with LuxDev staff, over a period of more than two months.

The results provide valuable insights into the current state of local development and set the foundation for future progress. Key findings include:

• access to clean water: many rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing safe and reliable water sources;
• education services: there is a need to enhance both the quality and inclusiveness of education, ensuring that no child is left behind;
• infrastructure maintenance: small-scale infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation systems, requires more regular upkeep to remain functional and beneficial;
• women’s voices in development: the survey revealed a pressing need to better engage women in local development planning and decision-making processes.

These insights will guide the LDP’s strategic interventions and resource allocation, ensuring that programme activities are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. Through collaborative efforts, the LDP remains committed to improving the well-being of the Lao people, leaving no one behind on the path towards inclusive and sustainable development.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the government of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.