Capacity building for agricultural extension team in the Lao PDR

Through the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme, the Department of Agriculture Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC) is expanding access to quality agricultural extension services across Lao PDR. By building the skills of extension personnel and equipping them to train others, the programme is bringing practical knowledge closer to farmers, particularly in underserved rural areas.

In line with its mandate, the DAEC cooperates with relevant government departments and development partners to design and implement capacity building programmes that strengthen the capacity of agricultural extension personnel at central, provincial, district and village levels. 

One of the ways it does this is via a cascading Training of Trainers (ToT) model : provincial and district extension staff are trained as trainers, who subsequently deliver training directly to farmers at the community level.

The DAEC works with the STAF programme, with the objective of expanding access to extension services, in particular farmer training, in rural and remote areas. The programme supports the DAEC to :

1. identify market relevant commodities through rapid market assessments in target locations (Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane and Vientiane Province);
2. revise and/or develop short training courses and training materials, including digital resources;
3. strengthen the capacity of extension personnel through ToT.

To date, the DAEC has trained 168 trainers in sustainable cassava cultivation, poultry raising, native pig raising and fish raising, who now provide training to farming communities. Since 2024, the trainers have delivered 90 courses for over 2,100 farmers. 

Ms Nathong VONGPASERTH, an extension officer from the District Agriculture and Environment Office in Paktha District, Bokeo Province, shared her experience :

By continuing to invest in the ToT approach, the DAEC is strengthening the quality and outreach of agricultural extension services, ensuring that up-to-date and relevant knowledge reaches even the most disadvantaged rural communities.

The six-year (2023–2028) STAF programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.