Micro-credit for disadvantaged farmers in Laos

Micro-credit and Biodiversity Protection Project for Coffee/Durian Farmers. SEDA is cooperating with the 4 villages and the Lao Govt. Department of Agriculture in the Lao Ngarm District of Salavanh Province for a project aimed at protecting biodiversity while helping coffee and durian farmers receive fair prices for their products. Farmers in this area practice intercropping with durian and coffee so their harvests are constantly cycling for income year-round. SEDA will implement workshops focused on biodiversity, sales and marketing so farmers can reach the upscale markets their products are suited for. Micro-credit will provide farmers with the funding they need for packaging. SEDA’s founder and management team recently visited the farmers to be sure that this project will reach the goals. This ongoing project will promote biodiversity and enhance entrepreneurship. The ultimate goal is for the farmers to achieve independent and sustainable income.

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. As the rain has been delayed in August, the donation of fingering has been also delayed. Only the In Ban Ha Long village has water, director of agriculture in Attappeu reported “Only our village has mother nature support”. After inspection he is sure that there is enough water and the fingering can donate in late August. SEDA is heading to south coming week to order 26,600 fingerlings for typhoon victims and disadvantaged farmers in Attappeu. There are over 600 people who will benefit from this project.