Support to Integrated Irrigated Agriculture in two Districts of Bolikhamxay

What is the project about?

The SIRA project aimed to improved the overall livelihoods and food security of local communities in the two poorest districts of Bolikhamxay Province by supporting the development of irrigated agriculture and the community-based management of watershed resources such as forests and fisheries.  

The project, which was closed in June 2015, has benefited over 7,700 farmers, expanding rice cultivation from 150 hectares to 500 hectares in the dry season. This was accomplished by repairing three small irrigation schemes and established water, watershed, fishery and village forest management and user groups within the communities, which now serve to promote more sustainable management of watershed (the whole ecosystem supported by a water source such as a river that feeds into a marsh) resources.

The project improved shifting cultivation practices and promoted village forest management and diversification, guaranteeing economic and ecological sustainability for farmers despite increasing climate-change impacts. 

What did the project accomplish?

The SIRA project came to an end in June 2015 and achieved the following major outcomes:

  • The project had a positive impact on the communities in terms of improved food security and more sustainable livelihoods.
  • Water supply is now available in both wet and dry seasons for irrigating the area of the Nam Pou project in Bolikhan District and Namyang and Phondou projects in Viengthong District. 
  • Irrigation projects are co-managed by government authorities and the Water Users’ Association.
  • Agriculture production increased and diversified in the Nam Pou project in Bolikhan District and Namyang and Phondou projects in Viengthong District.
  • Improved Fisheries in the Nam Pou reservoir through establishment of fisheries co-management.
  • Technical and managerial capacity of provincial and district level government staff enhanced.
  • Achievements aligned with the objectives of the Seventh National Socio–Economic Development Plan (2011-2015), and the Agricultural Development Policy Framework of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.  
  • Implementation of the project by the Provincial Authorities important in testing and demonstrating transfer of responsibilities, functions and resources from central ministries to the provinces and onwards to the districts to increase ownership sustainability.

Quality check for one of the new irrigation structures for the Nam Sae irrigation sub-project in Viengthong District, Bolikhamxay Province. Photo: UNDP Lao PDR/Singha Ounniyom.

Project Documents