Mrs Keoamphone Souvannaphoum (right) and Dr Saykham Souksanith display the signed MoUs.

CARE, AgCoTech launch livestock project to boost smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, October 17, 2025 — CARE International in Laos, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the private company AgCoTech, has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening livestock systems and improving rural livelihoods in northern Luang Prabang province.
The initiative, known as the Enhancing the Commercial Paravet Project (ECPPL), was officially launched through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Country Director of CARE International in Laos, Mrs Keoamphone Souvannaphoum, and the Deputy Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office, Dr Saykham Souksanith, who represented the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
The ECPPL project, funded by CARE Denmark and AgCoTech, aims to strengthen the livestock systems of smallholder farmers in Pakxeng district, one of the poorest districts in Luang Prabang province.
The initiative will develop and implement a commercial veterinary service model, ensuring men and women benefit from the programme.
The initiative will establish a robust monitoring system to measure its social impact and support the generation of Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), which will contribute to reducing global carbon emissions.
This comprehensive approach is designed to improve household income and food security for local communities, while contributing to broader environmental goals.
“The ECPPL project is a powerful example of integrated solutions - enhancing food security, improving the livelihoods and addressing environmental challenges,” said Mrs Keoamphone.
“By prioritising a gender-inclusive approach, we ensure that women, who are central to the livestock system, gain the skills and income needed to build household resilience.”
The project will operate in 26 villages in Pakxeng district from the approved date until December 31, 2026. The initiative is expected to directly benefit 14,641 people, including 7,137 women, and indirectly benefit another 9,861 people, including 8,235 women.
The project also strengthens a gender inclusive paravet system that contributes to women’s overall participation as paravets at different levels.
“This project represents a crucial step toward enhancing the capacity of our agricultural sector,” said Dr Say phone. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on local farmers and their families.”
CARE works globally to end poverty and achieve social justice. In Laos, CARE partners with communities, government agencies, civil society and the private sector to empower vulnerable populations - especially women and girls - through inclusive development and resilience-building.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update October 21, 2025)