Oxfam Aotearoa supported a programme in Lao PDR from 16 June 2022 – 31 October 2023 that focussed on vulnerable communities, especially women, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Vientiane Capital, Vientiane, Oudomxay, Xayaburi and Bokeo Provinces ensuring they were able to cope with the worst economic impacts of the pandemic and enhance their livelihoods resilience. The extended and expanded programme, supported with $2 million from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will include a component delivering cash transfers for inclusive and participatory community projects. Small-scale business capacity building and strengthening livelihoods support, especially to vulnerable communities.
This partnership with MFAT on a livelihoods and business support programme in Lao PDR, which began as a Covid-19 relief initiative, has evolved into a multi-year commitment, demonstrating New Zealand’s and Oxfam’s strong dedication to building communities’ climate resilience by supporting resilient livelihoods and strengthening women’s participation in local businesses.
Essential Cash & Livelihood project
This support programme provides crucial assistance to communities facing severe economic challenges exacerbated by various factors, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related disasters.
Through this initiative, Oxfam delivered cash transfers to vulnerable households, enabling them to meet their immediate needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Additionally, the program focuses on supporting livelihoods through training in sustainable agricultural practices, vocational skills development, and access to markets. By enhancing economic resilience and empowering communities to manage their own recovery, Oxfam seeks to build long-term stability and reduce vulnerability in Lao PDR.
Over the past year, your support has played a vital role in transforming lives across Laos, a country where many families continue to face immense challenges due to economic instability and climate change. Together, we’ve reached some of the most vulnerable communities, delivering hope and resilience to those in need.
Bringing Life-Changing Support to Rural Villages
Thanks to the incredible collaboration between Oxfam, our dedicated partners, and the generous funding from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok and MFAT, New Zealand, we’ve been able to provide crucial support to 102 villages spanning 16 districts in 4 provinces and 1 capital of Laos. This has meant training local leaders, empowering women, and distributing essential livelihood packages. Through this initiative, we’ve reached 75,635 people, including 16,662 vulnerable individuals, ensuring they have the resources to build a better future.
Empowering Households through Cash Transfers
One of the most impactful ways we’ve supported these communities is through direct cash transfers. This year, we reached 2,200 households in 129 villages, providing them with the means to improve their livelihoods. Families used these funds to purchase essentials like rice, invest in livestock, start small gardens, or support their children’s education. These cash transfers have not just met immediate needs but have also sown the seeds for long-term sustainability. For many, this has meant being able to buy food, improve household income, and invest in small businesses.
Creating Opportunities for Women
Women in rural Laos often carry a double burden of household responsibilities and income generation. To ensure their voices are heard, we’ve focused on empowering women to take active roles in community decision-making. We’ve trained 400 community grant committee members, with women making up 50% of these leaders. We’re proud to see women stepping into leadership roles, driving community projects, and showcasing their achievements through social media and local networks.
Building a Resilient Future
As we move forward, we’re committed to ensuring the sustainability of our efforts. By March 2025, we aim to complete all project activities, including business planning training for micro-enterprises and finalising essential infrastructure improvements. Our ongoing coordination with government and CSO partners remains strong, setting the stage for an even greater impact in the months to come.
Your support has been instrumental in bringing these achievements to life. Together, we’re not just delivering aid — we’re empowering communities to shape their own futures. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.
Community-Led Growth
At the heart of our work is the belief that communities know best what they need to thrive. That’s why we focused on a “train the trainer” approach, empowering local leaders to pass on valuable skills in participatory planning and decision-making.
Our community grants programme has also made significant strides. We’re currently supporting 109 grants aimed at enhancing infrastructure in areas like public health, education, and agriculture, with 60% of projects already underway. We’ve seen micro-enterprises flourish, with 40 members (28 of them women) establishing goat-raising groups, gaining technical skills, and building sustainable income streams.
Laos has faced a tough economic climate, with inflation reaching 25% this year, driving up the cost of basic necessities. Many families continue to struggle with rising prices for food, medicine, and fuel. Yet, despite these challenges, our project team has shown remarkable resilience. By procuring materials locally and adapting to supply chain issues, we’ve managed to deliver support where it’s needed most.
Climate change also poses significant risks, with communities facing more frequent and intense storms and flooding. We’re taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks, ensuring that our work not only addresses immediate needs but also builds long-term resilience.
meet Chansouk
Chansouk owns a convenience store in his village of Nam Ngow. He lives with a degenerative eye condition that prevents him from working most other jobs, but has built a flourishing business with his wife, Soua, to help support his young family. Oxfam’s livelihoods programme provided him with cash transfers that he used to add support beams and a corrugated tin roof to his shop, so that it can stay open during the rainy season. He has big plans for further expanding his business by applying for a small community grant through Oxfam’s extended programme. The extended and expanded programme, supported with $2 million from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will include a component delivering cash transfers for inclusive and participatory community projects that will provide small-scale business capacity building, especially to vulnerable communities.
