Lancang-Mekong Countries Showcase Progress Toward Nutrition-Sensitive Agrifood Systems

Khon Kaen, Thailand – November 5, 2024 – With the conclusion of the ‘Promoting Sustainable and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Development in the Lancang-Mekong Countries’ project, beneficiaries from the six Lancang-Mekong countries showcased valuable outcomes and best practices in a Synthesis and Evaluation Workshop that demonstrated the project’s tangible benefits and practical impact on regional agriculture. Organized by the Mekong Institute (MI) with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the workshop marked the culmination of the year-long comprehensive regional training program that saw the implementation of country-specific action plans. 

Bringing together 28 participants, the workshop featured presentations from each Lancang-Mekong country, focusing on practical achievements and forward-looking strategies. 

In Cambodia, a workshop on nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems was organized to equip young leaders with knowledge and skills for promoting healthy food choices and combatting malnutrition in local communities.

A beef cattle breeding project in Yunnan Province in China improved breeding practices, boosted farmer income, and strengthened sustainable livestock production.

In Lao PDR, a study was done on the impact of fairtrade certification on coffee production. The study revealed significant improvements in income, food security, and environmental stewardship for certified farmers.

The need for climate-resilient practices was a key finding of an assessment done in Myanmar on groundnut production in the Central Dry Zone. The assessment also emphasized the importance of accessibility of resources to enhance crop yield and farmer resilience.

Thailand worked on an initiative to promote the low-sugar “Ghor-Khor 43” rice, fostering public health awareness and community participation to address the rise of non-communicable diseases.

Finally, in Viet Nam, a rice-shrimp farming model in the Mekong Delta integrated sustainable farming practices to balance ecological preservation and economic growth amidst climate challenges.

These country initiatives represent substantial progress in strengthening regional food systems and sustainable agricultural practices. Through shared learning and regional cooperation, the project has enabled diverse, nutrition-sensitive approaches to address food security challenges across the Lancang-Mekong countries.

Related News

Scroll to Top

Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.