COVID-19 in Lao PDR: Impacts on Agriculture and Rural Advisory Services

Lao PDR has been fortunate in having very few cases of COVID-19.  Due to prompt action by the government there have been only 19 confirmed cases and no deaths by early May. Nevertheless, control measures have greatly impacted all sections of society due to loss of income and restricted access to goods. The lockdown that went into effect on 30th March is being now gradually lifted, thereby permitting greater movement and economic activity. Although many control measures will remain in place, border trade will depend on the decisions made by governments in neighbouring countries. Some reflections by Mr. Souvanthong Namvong, regional focal point of MELA, the Mekong Extension Learning Alliance, and one of GFRAS' sub-regional network can be read here.