What can we do to ensure food security and good nutrition?

Food is essential for human survival but, besides sustaining us, food must be nutritious, and grown in sufficient quantities. With global food security under threat, we need to create a world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to nutritious food. To mark World Food Day, Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on food production in Laos.

 
Ms Katay Chanthavong, an employee in Phongsaly province: As we know, eating a balanced and nutritious diet keeps us healthy. The food and drink we eat must be clean and of good quality. Now we are facing many problems around food security and the price of food keeps rising. I think the government is doing more to support agricultural production, including placing a greater emphasis on “green food”. But some farmers are not interested in reducing their use of chemicals, which is dangerous both for them and for consumers. I know they need to grow enough to meet market demand but they should also consider consumers’ health. I think farmers should try to grow more clean and organic food.
 
Mr Manothai, a resident of Sisattanak district, Vientiane: More people work in agriculture than any other sector so I don’t really understand why so much of our food is imported. Maybe we lack the technical expertise to grow enough. I think the government should provide more support for agriculture and train farmers in modern and more efficient methods, especially during these times of climate change, which is affecting food production. It is essential that farmers keep up with changes so they can grow more food. They also need to change their thinking concerning clean food production so that the food we eat is healthier.
 
Ms Pathomma, a government official in Vientiane province: It seems farmers don’t understand the concept of sustainable agriculture. They continue to grow their crops in the same way they’ve always done, focussing on monoculture, which leads to oversupply at some times of the year and shortages at other times. And when a lot of the same vegetables are grown, prices plummet. Farmers in Laos should switch from subsistence farming to commercial production, as this would boost yields and make us less reliant on imported food.
  
Mr Bee, a government official in Vientiane: I have read about the many children in Laos who suffer from stunted growth and insufficient weight gain, which occurs in undernourished communities, especially in remote areas. Of course, many villages in remote areas lack road access so people have trouble getting healthy food and clean water. I think people in these places should be taught how to produce food that is suitable for the prevailing weather conditions and terrain. This would mean they have more to eat all year round and ensure everyone can get safe food in sufficient quantities. Rural communities also need better access to clean water, and information about hygiene and health care so they can live more healthily.
 
Ms Nidsakhone, a government official in Vientiane province: Farmers use a lot of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which leads to chemical contamination. They need to change their ways in this regard to help prevent illness and unprofitable yields. The authorities should encourage farmers to change their production processes so that we can be more assured of food security and clean food. In addition, the government should do more to solve problems when there is an oversupply or farmers can’t find markets for their crops.
 
Mr Sone Siyaphat, a resident of Vientiane: As the population grows, food production must also increase to ensure everyone gets the nutrients they need. I think farmers need more training and support in the provision of equipment and other things they need to boost yields. This will lead to more and better crops and result in greater food security. In addition, the government should encourage people to change their eating habits. Food should be stored for future consumption and the things we eat must constitute a balanced diet, especially in rural areas.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update October 18, 2022)