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Needs and potential for rural youth development in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Year of publication 2006

Pages 52

Author Nielsen, A.; Chanhsomphou, V.

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title RAP Publication

Series number 1020-6221|1014-2789|18194591|0428-9560

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In recent years much international attention has focused on the plight of youth, many of whom live in abject poverty with minimal education and opportunities. Data indicate that almost one in five young persons – 18 percent of the 1 158 million 15 to 24 year olds worldwide – survive on less than US$1 per day while as many as 45 percent live on less than US$2 per day. The situation in Asia and the Pacific is even graver, especially in rural locations where the majority of the population in the re gion live. The mission of FAO’s rural youth programme is to provide rural youth with the tools and support they need to become healthy individuals and take part in the fight against hunger in their communities. To be effective such efforts must be guided by accurate data on rural youth which are lacking in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. To address this information gap the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific collaborated with local partners to conduct a study on rural youth based on interviews with relevant officials, surveys and group discussions with youth in seven villages in two provinces. The findings indicate that there is considerable potential to generate cash income from farming if youth are taught new techniques, how to grow new crops and how to sell their produce locally. Rural youth are open minded and have ideas on how to improve their situation. But they need basic support such as financial aid and improved knowledge and skills. This report provides recomm endations on policies and programmes targeting rural youth, education, employment opportunities and access to credit and funding.

Language English

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