Laos is one of the least developed countries recognized by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP). About 16.5% of the population (2016-2018) is undernourished and 51.2% (2017) does not have access to a nutrient adequate diet. Rice consumption is high in Laos, but protein intake is low, contributing to the high rate of stunting among children under 5 years old. JIRCAS, in collaboration with the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute of Laos (NAFRI) and Faculty of Agriculture, the National University of Laos (NUoL), has conducted research from 2016-2020 to address inadequate protein intake in rural Laos. The results showed that the rural areas have a larger gap between actual and required protein intake. In order to fill this gap, we have clarified the usefulness of continuous utilization of fish and aquatic animal resources available in rural areas and the use of fish as a fermented food. We also developed techniques for fish culture of native fish species in rice paddies and ponds. These results have now been compiled into an animation video and made available on the JIRCAS Channel.
This video was produced with narration in Lao language so that it could be viewed by people in rural Laos. English captions were also included to make it accessible to the Lao government and international development agencies. It is expected that the video will be used to educate farmers about protein intake at farmers' meetings, as well as by the Lao government and international development agencies when formulating their policies.