News

Report on Food Insecurity in the Lao PDR Released

A new report, released by the National Statistics Center (NSC) of Laos shows that 17% of the population living in urban areas and 25% of those in rural areas are undernourished. Indeed, statistics show that 23 % of the population in the Lao PDR was suffering from food deprivation in 2002/3.

The Summary Report “Food Insecurity Assessment” available in English and Lao, is based on food consumption data collected in the 2002/2003 Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey (LECS III). A preliminary report was presented at a national seminar in April 2007, where results were discussed with national policy makers and other key stakeholders.

High Rates of Food Deprivation

Statistics show that in that time period, the national average daily dietary energy consumption was 2090 kcal per person. Nationwide, the average daily dietary energy consumption of the food deprived population was about 1401 kcal – practically a reducing diet. Thus, an additional 237 kcal per day would be necessary for the food insecure population to reach the minimum dietary energy of 1638 kcal. An additional 452 kilocalories would be necessary to reach the average dietary energy consumption of 2090 kcal.

At the national level, the prevalence of critical food poverty was around 18 %. This means that almost one in 5 people did not have enough income to buy the necessary food to meet the daily minimum energy requirement of 1638 kilocalories.

Carbohydrates contributed to 73 % of total dietary energy of the diet, followed by protein and, to a lesser extent, fat. Consumption of fats is low according to WHO guidelines for a balanced diet. Cereals contribute to 76% and meat to 12% of the dietary energy consumption of households in rural areas. These fall to 65% and 8% in urban areas.

Preparatory Work and Training

As part of the preparatory work for the report, training was provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Statistics division, with support from the EC-FAO Food Security Programme, in analyzing food consumption data related to food insecurity and poverty. The FAO also provided technical assistance in identifying country specific needs, organizing data files and finalizing the report.

Contacts

Ms. Anne Nielsen
Food Security Information Officer
FAO Representation, Vientiane
E-mail: Anne.Nielsen@fao.org

Mr. Yavang Vachoima
Deputy Director General of the National Statistics Center

October 15, 2007