Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Agriculture (2014-2016).

The Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in Agriculture was developed at the request of the Government of Lao PDR through a process of consultation and engagement led by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), with technical and facilitation support provided by FAO. The plan was designed to guide the implementation of a proactive approach to DRRM within the agricultural sector over a period of three years (2014–2016) to contribute to the achievement of the following long-term vision for DRRM in agriculture: Prevent and reduce the impacts from natural disasters and climate change on farming communities and the agricultural sectors, and contribute to enhanced resilience of livelihoods for sustainable and fair food and nutrition security in Lao PDR. The Plan of Action is a tool for translating the vision of DRRM in agriculture into doable actions, and thus contributes to ensuring that sustainable, food secure and climate-proofed DRRM interventions contribute to the resilience of farming communities and the agricultural sectors in Lao PDR. It builds on existing institutional mechanisms and mandates to systematically address the impacts of natural and biological disasters (including climate change) on agriculture, livestock, fisheries/aquaculture and forestry. It will catalyse links between DRRM, CCA and sustainable NRM, and reinforce agricultural development with a strong institutional basis for implementation.
The objectives of the Plan of Action are: 1. The immediate objectives of the plan over the next three years are to: 2. Ensure that DRRM will be fully integrated into the planning for sustainable agricultural development, and fosters synergies with related polices and strategies at all levels. 3. Strengthen capacities of institutions and communities for enhanced planning, coordination and implementation of DRRM activities for food and nutrition security. 4. Raise awareness and provide information, including on indigenous knowledge on sustainable environmental management and DRRM, and promote education at all levels to strengthen resilience and reduce disaster risks. The Plan of Action for DRRM in Agriculture is designed along the five Priority Areas of the HFA including: Strengthening good governance, institutional and technical capacities for DRRM and CCA in agriculture. 1. Assessing and monitoring climate risks and vulnerabilities and issuing early warnings for food and nutrition security and transboundary threats. 2. Improving knowledge management, awareness raising and education on DRRM, climate change impacts and adaptation. 3. Reducing underlying risks and vulnerabilities by promoting technical options and community-based planning for DRRM/CCA in the agriculture sector. 4. Enhancing capacities, facilities and procedures for effective disaster preparedness and response, and integrate climate change adaptation in recovery initiatives.
The following principles guide its implementation to ensure inclusiveness, ownership, continuity and a balanced value-added for all stakeholders: 1. Build on and seek synergies with existing processes, strategies, projects, tools and capacities. 2. Connect national and local priorities and implementation approaches. 3. Focus on support to enhance resilience of smallholder farmers and communities most vulnerable to hazards and threats. 4. Apply landscape and agro-ecosystems perspectives to implementation. 5. Link short- to medium- and long-term targets. 6. Ensure equal participation of concerned stakeholders and the public in planning and implementation processes. 7. Provide supportive collaboration across agriculture sectors to fulfil respective roles. 8. Give priority to information sharing and public awareness. 9. Ensure the continuous allocation of financial resources for DRR. 10. Build mechanisms for monitoring, follow-up, evaluation and feedback.