24/12/2025
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐠𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭
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From December 17-19, 2025, the Agriculture for Nutrition Project Phase II (AFN II) organized a comprehensive three-day training course on food processing and preservation for village facilitators in Nga District, Oudomxay Province. The training targeted participants from five villages: Mai, Na Khok, Keo, Mok Loy, and Khone Thui, bringing together 25 participants (14 women) to strengthen their capacity in sustainable food production and preservation techniques.
The training was officially opened by Mr. Somphone Phanthasith, Deputy Head of the District Agriculture and Environment Office and AFN II Project District Coordinator, alongside Ms. Bouavone Phasouk, Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) Office in Oudomxay Province. The course featured experienced trainers from the provincial-level WFP office and technical staff from key district-level sectors, including the District Women's Union, District Health Office, and District Agriculture and Environment Office, ensuring a multisectoral approach to knowledge transfer.
During the hands-on training sessions, participants learned to prepare six traditional and nutritious food products: beef jerky, pumpkin chips, Som Moo Ton (Lao fermented pork sausage), Jeo Pa Daek Haeng (Lao dried fish dip), crispy pork rinds, and baked banana. These products were selected for their nutritional value, market potential, and cultural relevance to local communities.
Upon successful completion of the practical assessments, 15 trainees (including 10 women) were officially awarded training certificates. These facilitators are now tasked with acting as focal points within their respective communities.
The training concluded with a strategic planning session where trainers and participants outlined a Village-Level Implementation Plan. This next phase will focus on transferring these preservation techniques to broader community members, ensuring that the benefits of the AFN2 project reach the household level to improve long-term food security and resilience.