Workshop on Livelihood Diversification and Entrepreneurship for Small-Scale Inland Fisheries Holds in Vientiane, Lao PDR

SEAFDEC/IFRDMD successfully organized the Workshop on Livelihood Diversification and Entrepreneurship for Small-Scale Inland Fisheries from 1 to 3 April 2026 at Vientiane, Lao PDR. The workshop formed part of the project entitled “Improving Fishers’ Livelihood and Fisheries Co-management in Inland and Coastal Small-Scale Fisheries,” which is supported by the Japan Trust Fund VII (JTF VII) for 2025–2029. The activity was designed to enhance the capacity of fisheries officers to support livelihood diversification, entrepreneurship development, and community-based fisheries management in target inland fisheries areas.
The workshop highlighted several important challenges faced by small-scale inland fisheries communities, including limited market access, inadequate financial accessibility, lack of livelihood diversification, and insufficient gender inclusion. It also emphasized the need to improve awareness of fisheries resource management and to strengthen the adaptive capacity of local communities in response to climate change and environmental pressures.
Through this workshop, SEAFDEC continues its support to Member Countries in implementing these important regional and international frameworks. Within this broader context, SEAFDEC/IFRDMD is currently piloting integrated approaches in Nam Xouang Reservoir, Lao PDR, which combine livelihood diversification with co-management in order to enhance the resilience of inland fisheries. Strengthening the capacity of fisheries officers and local stakeholders is expected to improve decision-making, strengthen market linkages, and encourage compliance with sustainable practices, thereby supporting continued production and local food security.
A total of 15 participants joined the workshop. These included two resource persons, namely Dr. Ema Hastarini from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia and Ms. Sophaphone Dalaseng from the Institute of Education Administration Development. The participants also included one staff member from Phonhong Province, two staff members from Phonhong District, one staff member from Naxaithong Province, two staff members from Naxaithong District, six staff members from the Department of Livestock and Fisheries of Lao PDR, and one representative from SEAFDEC/IFRDMD.
The workshop was officially opened with remarks by Ms. Souvany Phommakone, Director of Fisheries Division, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of strengthening inland fisheries livelihoods through practical and collaborative approaches. Over the three-day program, participants engaged in discussions and learning sessions on entrepreneurship, market opportunities, and strategies to support more resilient livelihoods for small-scale inland fisheries communities.
As part of the workshop, a field visit was conducted on 3 April 2026 to the Yodxouang Women’s Fish Processing Group in Phonhong District. The field activity provided participants with an opportunity to observe local fish processing practices, learn from women-led community initiatives, and better understand how fisheries-based enterprises can contribute to livelihood diversification and local economic development.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Akhane Phomsouvanh, SEAFDEC Council Director for Lao PDR, who expressed appreciation to all speakers, organizers, and participants for their active contribution. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in supporting sustainable inland fisheries and improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities in Lao PDR and the wider region.