Agriculture

LCG has provided the teams of project implementation consultants for a number of research and development projects funded by ADB, IFAD, AFD, SDC and others, whose focus has been on the production of commercial and subsistence crops, large and small livestock, and aquaculture. Many of the projects also have formed and trained farmer groups to improve their production and marketing skills and methods. The projects have also included the provision of basic infrastructure such as rural roads, culverts and bridges, community buildings, and crop processing facilities.

Capacity and Institutional Building

We have professional experience in building the technical and managerial capacity of local government institutions, educational institutes and communities. Capacity building for involved national, provincial and district agencies is an integral part of virtually all of our development projects. Many projects also build local community capabilities through interest group formation and training.

Rural/Community Development

We have the capability to conduct surveys and assessments, as well as planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of rural and community development activities to ensure local involvement and project sustainability. Our approach is sensitive to the environmental, ethnic, livelihood, and gender needs.

Natural Resources

At least 40 percent of the world’s economy and 80 percent of the needs of the poor are derived from natural resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change. The preservation of natural resources has an important role in future economic development and in the welfare of national and international communities. LCG has participated in a number of natural resources management projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion that have been designed to conserve biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of communities living in conservation areas

Social and Environment Safeguards

LCG staff is fully conversant with the Social and Environmental Safeguards Policies of the Government of Lao PDR, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Group, and the multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies that support projects in Laos. LCG has conducted environmental impact assessments, and social census and assets surveys to support resettlement requirements for large infrastructure projects. Working with the diverse indigenous population of Laos has given our staff a comprehensive understanding of ethnic cultures and their importance in development planning.

Social and Environmental Surveys

LCG has extensive experience conducting social and environmental surveys, both as activities of larger projects and as stand-alone projects. To this end, we maintain a roster of trained local staff and consultants that we may call upon for specific survey work, and trainers who update our experienced survey workers and train new survey personnel according to the demands of each particular job. We also maintain connections with certified laboratories that perform analyses of water, soil and other samples taken in the field during our environmental surveys.

Climate Change

LCG recognises the importance of Climate Change adaptation and risk reduction measures to protect and improve the lives and livelihoods of rural and urban communities. Our staff is familiar with on-going impacts of Climate Change, particularly with the adverse impacts of flood and drought.

Gender and Development

Our staff is fully conversant with the importance of mainstreaming gender in all development projects and of making women’s as well as men’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic and societal spheres. This way, women and men benefit equally and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality