Water

Exploring opportunities to expand groundwater use for livelihood enhancement and climate change adaptation in Laos

Mrs. Pheng waters her garden in Ekxang Village (Photo: Madeline Dahm)
Image
Map of Laos

Overview

This project aimed to explore the opportunities for sustainable development of groundwater resources within the three major aquifer typologies of Southern Laos for improved livelihoods and climate resilience. 

Earlier ACIAR research, particularly LWR/2010/081, examined opportunities to sustainably develop groundwater in Laos to enhance food security, livelihoods and support climate resilient farming systems. The research found substantial promise for groundwater development in Laos. However, further work is needed to better understand how groundwater irrigation can support agricultural development in drought-prone Southern Laos. This project will examine the three most promising aquifer typologies in the lowlands of Southern Laos.

Project outcomes

  • Determining the potential to develop groundwater for irrigation and how this would benefit livelihoods and climate resilience in Southern Laos.
  • Understanding how groundwater planning and development is practiced in Southern Laos and what the major gaps are.
  • Discovering how groundwater pumping can be made more profitable to smallholder farmers through solar power and what the major constraints are.