Many agricultural development projects in Lao PDR have demonstrated that linking farmers to market actors in order to contribute to farmers' empowerment and profit can neither rely only on the public service, nor exclusively on private sector: a multi-stakeholder approach is required. This has been recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), which has elaborated in 2011 a new strategy for extension, which is a “Breakthrough in Support for Small-Holder Farmers'” and is currently being adapted to the mandate of the recently created Department of Extension and Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC) in MAF.

This strategy foresees a greater role for farmers' organizations and the private sector in the provision of services.

The project is expected to contribute to poverty reduction, equitable development and food security in uplands through establishing an effective demand-driven pluralistic extension service delivery system, including self-determined and independent farmer organizations, to support gender inclusive, agriculture value chains. Expected project outcomes are: 1) Upland small farmers have better agricultural productivity and income through advisory services which meet their requirements and choices; 2) Self-determined and independent farmers' organizations are providing demand-oriented services to and facilitate transparent and fair market engagement of their members; 3) Demand-driven and gender inclusive advisory services are delivered by state and non-state actors, offering accountable services and promoting good agricultural practices; 4) The policy framework is more conducive for integration of smallholder farmers into value chains, which contributes to an open and pro-poor rural economy.

To achieve these outcomes, it is proposed that the project will apply different modalities (including the use of competitive small funds) and will consist of several components whose implementation can associate either the MAF and its provincial and district offices or specialized civil society organizations. The global management responsibility will be given to a mandate holder with the required experience and knowledge capable to lead the implementation in partnership with the DAEC of MAF. The project duration will be 10 years with a total budget of 18 million CHF.