Laos: Develop an Alternative to Opium Production

USAID works to enhance the economic livelihoods of poor rural farmers in villages in northern Laos. By providing technical assistance and needed inputs to develop silk production as an income generation activity, the program provides a viable economic alternative to opium production. The program promotes formation of village clusters, where producers and buyers can benefit from further reductions in marketing costs while raising the quality of silk yarn and textiles. The program also introduces microfinance through savings and lending groups.