Two minutes to healthy food all year round ‘’Today, I have more time to be with my grandchildren. This makes me happy.” Somphan Vongphachan, 62-year-old today, had to move with his family from their village 50 kilometres away, to Longkhean Village of Nalae District in 2017, because of a dam construction. “In my old village, I got up at 4 am every morning to walk to my field, a for 2 hours trip back and forth every day. Sometimes, I stayed in the forest for 2 or 3 days to hunt and forage for food. I did this for more than 50 years. Now, it’s all different!’’ Somphan smiles. With support from the Local Regional Procurement project, he learned various methods of improving soil fertility such as conservation farming to maximize the yield and was taught ways to manage vegetable crops in order to prevent diseases and pests. He was given vegetable seeds to help him start his garden.
Recently, Somphan, has started raising fish, frogs, chickens, ducks, and pigs. His living condition has improved significantly, as he doesn’t have to stay in the jungle for days. His garden is a two-minute walk from his home. He can access food all year long. Thus, he has more time to dedicate to his family and grandchildren.
