Factors Influencing Capacity Building for Livestock Development in Lao PDR: Strategies to Improve Outcomes for Rural Development

Farmers in Lao PDR rely on government, non-government and private organisations for agricultural advice and support for livestock development. Improving the knowledge and skills of extension staff working with rural communities is a key goal of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This paper presents a study of the factors influencing capacity building of livestock extension staff in Lao PDR. Quantitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Project Managers, 10 District Heads, and 20 District Extension Officers during 2008. Factors influencing capacity building of staff included availability of funding, the support and influence of provincial and district managers, representation of women and ethnic minorities, and opportunities for further study (institutional and organisational factors). Personal factors related to individual staff ownership and motivation, family support, and other commitments, influence of farmers and farmer groups, having good examples in the field and staff relocation. Capacity building can be further strengthened by partnerships between government, non-government, development organisations, private sector, and other stakeholders.