Lao PDR sits at the heart of Southeast Asia, a landlocked country known for its abundant natural resources, with lives and traditions shaped by its rivers and resilience. About 60% of the mighty Mekong River flows across the country, providing livelihoods and contributing greatly to the country’s economy. Most water use from the Mekong River, its tributaries, and smaller water bodies occurs in the agricultural sector, including irrigation, fisheries, plantations, and livestock. Additionally, water is used for hydropower generation, transportation, industrial development, and general water supply purposes. 

However, the country is both blessed and burdened by its dependence on abundant natural resources. Seasonal floods, prolonged droughts, and the growing unpredictability of rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, pose increasing threats to rural livelihoods and national development. While floods can wash away homes and crops with little warning, the harsh dry season brings cycles of drought that deplete water availability and dry out the farmland that sustains community livelihoods. With over 70% of the Lao population depending on agriculture, the impacts of climate change push many rural families into deeper poverty and force them to migrate to cities and neighboring countries for alternative income opportunities. 

Najanyai village, home to small ethnic minority groups including Katang and Brue communities, is located in Xonaboully district, Savannakhet province, in the southern part of Lao PDR. Communities in the village have long depended on farming and forest products for survival. However, changing weather patterns and increasing dry spells have brought hardship and heartbreak to their livelihoods. 

A mother of four, Mrs. Khampheng witnessed what many mothers would never want to experience. “We had no choice but to let our children drink whatever water we could find,” she said with sorrow. “We ate less, we worked harder, and we watched our children fall sick. We were scared, not only for ourselves, but for the future of our children.” 

The community felt abandoned and uncertain, with little idea of how to break the cycle of poverty and water scarcity. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), launched the Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) project. This initiative brought both immediate relief and a long-term solution to Najanyai. 

The project began with community consultations to identify sustainable solutions rooted in local needs and experiences. By blending traditional knowledge with modern technology, a solar-powered irrigation system was installed, allowing water to be pumped during dry periods without relying on costly electricity. Three new groundwater wells were drilled and equipped with solar pumps, providing households with clean, accessible water. Two filtration systems were added to ensure drinking water met health standards. 

Suddenly, water became abundant, accessible, and free. “Before, our crops dried up when we couldn’t afford the electricity to pump water,” said Mr. Phoukham, a local farmer who now grows vegetables and rice year-round. “Now, with solar power, we can irrigate whenever we need. I’ve increased my yield by more than 30%, and I don’t worry anymore when the rains don’t come.” 

For many poor villagers, access to a stable power supply remains out of reach, and off-grid areas often lack essential irrigation infrastructure. Yet Laos is not only rich in water; it also enjoys abundant sunshine. Solar-powered pumps offer an economically and environmentally sustainable alternative. 

Thanks to this initiative, over 17,000 people, including those in and beyond Najanyai village, are now supported by clean energy and sustainable water solutions. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and hope, a future shaped not by drought and hardship, but by the promise of what is possible when communities are empowered. “I used to fear the dry season. Now, I welcome it,” added Mr. Phetsalath with a smile. “Solar power brings no harm. Instead, it makes everything in the village better.”

Beyond boosting agricultural productivity, solar-powered irrigation systems have sparked meaningful changes in nearly every aspect of daily life. Families now enjoy improved food security, cleaner water access, and more stable household incomes. Children, especially girls, spend less time collecting water and more time learning in school. Women’s groups have launched home gardens and small agri-businesses, selling surplus vegetables at the market and saving for the future. Health and hygiene have improved as clean water becomes more accessible year-round. What began as a technical solution for farming has grown into a catalyst for community-wide empowerment, proving that renewable energy can unlock human potential and bring lasting change, even in the most remote areas. 

UNDP remains committed to building a more resilient and prosperous future for Lao PDR. Every dollar invested acts as a catalyst, turning bold ideas into tangible, self-sustaining solutions that empower communities, strengthen livelihoods, and drive long-term growth. This commitment goes beyond immediate impact. It builds momentum for broader support, unlocking new opportunities and creating the systems and capacities needed to ensure lasting progress. 

In Najanyai, a new chapter is being written. It is no longer a story of loss, but one of renewal, resilience, and possibility. 

Authors: Phouphet Chittaphone, Phallyka Chann

For Media Inquiries:

Phouphet Chittaphone, Database Management and Communication, IWRM-EbA Project. 

Email: phouphet.chittaphone@undp.org

About the Project:

The Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (IWRM-EbA) Project supports Lao PDR in strengthening climate resilience through integrated water resources management, ecosystem-based adaptation, and sustainable water governance. The project works with national and local partners to improve water security, protect ecosystems, and enhance the resilience of communities to climate change.