In Laos, Oxfam assists communities to build rice banks, reducing the need to take out high-interest loans during periods of food shortage. Rice banks are built in a central community area and given a base stock of rice. Families deposit a percentage of their rice into the rice bank which the whole community can then draw on when needed. In addition, they reduce the work of women who would otherwise have the labour-intensive task of searching for food during periods of shortage.
In Laos, Oxfam Australia assists communities to build rice banks, reducing the need to take out high-interest loans during periods of food shortage. Families deposit a percentage of their own rice into the rice bank, which the entire community can then draw on when needed. “Last year I harvested 30 baskets of rice (equal to about 600kg). This lasts my family three months. To help feed my family, I have to borrow rice from the rice bank. Oxfam Australia has helped my family get more rice and also take care of our health.” Mr Aum Chang, Sarborng village, Laos
