In Laos, Oxfam Australia 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 own harvest into the rice bank, which the entire community can then draw on when needed. Having access to a rice bank also reduces the work of women who would otherwise have the labour-intensive task of searching for food during periods of rice shortage.

“I have one hectare of land on which I grow rice. 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. Last year, I borrowed 400kg of rice and will have to pay back 480kg. Oxfam Australia has helped my family get more rice and also take care of our health.” Mr Aum Chang, Sarborng village, Laos.