Farmers in rural Laos, like here in Khammouane province, often suffer food shortages.
Laos is one of the least developed countries in Asia, and most of its people make a living from the land.
Alina Paul, who helps her husband Jerome Bossuet manage an agricultural programme for Triangle Generation Humanitaire, tells of her work in rural development.
Only Rice
Ban Tha Pha is one of many villages nestled at the base of the dramatic karst mountains of this region, where the dry season bears no harvest.
Rice is the main diet of the villagers and in times of food shortages, it is often the only thing eaten in short bursts throughout the day to stave off hunger.
Rice workers have died due to unexploded bombs buried in the fields, from the secret war during the 70s when Laos was bombarded by the US.
The impact of the massive Nam Theun 2 dam project can be seen all around. Many of the villagers have only women, children and elderly working in the fields.
Under-developed
Laos relies heavily on agriculture. About 80% of the country's 6.1 million population live in rural and remote areas, with poor access to basic infrastructure and services.
An average of 41% of the rural population live in poverty, where geographic conditions restrict agricultural production and development.
Hopes for the future
Despite all the elements against them, the people of Ban Tha Pha are positive about their future.
They know that Buddha will ensure their village is protected from harm and things will get better.
