Awareness on Chemicals in Agriculture
Comité de Coopération avec le Laos (CCL)
Province: Phongsaly
Type of Position: Short-term
Contract Duration: 2 months
Type of Organization: International Non-Governmental Organization (iNGO)
National/International Position: Not specified
Application Deadline: August 8, 2025
Background
The Comité de Coopération avec le Laos (CCL) has been implementing rural development programs in Laos for nearly 40 years. Currently, CCL is active in four provinces, including Phongsaly, where it implements two projects focused on strengthening community resilience to climate change impacts and economic shocks. These projects adopt an integrated and participatory approach.
The consultancy is part of the program titled “Generating an Inclusive Resilience and Environment Enhancement” (GREEN), which is funded by AFD and Bread for the World (BfW) and implemented from 2023 to 2026 in Phongsaly and Boun Neua districts. The specific objectives of the GREEN Project are as follows:
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To ensure natural resources in Phongsaly province are preserved and sustainably managed, promoting a sustainable, inclusive, and localized economic development.
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To strengthen local stakeholders, enhance their local recognition, and support their participation in sustainable and inclusive development of the territory.
Since 2013, CCL has been working closely with its partner, the non-profit association COSKA, which is involved in the implementation of both projects.
Context
According to data from the Participatory Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (PCRVA) conducted in 40 target villages (20 in Boun Neua and 20 in Phongsaly district), the use of herbicides and pesticides is significantly affecting the health and environment in 11 villages in Boun Neua. This is largely due to the expansion of sugarcane production, which has led to water contamination, biodiversity loss, and degradation of land. Villagers have reported extensive use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, and have observed direct impacts on health, water sources, and surrounding ecosystems.
In response, the GREEN Project plans to work with villagers to introduce agroecological techniques that reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Youth will play a central role in delivering awareness-raising activities in the target villages of Boun Neua. Ten model farmers have already been trained in agroecological practices and will be involved in exchange visits following the awareness campaign.
The awareness-raising activities may include a variety of methods, depending on the experience and approach of the selected consultant or firm. These could include games demonstrating good practices for chemical use, focus group discussions on risks and impacts, and participatory community sessions.
Scope of the Consultancy
The consultancy will focus on raising awareness about the impacts of herbicides and pesticides through youth-led activities in local schools. These activities will also introduce safe use and waste management practices, and link to agroecological solutions for industrial crop production.
Overall Objective
Ensure that villagers in the targeted villages understand the risks and impacts of chemical herbicide and pesticide use through participatory awareness-raising activities involving local youth. These activities should be linked to solutions supported by the project.
Specific Objectives
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Train youth from local schools and support them in creating an awareness-raising performance or activity focused on the use of chemicals in agriculture.
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Deliver awareness sessions at the village level using the content created with school youth.
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Connect the awareness-raising sessions with practical local solutions, such as safe chemical use practices and agroecological techniques.
More details about the expected outputs, deliverables, and working days are available in the full Terms of Reference (ToR).
Contact Information
Contact Person: Robert Williamson
Email: robert.williamson@ccl-laos.org