Japan International Volunteer Center kicked off a project in 1997 to promote environment-friendly agriculture at villages in Vientiane Prefecture, Laos.

"The effect of a market economy has started reaching agricultural villages in Laos," said Chiho Kawai, a JVC staff member in charge of the project. "But we emphasized spreading natural agriculture, which is in accordance with the cycle of nature and makes the best use of local resources, including local people's traditional skills and wisdom.

"To achieve our goal, we have held training sessions, workshops and study tours."