Laos is landlocked; 80% of the country is mountainous and around only 3% is cultivated. The major determinant of poverty is the degree of self-sufficiency in rice production and the primary indicator of wealth is livestock ownership. Lack of land and a shortage of cash for investing in land improvements are major causes of rural poverty. IFAD set out to support households in Bokeo Province that are most vulnerable to food shortages, particularly those practicing short-cycle shifting rotations and with marginal lowland paddy holdings. The seven-year project has mainly sought to increase paddy production and improve animal health and the road network.