The programme targets three districts in Attapeu and five districts in Sayabouri, all of which are poor or extremely poor. Most farmers keep livestock and practise subsistence agriculture and cultivate rice and some other crops such as maize and sesame. Landholdings are too small to be adequately productive. Communities lack infrastructure such as drinking water supplies, schools, health services and access roads.
The programme is working towards the sustained improvement of livelihoods among poor households and communities, and particularly targets women and marginalized groups in poor villages in the uplands and in resettled or merged villages in the lowlands. Its objectives are to improve food security, basic education, health services and road access. Activities include: