Xao Ban

The Xao Ban project supports the agroecological transition of Hmong farmers in Nong Het, Xieng Khouang province, Laos. Its goal is to help local communities shift from unsustainable agriculture (mainly maize monoculture) to sustainable horticulture, focusing on high-value temperate fruits, oil plants, and locally sourced niche products.

Founded in 2004, the Xao Ban Group is a registered social and inclusive enterprise. It buys raw ingredients from over 50 local households, employs marginalized people, and reinvests through a social fund to support rural communities. Through partnerships, training, local collection units, and new market connections (processed products, healthy snacks, culinary tourism, forest restoration), the project aims to improve farmers’ incomes, nutrition, and living environment while protecting natural resources.