Presentations on Policy Think Tank Contributions to the SWGARD Report (2017)

Actions/activities relating to the RTM/RTIM recommendation /discussion points Progress Structure of the evidence-based policy formulation process has been improved and streamlined in the MAF’s structure. Mandate and responsibility have been clearly identified as part of the MAF’s revised organizational structure especially the mandate and functions of the new Department of Policy and Legal Affairs and Policy Research Center at NAFRI. Challenges and Opportunities Efforts and assistance need to be pulled for supporting a smooth function of the improved organizational structure. Coordination mechanism should be agreed among the identified three layers of evidence-based policy formulation process.

Other substantive actions/activities Progress The PTT conducted evidence-based research to inform and provide recommendations policy makers and development partners on: Commercial banana NTFPs: sustainable benzoin Contract farming and other research topics through collaboration on policy research with other research institutes and development projects. Challenges and Opportunities Limited or lack of qualified and experienced researchers to respond to needs for policy research on various topics. Strengthening researchers network is key to achieved objective of evidence-based policy formulation process. Developing research network with other research institutes and development projects is key to help moving the policy research agenda.

Communication and outreach activities with the sector and across Sector Working Groups Progress As an output of the policy research, research findings report, synthesis and policy briefs were published and disseminated to stakeholders. NAFRI’s library is well known among university students to access information on agriculture and forestry sector. Challenges and Opportunities MAF’s websites including NAFRI and SWGARD are considered an important platform for information and knowledge sharing. All publications should be shared with NUoL and colleges

Relevant research/study Focal/responsible person/Researcher (NAFRI) On-going research No. Relevant research/study Start Date End/completed Date Focal/responsible person/Researcher (NAFRI) Funding Sources Research project 1 Casava research   Dr. Vongpaphanh Manivong CIAT 2 Synthesis report on commercialization in Lao PDR Aug-17 Jun-18 SDC 3 Commercial Cassava Production in Lao PDR Dr. Phanxay Ingxay 4 Factors and Implications of Sustainable Commercialization of Cattle Production in Lao PDR Dr. Bounlert VANHNALAT 5 Factors and implications of sustainable commercialization of Cultivated Banana (Kuay Nam) in Lao PDR Dr.Bounmy Inthakesone 6 Opportunities for sustainable commercial white charcoal production in the Lao PDR. Mr. Simon Vongkhamhor 7 Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food Security and Nutrition in Lao PDR Mr. Kaviphone Phoutthavong 8 Opportunity for Laos to become AEC membership 2016 2020 Mr. Virachit Government Budget (MOST) 9 Competitiveness of domestic pig farm Mr. Phoutthasone 10 Lesson learnt from Indochina Cassava factory Mr. Somsamay 11 Rice export to China (Potentials & Challenges) 2017 Mr. Khamlar 12 Commercialization on sweet corn & other crops 2018