AgriNet Funded Research Preliminary findings and lessons learned Meeting of the Sector Working Group on Agriculture and Rural Development (SWG ARD) Mr. Georges Collett, CTA, MAF, DoPC, NUDP 23 rd June 2015, Vientiane

What is AgriNet? The Agricultural Learning Network for the Northern Uplands: Institutions & organizations involved in action research; 2 aspects: Capacity development of researchers Research findings themselves Objectives: – to engage a wide range of actors in studying policy options & impacts; – to capture the lessons learned from practical experience in the NUs; – to promote evidence-based policy making, – to reach a consensus on the priorities for research on upland issues. Ourcomes since 2013: AgriNet has funded 18 studies, 4 new studies to be launched this month. AgriNet spending

TOPICINSTITUTION L7.1Case study of smallholder corn production and its impact on food security in Oudomxay province NAFRI L7.2Role and strength of rural women in management of village livestock production and income generation in Northern Laos Souphanouvong U. L8.1Low-cost food to support Tilapia cultureLARRec L8.2Enhance productivity of local goats in small-scale households in Luang Prabang Province NFRI / LRC L8.3Gender roles in rice farming in northern Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR: Souphanouvong U. DF1Food Security and Nutrition in the NUs of Lao PDR (Luang Prabang, Huaphan, and Phongsaly provinces) NAFRI/PRC DF2Gender issues and discrimination in the agriculture and forestry sector in 6 provinces in Lao PDR MAF / DLF DF3Shifting cultivation in Laos: transitions in policy and perspectiveClark U., USA Completed studies 1/2

TOPICINSTITUTION A1.1Improving the adoption of agroforestry strategiesWorld Renew A1.2Technical efficiency of maize production in Huaphanh provinceNUOL / FOF A1.3Trends & productivity of maize production in Northern LaosNUOL / FOF A1.4Irrigation fees for agricultural production in Lao PDRNAFRI / PRC A1.5Cross-border maize trade in Huaphanh provinceNUOL / FAN A1.6Impacts of cross-border trade on upland communities in Phongsaly Province NUOL / FAN A1.7Impacts of infrastructure development on women & youth participation in commercial agriculture in Huaphanh province NUOL / FAN A1.8Productivity and Its impact on household income of tea farming households in Phongsaly province consultant A1.9Youth in agricultural productionNAFRI / PRC A1.10Commercial soybean production for food & nutrition security in the NUs NAFRI / PRC Completed studies 1/2

TOPICINSTITUTION A2.1Food safety of food sold in the markets of Luang Prabang and Houaphan Provinces Souphanouvong U. A2.2Impact of Contract Farming on Small Farmer Indebtedness in Phongsaly province NUOL, FAN A2.3Forest resource conservation practices of youth in the NUsSouphanouvong U. DF4Small scale pig and fish farms in Vientiane Capital and selected provinces (Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Huaphanh). Forthcoming studies

Economic Environmental Social youth forest conservation practices maize technical efficiency food safety CBT & upland communities contract farming & indebtedness cost of irrigation for agricultural production youth in agricultural production commercial crop production & food security value chain studies* * Maize, tea, organic vegetables, cattle. agroforestry practices maize for livestock feeding Banana fever livelihoods in hydropower resettlement areas Local knowledge & sust. forest management Banana plantations in OXY, PSY REDD+ Climate change Payments for environmental services Impact of plantation on soil erosion Impact of organic agriculture

Current status AGINET research findings Yesterday the SSWGUp provided the first occasion to present draft findings of 10 recently completed pieces of research: – Further analysis required – Synthesis of research between related studies still to be conducted – Careful policy recommendations to be developed if justified by research findings

Initial Observations from Completed Research Farmers in uplands areas now have greater choice in agricultural livelihoods than ever before (very dynamic) Choices influenced by new market opportunities as well as prices, availability of labor, technologies and types of land available Foreign markets are a major pull factor for cash crop production (but dependent on road access/infrastructure) Monopsony (trader/buyer) monopolies are common, sometimes enforced through contracts, and can be unfair to farmers Some recently emerging crops such as maize can lead to environmental problems through poor access road construction, cultivation on sloping lands and overuse of herbicides Agroforestry offers opportunities for stabilized, sustainable production with income generation potential (cardamom, coffee, fruits, wild teas etc)

Ways forward New perspectives – Current research provides ‘snapshots’  need look at transitions (livelihoods, land tenure & use, HH strategies) ie changes and patterns – Currently very focused studies  multidisciplinary approaches to deal with increasing complexity + need to focus on social aspects not just economic – Current focus the agricultural sector  need to work on linkages between agriculture and other sectors Improve the quality of research – need better: – Collaboration between research funders and research agencies (and research users) in research prioritization and selection – Involve private sector – important for selected value chains (banana, benzoin..) – Literature reviews and use of other research – Research conceptualization and design – Data management & statistical analysis, – Communication of results to end-users (policy makers, government offices, NGOs, etc.) – Debate between policy makers and researchers (policy dialogue).

Thank you