Impacts of Chinese, Outward Investment on Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development: Evidence from Oudomxay, Northern Laos By Khampheng KINGKHAMBANG Faculty of Economic and Business Management (FEBM), National University of Laos (NUOL)

1. Research question What are the trends of Chinese investment in agriculture sector in Oudomxay province? What are the significant changes in agriculture sector in terms of cropping, production system and marketing in Oudomxay province? What are the impacts of Chinese investment on agriculture sector and changes in agricultural practices to rural people in Oudomxay province?

2. Objectives a) To study the trends of Chinese investment in agriculture sector in Oudomxay province. b) To review and analyze the change or transformation of agriculture sector in Oudomxay province. c) To analyze the impacts of Chinese investment on agricultural transformation to rural livelihood in Oudomxay province.

4. Scope of study To study on the impact of Chinese investment on agricultural transformations and rural livelihoods in Oudomxay province. Especially analyzing on the trends of Chinese investment in agriculture sector and review and analyze the change or transformation of agriculture sector in Oudomxay province.

4. Scope of study To survey from three villages such as Mainatao, Nasavang, and Kuangkham located in Namor district, Oudomxay province. In the survey, our team interviewed key persons including village head, vice village head and primary school principle. The survey in 2012, approximately 190 households composition, agriculture and forestry, education and health (especially for children).

5. Conceptual framework Chinese investment on agriculture sector Village except Village reject Changing on agriculture productions Little changing Or stable Good livelihood standard Little changing Or stable of livelihood standard

6. Literature Review Rural livelihoods of Northern villagers in Laos have been changing rapidly in recent years, as a result of increases in external demand from China and domestic economic integration Existing studies have focused on changes in land use (e.g. Sandewall et al. 2001, and Thongmanivong and Fujita, 2006)

6. Literature Review Changes in rural livelihoods caused by rubber plantation projects (e.g. Manivong and Cramb, 2008 and Thongmanivong et al. 2009) Onphandala and Suruga (2009) suggest that there is evidence of a significant impact of Chinese investments on the widening of income gap

7. Methodology Hypothesis -Chinese investment increases the level of household’s income. The empirical model is below: Y =  +  1 Rice +  2 Other Crops +  3 Maize +  4 Livestock +  5 NTFP +  6 X + 

7. Methodology Following to the previous study by Onphanhdala and Suruga (forthcoming) Interestingly, the proposed research will further investigate the changes over the period of 2009 to 2011 The conducted field surveys in Oudomxay province cover many villages in Namor district in order to compare the differences among urban and rural areas

7. Methodology In the survey, our team interviewed key persons including village head, vice village head and primary school principle Similarly, 190 households were asked about household composition, agriculture and forestry, education and health (especially for children) in 2012

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