Agriculture and Forestry Research and Development for improving Upland
People’s Livelihood and Natural Resources Management
Bouahom Bounthong,
National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, P.O.Box 811, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Email: bounthong@nafri.org.la
ABSTRACT
Shifting cultivation has long been practiced as a sustainable agriculture in upland areas of
the Lao PDR. However, it is recognized that shifting cultivation is no longer sustainable
in most upland areas where high population pressure has forced the expansion of shifting
cultivation areas.
Upland Farming Systems in many part of central and Northern Lao PDR are changing in
response to a complex of factors: firstly, the impact of rapidly increasing populations;
secondly, government policy for the restriction of shifting cultivation and opium
production eradication; and thirdly as a consequence of new economic opportunities
The paper described and analyzed the information available on technologies that possibly
contribute to improve the livelihoods of upland farmers, as well as the constraints and
potential to tackle with poverty. The paper also suggested and highlighted possible
technological options for upland farming systems, the need for better coordination
between key actors.