The role of animal husbandry and aquaculture in improvements of swidden-based livelihood systems in the Lao PDR | |
| Author | Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.AS-98-03 |
| Subject(s) | Aquaculture--Laos Animal culture--Laos Shifting cultivation--Laos |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor Technical Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Shifting cultivation, also called swidden-based farming system or slash-and-bum agriculture is still the predominant form of livelihood system in the uplands of Laos. There is still a popular perception amongst those who set policy and most laymen that swidden-based livelihood system is a destructive and unsustainable use of forest land. This has brought about the use of rather drastic measures to stop all shitting cultivation, e.g. banning the practice, rigorous control on land tenurial rights, demarcating forest reserves etc However, to date, there is no convincing evidence that such policres and programs have led to major gains in tenus of improving niral welfare, or even in slowing forest degradation and other environmental problems sigiificantly. Previous studies in the Lao PDR have stressed the complexity and diversity of the swidden systems, adapted to survival in different contexts. Livestock has also been emphasised as being an integral part of the swidden systems, traditionally contributing the major share in cash income earnings of most swidden households. Aquaculture has also been observed as a traditional fanning system in a number of upland areas. However, there has been no specific and comprehensive study on these subjects up until now Given the complexity of the system, the present research study has covered a wide range of issues relating to the Lao swidden-based livelihood system. These have included a detailed description of prevailing swidden systems seen from an upland ecological perspective; the survival strategies of the swidden communities and farmers under changing endogenous and exogenous determinants; and the role of livestock and fisheries in the swidden-based economy and alternatives for improvements. The study covers four districts in three northern provinces and incorporates different levels and dimensions of analysis. based upon spatial variation, ethnic diversity and socioeconomic stratification; comparing systems and sub-systems between districts. ethnic groups and socio-econonu'c strata. The study revealed that most swidden communities have been consciously managing their swidden systems by maintaining a diversified portfolio as the key adaptation r/raiegv to Sustain a secure level of livelihood in the difficult environment of the uplands Not only have the farmers drawn on their indigenous technical knowledge to adapt to changes, they also have relied on community—based regulatory systems to resource use and a number of exogenous Opportunities to improve their swidden-based livelihood systems The research work further revealed significant potentials to develop livestock and fisheries in most of the study areas, as part of a sustainable integrated strategy for allevrating poverty in the uplands, Specifically, in the case of livestock, there is a need to improve animal heath care and to increase availability and quality of feed resources. As for fisheries, more in-depth assessment of existing indigenous fish culture systems 15 needed so as to propose interventions that are likely to permit aquaculture to fulfil its potentials in the upland areas. The findings of the research study support the need for a more holistic approach to assess the ‘true’ carrying capacity and the level of sustainability of swrdden-based livelihood systems. The consideration of all major resource components in the system and also local traditions in resource management would provide sound information base for determining concerted development interventions, tailored to the specificities of each respective area This implies that the strategy for developing the uplands would move towards a more context- specific approach which may be described as an "area-based livelihood systems approach' in which the existing livelihood systems of rural communities are studied as a basis of sustainable improvements in the system and, as a result, specific recommendation domains for different areas are proposed for development. Simple tools for making such assessment have been devised, as a result of the present research work Wide acceptance of an ‘area-bascd livelihood systems approach ‘ to development of the uplands, based upon holism (complexity), spatial variation (diversity) and decentralisation (recognising the roles of local institutions in the process of development) can play a pivotal role in ensuring long-tenn stability of swidden-based livelihood since this will enable well-targeted interventions that capitalise on opportunities provided by the comparative advantages of specific ecological niches, including the ones more favourable for livestock and fisheries development |
| Year | 1998 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Aquatic Systems (AS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Demaine, Harvey; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Edwards, Peter;Dale, Reidar;Thapa, Gopal B.;Hill, R.D.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Danida of Danish Government; |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 |