| Author | Bounchanh Lattanavongkot |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.RD-07-10 |
| Subject(s) | Agricultural ecology--Planning--Laos
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| Note | Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | |
| Abstract | The research dealt with the effects in Agro-ecological Zoning tool/database system on the district development planning system in Phonexay district, Luangprabang province and Na Mo district, Oudomxay province in the North of Lao PDR. The main objectives of the research were to evaluate the usefulness of AEZ database system in agriculture and forestry development planning; to evaluate people acceptability of AEZ method/tool; and identified prospects, needs, strengths, weaknesses of AEZ database system use and access. The scope of this study covered three types of AEZ database system consumers such as district leaders, planners and agriculture and forestry extension staffs. The research was conducted in two districts from different provinces. A checklist was used to collect data from the district leaders, and planners who related to AEZ dataset after the AEZ performance. Main findings of this research showed that, in both Phonexay and Namo district d the AEZ methodology and functionality was viewed as a tool to help aid the district leaders and planners, in development strategies setup and planning. The AEZ approach in both districts was using a minimum data set covering terrain, soil and socio-economic information, The GIS was the main key for zoning in AEZ approach. The criteria of agro-ecological zoning were acceptable, since the development planning were structured out with sufficient information in the district level. However, in the real practice, AEZ system was not considered as their view in both districts. The development strategies in most of all sectors in Phonexay and Namo are still under the guidelines of the district development policy and strategy which arrangements are directed by district governor and officials without considering the use of the AEZ system as their tool for analyze. Officials and planners in both Phonexay and Namo are lack of knowledge and computer skills. Even though a number of AEZ system and dataset are placed in DAFEO for use, the system was left unused for its functionalities and modules for the support of agriculture, livestock, forestry extension and development planning system. Due to lack of training, educating of the system and poor IT infrastructure by the NAFRI are some of the factors to why the AEZ system was not used to its capability. Conclusion, with lack of human resources and poor technical support and planning for the use of AEZ, shifting from the old planning system to the new system cannot happen overnight. It has to be well planed and well execute with the proper resource, skilled trainers and provide ongoing technical support after the AEZ is implemented. More importantly training and encouraging staff officials and planner to understand the use of the system would result in staff satisfaction and confident that it is a better way of doing things with efficiency and effectively. Recommendations and suggestions were drawn from this study in order to strengthen the development strategy setup and planning process |
| Year | 2007 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Examination Committee(s) | Routray, Jayant K.;Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |