| Author | Xaypladeth Choulamany |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. HS-97-03 |
| Subject(s) | Farm produce--Laos--Phoukout District--Marketing
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-97-03 |
| Abstract | While significant growth has taken place in Lao PDR, since the end of the eighties with
the introduction of "New Economic Mechanism", information on marketing in the
northern hills of Laos is still superficial and not scientifically valid.
It seems that the current system of production in Phoukout District is still constrained by
several factors such as trade management, marketing experiences, minimal understanding
of markets, previous bad experiences with government contract programs. The
distribution system has not appeared to be developing well as to cope up with the
increased in production. There are still limited number of traders, storage facilities,
agricultural transporters, and processing facilities to allow efficient marketing. Therefore,
the study attempts to provide an understanding on the marketing opportunities and
distribution channels of agricultural commodities as well as the functioning of rural
markets in Phoukout District. It was found that most of the transactions are taking place
in the market rather than at the village due to the fact that the volume of surplus is not
significant enough for traders to travel and collect at farm gate. Farmers would generally
come to sell their surplus in the market.
Marketing opportunities in the study area do exist but compete with strong neighbors.
Future increased of agricultural production will be bleaked with Thailand, Vietnam and
China experiencing gluts of several agricultural products. In order to overcome the
problem, an increased in production technique is essential. With the introduction of
suitable improved varieties, appropriate post-harvest technologies, the farmer could take
advantage of the price premiums. However an increased on production techniques alone
is not sufficient. It is crucial to improve as well marketing techniques. Market linkages
involving farmers' market awareness is required. Credit for group marketing of output
should be introduced, to fill the gap created by the reduced public system.
Due to the reduction of barriers to domestic trade in agricultural commodities, Phoukout
District could now more readily sell their output of cash crop and livestock in exchange
for rice. By looking into the marketing pattern, it was observed that the Lao Soung ethnic
group practice the most diversified farming if compare to the two other groups and would
also be more involved in trading. This diversification strategy well adapted to the
uncertain upland environment and difficult accessibility should be promoted in order to
increase income and enable a more rational sustainable development.
Traditionally, many traders throughout Laos were women, particularly when dealing in
fruits and vegetables, household and cloth, handicraft and medicines. When the State
market network was created, and restrictions placed on private trade, causing many of
these women traders to stop their activities. The new market opportunities facilitated by
the reforms have opened new commercial opportunities for women. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-97-03 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Wickramanayake, B.W.E.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Demaine, Harvey;Speece, Mark |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Swedish International Development Cooperation
Agency ( Sida) |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |