Assessing the social and economic implications of changing to low-input and organic rice production in Lao

About the project

A priority of the Laos Government is to increase rice production to achieve self-sufficiency in rice, and to produce a surplus for export. There is currently little known about how the adoption of low input and organic agriculture may affect farm households and farm businesses and the wider economy in the Laotian context.

This research is designed to provide information to the government of Lao PDR about the economic and social impacts of changes in the inputs used in growing rice, on rice production systems, on farm welfare, and through the rice industry value chain and economy. Such information could be used in the development of evidence-based policies which aim to achieve the goals of the Lao PDR.

This research is designed to combine (i) whole farm/household case study analysis, (ii) industry-wide analysis and (iii) analysis of potential consumer behaviour, in response to changes in rice production methods and rice products with changed environmental credentials.