Development Studies

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    Beyond women's empowerment : exploring the role of men in family planning among the Mangkong ethnic group in Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University, Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2019) Lorkuangming, Vanly
    Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, men’s involvement in family planning (FP) has been actively promoted as the pinnacle to women’s empowerment, and consequently, gender equality. Previous studies have found that when men are involved in FP, they can become more supportive when decisions about reproductive issues need to be made, which has positive implications elsewhere. Laos as an ethnically diverse country, means making FP universally accessible for its people has been challenging. It is especially problematic for ethnic minorities in rural areas where women are more vulnerable and marginalised, resulting in a high level of unmet need for FP among ethnic women. With ethnic minorities even less participation is evident, coupled with the fact there is a paucity of research on topic. This thesis therefore aims to explore the involvement of Mangkong men in FP. The fieldwork was conducted in seven villages in Nong District, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. The research is qualitative in design and data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 13 couples, two women and five key informants. Other methods included informal observation, used as part of building rapport and learning about gender roles and lifestyle among the Mangkong, as well as document analysis. This study found that men’s involvement as FP service providers raised awareness of FP among men and women, while men’s involvement as targets of FP programmes improved and increased participation in counselling, integrated outreach, for example. However, this suggests that men’s involvement in FP alone cannot increase women’s empowerment unless broader strategic and practical gender needs are also addressed. Theoretically, the study calls for culturally specific models of empowerment, as the empowerment framework adopted in this study, which was based on Western feminist theories, cannot fully explain Mangkong women’s understandings of empowerment. Findings also suggest that if true empowerment in FP is to be achieved, it is necessary to focus on both men and women as individuals, couples and clients who have the rights to access FP information and services, thus meeting their individual needs. Both men and women are necessary agents of change for gender equality.
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    From resettlement to sustainable livelihood development : the potential of resettlement and livelihood restoration arrangement to achieve livelihood sutainability : a case study of resettled communities on the Nakai plateau Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Phonepraseuth, Vilayvanh
    Over the past few decades, development-induced displacement and resettlement has potentially run the risk of impoverishing local populations, threatening people’s livelihoods and truncating their chances for sustainable development. To address the impact of displacement and resettlement on affected communities, a ‘resettlement with development’ approach has been increasingly adopted by numerous development agencies focusing on mitigation policy, plans and strategies. Particularly, the integration of a sustainable development concept into livelihood restoration initiatives has gained more attention in resettlement and development discourse. This thesis explores claims that the risks associated with resettlement can be avoided or mitigated by careful planning that includes livelihood development initiatives for the affected populations. Specifically, this thesis examines the potential of the existing resettlement and livelihoods restoration programs to address the livelihood sustainability of resettled communities associated with the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in Lao PDR. The findings of this study indicate that the Nakai resettlement and livelihood restoration programs have the potential to strengthen local capacities. This is particularly through the increased access to various livelihood assets and resources. With resettlement, Nakai resettlers have experienced a significant improvement in physical capital such as shelter, road access and communication infrastructure. The improved access to physical capital following resettlement has further enhanced resettlers’ ability to gain access to human, social and financial capitals. The capacity to access these resources is seen to be vital for the reconstruction of the resettlers’ livelihoods, and can also be crucial for the achievement of long-term livelihood sustainability. The results of this study further suggest that the Nakai resettlement and livelihood restoration scheme has to date supported the resettlers on the Nakai Plateau in gaining a number of positive livelihood experiences. These extend beyond economic or monetary gains through increased income and access to employment, to also include other social and psychological benefits such as better health care and education, and an improved sense of security and self-esteem. All of these achievements were found to be fundamental for resettlers in realizing their own livelihood goals and objectives in the future. Finally, although the findings of this research identified some challenges experienced by resettlers such as the reduction of agricultural and grazing land area, none were perceived to be major threats that were preventing them from achieving their livelihood objectives. Instead, the experience with the Nam Theun 2 project has highlighted one of the key lessons learnt from previous resettlement programs that is worth highlighting for future resettlement program mitigation associated with development projects: to have the resettlers fully engaged in the entire process of livelihood strategy development.
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    The role of government in setting an appropriate environment for public infrastructure development : a case study of hydropower development in Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) MacGeorge, Richard B.
    The role of government in setting an appropriate environment for public infrastructure development is explored to understand whether there are strong links between infrastructure, development and government. In examining this subject, a number of related issues are also considered, including why infrastructure is important to development, how managing resources well leads to better infrastructure outcomes and why is it essential that infrastructure is managed more effectively. Each of these leads to a better understanding of the roles government should play in infrastructure management. The methodology is designed to develop a definition for infrastructure and understand what the literature says about the links between government, development and infrastructure. The manner in which infrastructure has been provided historically is also considered and this research supports a system of infrastructure management. The system is then investigated through a hydropower project in Laos that is examined as a qualitative case study. The links between government, development and infrastructure are found to be strong in this thesis, but governments have had mixed involvement in infrastructure provision through the ages. At the end of the last century government is seen to have increasingly engaged with the private sector in a structured way. The core roles of government that cannot be left to others are found to include planning, procurement and regulation of infrastructure outcomes. These roles should be delivered within an overarching national infrastructure plan that is carried out by a centralised Infrastructure Management Unit. The case study project highlights some enhancements that can be made to the system proposed in the thesis and helps explain why there are sometimes exceptions to application of the whole system, although exceptions should be limited because caseby- case project development is suboptimal to initiatives that are formed as part of a national infrastructure planning process.
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    The potential of ecotourism to contribute to local sustainable development : a case study in Kiet Ngong village in Xe Pian National Protected Area, Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2009) Phanthavong, Alavanh
    The ecotourism industry is experiencing increasing popularity as the demand grows for tourism that is environmentally sensitive, informative, and beneficial for local communities. For over a decade, Lao PDR, an underdeveloped country, has been promoting its 20 National Protected Areas as ecotourism destinations. These ecotourism projects are positioned as tools for protecting natural resources and reducing poverty, and are generating hope for the creation of local sustainable development. At this point in time, however, the Lao government lacks effective strategies for ensuring their long term success. This thesis was designed to address this concern by analysing the potential for one of these projects, Xe Pian ecotourism, to contribute to local sustainable development. The current outcomes of the Xe Pian ecotourism project were analysed and input was sought from all stakeholders concerning ideas for desirable strategies. Kiet Ngong village, located inside the Xe Pian NPA, Lao PDR, was selected for case study. Data was gathered by employing mostly quantitative methods consisting of semi-structured interviews, informal and formal interviews, private walks and observation, and questionnaire surveys. The findings illustrated that ecotourism in Kiet Ngong has impacted local livelihoods and other environmental, economic, social, and cultural factors in both positive and negative ways. However, the positive effects of Xe Pian ecotourism were found to be more significant than the negative effects. Importantly, Kiet Ngong residents expressed optimism about the future of ecotourism and have claimed that any negative consequences cannot discourage their desire for continuing ecotourism development. This research also revealed that the stakeholders involved in the project are able to offer a variety of strategies for resolving problems that have arisen along the way. Results from this study identified three main points that need to be addressed in order to maintain Xe Pian ecotourism, namely the promotion of economic and political empowerment of the local population, the development of external and internal regulations, and the adoption of a community-based ecotourism approach. Further recommendations are offered for the policy planners of both the government and the project‘s administrative bodies, as well as for the residents of Kiet Ngong. These are followed by additional suggestions for further study.