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    A comparative analysis of profitability : certified organic vs. non-certified organic tea farming systems in Phongsaly District, Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agribusiness in Agribusiness at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Nampanya, Niphaphone
    Demand for organic tea is rising in both domestic and international markets, emphasising the need for sustainable, certified organic farming practices to meet environmental goals and capture higher prices. The shift toward certified organic farming aligns with regional efforts to meet global demand backed by standards, creating new opportunities for smallholder producers. With limited land availability, improving productivity and profitability on current tea farms is the most feasible approach. This study examines factors affecting profitability for certified organic (CO) and non-certified organic (NCO) tea producers, and factors influencing producers’ decisions to participate in CO farming system in Phongsaly district, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The study used a survey technique complemented by an interview technique for in-depth data collection. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey of 304 tea producers (122 CO and 182 NCO producers) and a semi-structured questionnaire for face-to-face interviews with eight key informants representing producer organisations, tea processors, and government officials. Multiple linear regression was used to identify factors affecting profitability in CO and NCO farming systems, while binary logistic regression analysed factors influencing CO participation decisions. The multiple linear regression demonstrated that farm size, production costs, extension support, and financial support significantly affected profitability, whereas education, farming experience, and labour availability were not that significant. Binary logistic regression revealed that farm size, market support, and financial support were the most substantial positive factors in CO participation, with smartphone ownership as a negative factor. Although age, education, tea farming experience, and extension support positively influenced CO adoption, they were not statistically significant. To enhance profitability and encourage certified organic adoption, the study recommends equipping tea producers with targeted training and cost-analysis tools through effective extension services and market and financial support.
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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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    Family planning amongst the Akha & Khmu : "what type of services is necessary?" : Khua District, Lao PDR : a dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Masters of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2003) Entwistle, John M
    The Lao PDR, a landlocked country, of 236 800 sq kms, with a population of 5,091,100, is situated between Thailand and Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east. China to the north, and Myanmar to the west. Lao is a geographically diverse country, which stretches along the Annamite chain to the Mekong River valley. There are 48 ethnic groups in the Lao PDR. The majority of which make up the Lao Loum (lowland Lao). Lao is one of the few remaining communist countries in the world today. Following the people's revolution in 1975 the Lao PDR was formed by the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, which currently remains the only political party in existence in the Lao PDR. Today the Party remains strong with a centralised government, though through a series of political reforms during the 1980s such as the introduction of the New Economic Mechanism the country has opened up to more international trade and investment. Entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is now being considered following a submission made in 2000. The reproductive health of women in the Lao PDR is one of the top ten priorities of the Ministry of Health's Primary Health Care Policy. To assist with the implementation of the policy a National Family planning Program was established in 1991. While initial implementation of the program focussed on more densely populated areas in the more accessible provincial capitals along the Mekong River, women in remote rural communities are also being targeted. While the policy is to be commended for its aims, the implementation of activities to achieve its aims can at times be hindered by a lack of funding, poor infrastructure and communication and a lack of human resources. [FROM INTRODUCTION]
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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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    Local perspective on community based ecotourism : a case study in Ban Na in Phu Khao Khoay national protected area, Lao PDR : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Phimmakong, Kongchay; Phimmakong, Kongchay
    In 2002 the Lao government adopted a policy for nationwide economic growth based on the development of tourism as a priority sector. This aims to alleviate poverty through ecotourism and pro-poor tourism, through community based projects such as Ban Na community based ecotourism (CBE) project. This research aimed to investigate factors influencing household involvement in CBE projects in Laos. The impacts of the project within the village were also identified. To date little research with this focus has been undertaken in Laos. The findings and recommendations of this research will provide important information to the Lao Government for the future development of strategies and initiatives concerning community participation in rural ecotourism. This is particularly important for Laos as they are in the early stages of developing their ecotourism industry, especially CBE projects in rural areas. To achieve this, a single case study was undertaken focusing on Ban Na CBE project and field data was collected using semi-structured interviews and observations, and additional secondary sources. Qualitative data analysis methods were used to extract the key findings. This research confirmed that CBE has the potential to enhance socio-cultural, socioeconomic and environmental benefits for rural communities in Laos. In socio-cultural terms CBE increased household awareness of the value of their traditional culture, and in socioeconomic terms CBE allowed local households to improve their livelihoods through financial benefits. The benefits have taken place at both community and household levels. At the community level, public infrastructure has been improved such as water supply upgrading. At the household level, households actively involved have gained direct income from guiding and homestays. The new source of income has enabled households to improve their housing conditions, to purchase farm materials and investing in their children’s education. Those households that have not been actively involved in CBE (that include the very poor) also benefit from selling local products and through access to the CBE village fund. CBE has resulted in enhanced conservation outcomes for the protected area. This is a consequence of increased household awareness of the environment and their impact on it. However, CBE has also had negative impacts including an increase in solid wastes and dust and noise associated with the increasing number of tourists. Findings from this research indicate that the majority of households can benefit from CBE projects when the management of the project includes rules that limit the level of participation of any one household, thereby ensuring maximum household participation and subsequent resulting benefits. In a CBE project, there is no requirement for all households to be involved in providing services to tourists because it is not possible for some households to provide the types of service preferred by tourists. Although, not all households can actively participate in CBE, the benefits can be accessed by all those in the community. CBE has the potential to provide benefits across the community to both households who are actively and not actively involved in the project. This equitable benefit is a result of the CBE project rules that ensure assistance through the community fund, spread benefits from actively involved households and ensure those households not actively involved are able to access benefits. The findings from this research also illustrate that a local structure such as village committee can manage and establish rules for CBE projects without support from outsiders. The committee also has the potential to manage the allocation of benefits across the community. Further, rules within CBE projects have the potential to assist long term sustainability and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits throughout the community. CBE provides an opportunity for community members with different circumstances to participate in the project due to the range and nature of ecotourism activities such as guiding, hosting tourists and producing handicrafts. This is also the case for a homestay option which offers women an opportunity to be actively involved and gain direct benefits without leaving their children and household responsibilities. However, like other community based development projects, poorer households are limited from being actively involved as a result of lack of facilities, time, labour and lack of awareness of the rules around the project and potential benefits as well as personal confidence.
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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.