Agroforestry Systems for Upland People in Lao PDR: Production, Benefit, and Farmers’ Satisfaction Analysis

Abstract

With an increasing population and governmental land-use restriction, shortened fallow periods of some traditional farming systems have contributed to the reduction of agricultural production in the uplands of Lao P.D.R. In response, systems which integrate trees, crops, and/or animals, such as agro forestry have been applied. However, the promotion of agroforestry as an al-ternative choice for upland farmers has become very challenging as a result of long-term economic incentives. The objectives of this study were to identify agro-forestry systems employed, cost and returns, and the satisfaction of farmers, aiming to promote more benefits of agroforestry. Information described in this paper came from a survey of 80 agroforestry farms under a project support in nine villages of two northern districts. The results implied that three main agro forestry systems, based on nature components, have been employed. 81 percent of farmers employed Agrisilviculture, where trees and crops were combined in the same parcel. 14 percent applied Agrosilvopastoral (trees, crops, and pas-ture/animals), followed by 5 percent who applied Silvopastoral (trees and pas-ture/animals). In terms of production cost, initial investment in Agrisilviculture cost on average US$ 575 ha^-1; while Agrosilvopastoral farmers spent around US$ 795 ha^-1 and Silvopastural farmers, an estimated US$ 282 ha^-1. After three-years of establishment, most farmers achieved success meeting their food sufficiency needs and obtained additional income from extra production, with average returns from each system about US$ 186 ha^-1, US$ 632 ha^-1, and US$ 104 ha^-1 respectively. With biological and economic advantages produced by natural components in each system, most of farmers were similarly satisfied. Although the systems could not provide im-mediate-profitable returns, they were able to sustain food production and were profitable for a long-term use. A particular attention and continual technical sup-port from relevant agencies are still required to enhance application of agroforest-ry.