Abstract
The Livestock Production Extension System, a division of the Laos Extension for Agriculture Project (LEAP), is playing a major role in poverty reduction by promoting sustainable rural development. To improve the quality of life of people in the target region, a field survey was conducted to analyze and characterize the current situation of 78 households in 8 villages in the Sopchia Cluster, Phonexay District, Louangprabang Province, Laos. Most (95%) of these villagers belong to the Khmu ethnic group, who typically are poor and minimally educated. Data were collected through individual interviews by trained personnel using a custom questionnaire. The data revealed that: 1) Although agriculture was a main source of income in the target villages, income remained low owing to limited land area and low productivity; 2) Life expectancy was low in all 8 target villages, most likely because of health problems caused by insufficient food; 3) The 3 major crops produced in the area are upland rice, followed by maize and cassava; much of the grain produced is used to feed pigs; 4) Livestock particularly pigs are not only the main source of income but also the primary protein source. The quality of life of the people in the 8 villages likely could be improved by information sharing and modernization of pig production systems though the Livestock Production Extension System under LEAP.
