Sustainable Rural Development in the Uplands of Lao PDR

ISBN-13: 9783838302577 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 288 str.

Kim Alexander

Opis

Sustainable rural development in the Uplands of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has been extremely challenging for farming communities. While government agricultural policy aims to reduce the production of upland rice, communities struggle to develop sustainable alternative livelihoods. This book has examined upland agricultural production systems and ponders whether sustainable outcomes are achievable for these resource poor, marginalised communities. The effect of land and forest allocation policies and the implementation of swidden cultivation stabilisation measures by government and international development agencies have been explored. The book contributes to the theory of intensification of land use, as low population densities and farmers' risk aversion are propelling diversification rather than intended intensification strategies. Land use policies are contributing to farmers' inability to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves or for future generations. The analysis will be especially useful to international development professionals and researchers and students.

O autorze

Alexander, Kim
Kim S. Alexander, PhD, is conducting social research into international development initiatives while working in the CSIRO AusAID Alliance for CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems,Australia. Research interests include; water and sanitation, complex watershed issues, conservation and vulnerability in the Pacific Islands and South East Asia.