Communication Dans Un Congrès Année : 2025

Analyzing pathways to agroecological change in Northern Laos

Résumé

This study examines the influence of structural factors of landscapes and characteristics of farming systems on agroecological pathways within complex agrarian transformation processes in northern Laos, employing a comprehensive multi-method approach. In 2022 and 2023, we conducted focus group discussions with village committees and agricultural extensionists and surveyed 500 households across three districts in Xiengkhouang Province as part of the ASSET Project. Agroecological performance was evaluated across different farming systems using a standardized scoring system based on the 13 principles of agroecology, with scores ranging from 0 to 1 across measurable components. Farm typologies based on structural characteristics, land access patterns, and cropping and livestock systems. Three distinct farm types were identified: Paddy/Tea Systems, 40% of households, with diversified land access enabling cultivation of both lowland paddy rice and upland tea, demonstrating the highest agroecological performance; Paddy-focused Systems, 35% of households, with good lowland access but limited upland access, showing moderate agroecological performance; and Upland Systems, 25% of households, located in remote areas with limited lowland access, exhibiting the lowest agroecological scores. The agricultural landscape encompasses diverse production systems, with rice-based systems (72% of households) forming the backbone of local agriculture, hybrid maize systems (26% of households) dominating upland commercial production, and livestock (91% of households raising cattle/buffalo) playing a crucial role across all systems. Cross-analysis revealed significant variations in agroecological performance, with households generally excelling in biodiversity conservation (scores > 0.5) and social/economic dimensions, including knowledge co-creation, social values, and connectivity. However, technical agricultural practices, particularly input reduction and soil health management, showed consistently weak performance across all clusters (scores < 0.25). Land access diversity emerged as the fundamental determinant of agroecological performance, with households having access to both lowlands and uplands achieving significantly higher scores across multiple dimensions. The study revealed a notable performance gap between social/economic aspects of agroecology, where communities maintain strong traditional knowledge systems and social cohesion, and technical agricultural practices requiring specific agroecological techniques. The research identified distinct production zones with specialized agricultural focus, reflecting topographical constraints and market access patterns. The co-existence of multiple agricultural models challenges one-size-fits-all approaches to sustainable agriculture development. Policy interventions must develop differentiated strategies for different farm types and territories, prioritizing support for input reduction and soil health while building on existing strengths in biodiversity conservation and social organization. The findings emphasize the importance of creating adaptation spaces where stakeholders having different stakes can negotiate agroecological interventions collaboratively, integrating both technical and institutional support with particular attention to connecting remote communities to diversified planting material, knowledge networks, and market opportunities.

616265.pdf (154.94 Ko) Télécharger le fichier
Origine Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte
Licence

Dates et versions

hal-05470810 , version 1 (22-01-2026)

Identifiants

  • HAL Id : hal-05470810 , version 1

Citer

Jean-Christophe Castella, Titouan Filloux, Pascal Lienhard, Melanie Blanchard, Estelle Biénabe, et al.. Analyzing pathways to agroecological change in Northern Laos. Transitioning Towards Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: A Contribution to Food Systems Transformation (TARASA25), LICA, Nov 2025, Vientiane, Laos. 2 p. ⟨hal-05470810⟩
35 Consultations
7 Téléchargements

Partager

  • More