Access to all the presentations here: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1HnjnlpOlzpDG_LCfQ1BV2ThGCdCnsvhQ

The meeting was organized by GRET, PHANO, DPA, PAKA, and Uni4Coop/Eclosio, with funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Belgium’s Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD).

On May 5, 2026, the Agroecology Learning Alliance in Southeast Asia in Vietnam (ALiSEA Vietnam) organized an online webinar entitled “Connecting and Sharing Agroecological Knowledge with ALiSEA” to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange, and dissemination of agroecological resources among organizations, experts, and interested stakeholders. The event brought together 39 participants (27 female, 12 male), including ALiSEA members and non-member organizations and individuals.

During the webinar, speakers introduced the ALiSEA Knowledge Hub, processes for developing and publishing knowledge products, and opportunities for members and partners to contribute materials and experiences. Discussions highlighted the importance of connecting currently scattered agroecological resources and making them more accessible and useful for practitioners, researchers, development organizations, and local communities in Vietnam and the wider Southeast Asian region.

Representatives from member organizations, including NOMAFSI and CARES, shared practical experiences in developing and disseminating technical and communication materials. The interactive discussion session also generated valuable ideas on future collaboration opportunities for producing knowledge products, documenting local experiences, and creating communication materials that are more relevant and accessible to agroecology practitioners.

Importantly, many participants expressed their willingness to actively engage in the development and production of knowledge materials with technical support from ALiSEA. Participants also agreed on a plan to organize training activities to support members in producing and improving knowledge products, tentatively scheduled for July or August 2026.

The webinar marked an important step in strengthening the agroecology community of practice in Vietnam by promoting knowledge sharing, fostering partnerships, and encouraging collaborative development of agroecological learning resources within the ALiSEA network.

Sustainable Agriculture: The Rice-Duck Farming System

Sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important in Lao PDR, particularly in upland areas where farmers face challenges related to soil degradation, high input costs, and climate variability. Through the implementation of the ASSET project in Xieng Khouang Province, efforts have been made to promote agroecological practices that improve both productivity and resilience. One promising approach is the rice-duck farming system, which integrates livestock and crop production in a mutually beneficial way.

Expert Insights

A session organized on 07 May 2026 brought together more than 25 participants, including both ALiSEA members and non-members. The session featured a guest speaker, Mr. Chanthavone Phonekhampheng, head of the Soil Degradation Prevention and Land Restoration Unit, DLAM, who shared his hands-on experience and techniques on the rice-duck farming system.

Benefits of the System

The rice-duck system provides valuable opportunities for income diversification, which can improve farmers’ resilience and livelihoods. In addition to harvesting rice, farmers can generate income from selling ducks for meat and producing eggs for both household consumption and the market. The system also helps reduce expenses by lowering the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as ducks naturally control pests and contribute to soil fertility. This integrated approach not only increases overall farm productivity but also reduces economic risks, making it a promising model for sustainable and profitable farming.

Leveraging Digital Knowledge

The session highlighted increasing attention toward the rice-duck system as an innovative and practical solution for sustainable agriculture. Emphasis was placed on its potential to improve soil health, manage pests naturally, and generate additional income for farming households.

As an additional session, Mr. Sengvilayavnh Singthavikhoune, ALiSEA Knowledge Management (KM) Coordinator, introduced the ALiSEA Knowledge Hub. He highlighted the platform as a valuable tool for sharing information, resources, and experiences related to agroecology and sustainable agriculture. The Knowledge Hub aims to connect stakeholders, support learning, and facilitate access to practical knowledge that can be applied in the field. This introduction helped strengthen understanding of how digital tools and knowledge-sharing platforms can support the scaling up of agroecological practices across Laos and the wider region.

The ALiSEA Network successfully organized a two-day training program on the topic of “Fundamentals of Agroecology” from April 29 to 30, 2026, in Battambang Province. The training brought together 48 participants, including 14 women, representing 21 member organizations from across the ALiSEA network.

The training was designed for ALiSEA members with the aim of strengthening participants’ understanding of agroecology foundations and ALiSEA’s role in promoting agroecology in Southeast Asia.

Participants actively engaged in interactive learning sessions, group discussions, and hands-on field activities designed to deepen their knowledge and encourage collaboration among network members.

Interactive Learning and Knowledge Exchange

One of the highlights of the training was an energetic and interactive game-based session introducing agroecology concepts through a game board exercise. Participants worked together in groups to explore the connections between ALiSEA, agroecological practices, and food systems.

Additionally, the important modules (topics) were provided:

• An introduction to the ALiSEA Network was presented through a website presentation. Aiming to introduce the history, governance, visions, missions, and core activities of ALiSEA as well as the knowledge HUB. The experts were introduced in order to convince the participants to register and promote themselves on the ALiSEA website.
• Introduction to agroecology and its relationship with food systems.
• Understanding the 10 elements and 13 principles of agroecology.
• Exploring ASEAN agroecology guidelines, particularly in the areas of capacity building and agrifood value chains.

The training also created space for participants to exchange experiences and reflect on local agricultural realities.

Field Learning and Hands-On Practice

A major component of the program was field-based learning and practical application of agroecological techniques. Participants visited agroecological farms and took part in practical exercises, including soil health management techniques and crop protection practices by producing the bio-pesticides, SBN liquid fertilizer, and Bokashi fertilizer making for high-quality compost production.

During the field activities, participants were challenged to identify agroecological practices aligned with the 10 elements of agroecology by documenting observations through photographs and group reflections. This exercise allowed participants to apply the knowledge gained during classroom sessions and critically observe agroecological practices in real farming environments.

Learning from Integrated Farming Systems

The second farm visit provided participants with practical insights into integrated farming systems. Participants explored diversified agricultural practices, including:

• Integrated livestock and crop farming involving cows, crickets, ants, and vegetables.
• Vegetable cultivation in net houses.
• Cricket and ant farming systems.

The farm tours offered valuable opportunities to observe innovative and resilient farming models that support biodiversity, sustainability, and local livelihoods.