From September 9 to 13, 2024, a group of nine journalists and representatives from the ALiSEA network and the ASSET project team embarked on a field visit to Xiengkhouang Province, Laos. The visit aimed to showcase successful agroecology practices, generate media coverage, and foster collaboration between the agriculture sector and media.
The field visit successfully broadened the journalists’ understanding of agroecology. Many were initially unfamiliar with the concept, but through hands-on experiences and interactions with local farmers, they gained insights into the ecological and economic benefits of agroecology, including improved production diversity and climate resilience.
Journalists were particularly impressed by the mixed coffee-banana plantations and the integration of ducks into rice fields, recognizing these techniques as sustainable and innovative solutions for local farming challenges. Coverage of these initiatives has been shared across various media platforms, including Vientiane Mai Newspaper, Lao National Television, and provincial departments.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to explore agroecological practices and emphasized the importance of incorporating local resources to enhance ecosystems. This visit represents a crucial step in building greater media support for agroecology in Laos, paving the way for further collaboration and public awareness of sustainable farming practices.
“It was my first time seeing these techniques, like using ducks in rice fields and coffee planted with bananas. I never realized how much we can achieve by working with nature. It’s a completely new way of thinking about farming.“— Feedback from a participant reflecting the benefits of agroecology in fostering sustainable farming practices.
The field visit to Xiengkhouang Province exemplifies the growing interest in agroecology as a vital tool for sustainable agriculture in Laos. With continued media coverage and stakeholder collaboration, agroecology has the potential to enhance both farming systems and environmental stewardship across the country.
Publications
- Vientiane Mai Newspaper:
- Facebook post on duck-raising in rice fields [Link].
- Facebook post on Field Visit for Journalists on Promoting Agroecology in Xiengkhouang Province [Link]
- Newspaper article on 11 September 2024 and 17 September 2024.
- Division of Information and Dissemination (DID) MAF:
- Posts on DID’s Facebook page [Link]
- Xiengkhouang Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism:
- Lao National Television:
- ALiSEA Social Media:
- ECONOX Laos:
- Post on ECONOX Laos’s Facebook page [Link]