Lao Farmer Network Annual Meeting, 30-31 January 2019, Lao PDR
The Lao Farmers Network is a network of farmer organizations of 31 farmer organizations from 11 provinces. The network has more than 4000 members. The Lao Farmers Network was setup in 2014 by 17 Farmer Organizations with a purpose to strengthening cooperation among small holder farmers. Key activities include information sharing, farmer to farmer learning and policy dialogues. The network also support each members in different ways including organizational development, organizational management, improving farming techniques, processing and marketing. Public-Producer-Private Sector Partnership Meeting of Lao Farmer Network & Lao Farmer Network Annual Meeting have been held in 30-31 January, 2019. The events were co-organized by Department of Technical Extension and Agro – Processing (DTEAP) & Lao Farmer Network, Preliminary meeting of farmer representative, more than 80 participants of representatives of 10 provinces from all remote part of Laos. The objectives of this meeting to: To learning and sharing experiences between Lao Farmer network; To meet and discussion target on marketing mechanism, Pro and Con, to address involvement solution between farmer and private sector; To presentation the yearly report of Lao Farmer Network in 2018 and planning in 2019 Public-Producer-Private Sector Partnership Meeting of Lao Farmer Network, meeting have discussion target on […]
Task force meeting of ALiSEA in Laos, 27th November 2018, Lao PDR
As a first step of the long-run consultation process to shape a future learning platform, On 27th November 2018, ALiSEA organized a working a sort meeting on “Task force meeting of ALiSEA in Laos“. The objective of the working meeting is to present the key findings of the online consultation survey, share the results of the external evaluation of ALiSEA commissioned by AFD and conducted by IRAM and open the discussion on the future of ALiSEA. There were18 participants attended to the meeting include ALiSEA members. Regarding the meeting agenda: (1) Presentation of ALiSEA network survey the result of online consultation, By: Hongnapha (2) ALiSEA online platform presentation: Focusing on social media, By: Samphanh (3) Presentation ONLINE SURVEY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ALiSEA Laos, By: Sythanonxai (4) General discussion on the future ALiSEA project objective and activities All the participants are active on sharing their idea and initiative activities for ALiSEA. They also suggest ALiSEA to continue working and support the network to be more strength in organization management, proposal writing and access to the other donors. They suggest that ALiSEA should have steering committee that could work or negotiate with government partner as policy maker when they have some research\case study. The most common comment are ALiSEA […]
National Consultation Forum for Farmer (NCFF), 18-19 December 2018, Cambodia
Co-Organizers: Facilitation Association of Economy for Cooperatives (FAEC) Farmer and Nature Net (FNN) Farmer and Water Net (FWN) Federation of Cambodian Farmer Organizations for Development (FCFD) Association Sustainable Agriculture Communities (ASAC) Cambodian Farmers Association Federation of Agricultural Producers (CFAP) Background 6 Federations and Associations of the Farmer Organizations (FO) at national level, including FAEC, FNN, FCFD, CFAP, FWN and ASAC, have affiliated together for organization of “National Consultation Forum for Farmers” which it was held on 18-19 December 2018 in Phnom Penh. All affiliated Federations and Associations are formally registered with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and whom have most experienced in working with to support the FO members in Cambodia. The group of organizers has the common goal to create friendly environment and empowerment for factors in the social accountability context so that the supply sides including the state actors at national and sub-national levels and other relevant stakeholders should propagate to be reached the farmers about their dynamic efforts of provision and responsibility in themes of water resources, seeds, diversifying agricultural technique, capital & fund, agriculture cooperative law, market & price, gender & youth in agricultural sector, and democratic development platform of sub-national councils for the farmer. This is an […]
MAF deputy minister, French Ambassador, and AFD representatives visiting EFICAS villages in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
From 19 to 21 January 2019, H. E. Deputy minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Dr Phouang Parisack PAVONGVIENGKHAM, H. E. Ambassador of France in Lao PDR, Mrs Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, Mr Mathieu Bommier, French Development Agency (AFD) representative in Lao PDR, representatives from MAF departments (Planning and Cooperation, Inspection, Agricultural Land Management, and Irrigation), and representatives from local authorities have visited different agricultural development projects (NUDP-SARI[1], NUDP-EFICAS[2], FORAE[3], RECOSEL[4]) implemented by the MAF in Luang Prabang province with financial supports from AFD. Visits included Pouthong village, in Viengkham district, where the EFICAS project supports since 2015 the village community in designing and implementing land use plans that incorporate innovative agroecology practices amongst which the improvement of crop-livestock interactions is central. In Phoutong, activities have started in 2015 with the participatory identification and fencing of four livestock areas, collectively agreed regulations on animal roaming, sowing of a limited area of improved forages, and the investment in animal health through the training of four village veterinary workers, and the establishment of an animal health revolving fund. In 2016 and 2017, farmers have enlarged and consolidated fences, increased the improved pasture area (up to 60 ha), re-discussed collective vs personal management […]
PGS VIETNAM THE 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY AND SELECTIon of the Board OF COORDINATION COMMITTEE OF PGS VIETNAM FOR the Period 2019 – 2020
PGS Vietnam was established in 2008 and operates under the guidance and technical and financial support of ADDA Organic Agriculture Development Project – VNFU (2005-2012). In September 2012, after the ADDA-VNFU project ended, the PGS Coordination Committee met and proposed to ADDA to support the “Seed funding” source. Vietnam PGS system by the end of 2018 includes 5 intergroups: Thanh Xuan (Soc Son District – Hanoi), Luong Son (Hoa Binh Province), Trac Van (Ha Nam Province), Hien Ninh (Soc Son District – Hanoi) and Dong Xuan (Soc Son District – Hanoi). PGS is always looking for opportunities to cooperate with individual organizations such as ACCD, Seed to Table, ADDA, ADB, ALiSEA, Rikolto, etc. to exploit all the resources of society and local government, NGOs to continue training and improvement, capacity building for staff and farmers, expanding production. PGS is together with Rikolto to develop a technical manual to guide PGS construction and operation methods in the hope of helping farmers want to apply PGS. In 2017, The PGS intergroup actively participate in trade fairs to promote PGS organic and products at Hanoi Agricultural Expo; All participants at the meeting The participants of the congress are farmers from 5 different intergroups, […]
“Promoting the floating rice-based agroecological farming systems for a healthy society and adaptation to climate change in the Lower Mekong Region and Myanmar”
Department of Geography, University of Yangon conducted “Promoting the floating rice-based agroecological farming systems for a healthy society and adaptation to climate change in the Lower Mekong Region and Myanmar” on 18th January, 2019 at Conference Room, University of Yangon, Myanmar. This workshop purposed to share the knowledge between three countries (Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar) and to practice the sustainable floating rice-based systems in the Mekong region and Myanmar. There were around (50) participants from government agencies from the Mekong region, academic institutions, private actors, NGOs, farmers and FAO representatives in Greater Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia and Vietnam) who attended a one-day seminar workshop presenting more than 20 research papers. The event was funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Environment Fund 2016 and the seminar/workshop was mainly facilitated by Professor Jamie Pittock and Van Kien Nguyin, Fenner School of Environment & Society the Australian National University and Dr Nilar Aung.
Working Meeting: “Consumer Awareness on Food Standards in Cambodia”, 6 December 2018, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
GIZ, together with Consumers International (CI) and local partners, conducted a series of country surveys in 2017/2018 to assess the level of awareness towards food trade standards, with a special focus on Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. This is set against the backdrop of GIZ’s work on promoting consumer protection as well as the implementation of food standards (especially organic and good agricultural practices) for fresh commodities in the ASEAN region. On December 6th, 2018, GIZ organized a working meeting on Consumers Awaresness on Food Stanadrds in Cambodia. The objective of the working meeting is to share the findings of the country survey in Cambodia, compare and contrast them with similar efforts of other development partners, as well as deliberate options for the way forward on possible future activities, taking into account the results and recommendations of the survey. The working meeting was co-hosted and chaired by GIZ and the Cambodian Institute for Research and Rural Development (CIRD) Agenda is available here Presentations are available here: Results of Country Surveys conducted by GIZ and Consumers International (CI) in 2017/2018 Results of Country Surveys conducted by GIZ and Consumers International (CI) in 2017/2018 – Khmer Version Cambodian consumers’ knowledge and perception toward […]
Chemical Free Paddy Field and Sustainable Agriculture special talk, 16 December, 2018, Myanmar
Chemical Free Paddy Field and Sustainable Agriculture special talk was organized by Shwe Bo Buddhist Youth at Leik Chin Village, Shwe Bo Township, Sagaing region, on 16 December, 2018. Objectives are to make the farmers aware of the techniques of sustainable agriculture and reducing chemicals and to promote the use of natural waste products in farming. The attended participants are around (230) participants, including farmers from that village and teachers and students from state agriculture institute of Leik Chin village.
Green Youth Assembly, December 10-11, 2018, Myanmar
From December 10-11, 2018, Green Youth Assembly was organized by Kalyana Mitta Foundation –KMF, Our Lovely World Group and Hna Lone Hla Inn Maung Mal Group in Nyaung Shwe Tonwship, Innlay, Shan State. Objective are to collect youth’s voices on related NRM issues and environmental injustice issues for recommendation letter, to strength green youth network for environmental monitoring mechanism, to raise environmental injustice issues with CBO & Local government (watchdog). Total participants are over (300) including (70) groups of organization and CSOs attended in that event.
HOW TO COVER RURAL ISSUES IN THE MEDIA?, 25th OCTOBER 2018, PHNOM PENH
On 25th October 2018, CFI Media Development in partnership with Thmey Thmey association, GRET and Agroecology Learning Alliance Network in South East Asia organized a forum on “how can we develop rural information in the media?“ at Khmer Surin Restaurant in Phnom Penh. The main objectives of the forum are: To officially launch the “Rural Networks” project in Cambodia and present the key activities for the next months; To facilitate debate on how to enrich media content addressed to rural populations, in particular young people; To gather multi-stakeholders to foster discussion on how to produce content relating to the challenges involved in agriculture and other concerns for rural population, development of new techniques, environment, adaptation to climate change, food security, etc The forum brought together the experiences and lessons learnt acquired from local and international journalists like Thailand, professional’s media, donor, Cambodian farmers’ federation representatives, local and international agriculture practitioners and official representative of the Ministry to share findings and foster discussion regarding rural issues. The forum addressed the five following themes: Theme 1: The role of the media in rural development Theme 2: How the media speaks about agriculture in Cambodia? Theme 3: How to cover rural thematic (and […]
Graduation ceremony of NEED – Myanmar, 1st of December 2018
On the 1st of December 2018, Network for Environment and Economic Development -NEED Myanmar’s Young Farmer Program Batch (6) graduation ceremony was conducted at Nyaung Bin Thar Yar Village, Hmaw Bi Township, Yangon Region. A total 35 (19 male & 16 female) students who came from different parts of the country and finished a 6-month course in leadership for ecological farming were provided with graduating certificates. There were invited participants from 10 NGOs, farmers organizations, religion organizations and some senior staff from Education Ministries. It ended with lunch and several sessions of different ethnic cultural dance performed by the students.
MIID – Conference on Agricultural Extension in the Uplands of Myanmar, 20th of November 2018, Myanmar
On the 20th of November 2018, MIID hosted a conference at Novotel in Yangon about Agriculture Extension in the Uplands in Myanmar. The conference is a part of MIID’s ongoing project in partnership with Cornell University and with financial support by the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT): “Securing Positive Nutritional Outcome through Agriculture Extension, Nutritional Education and Institution Building in Rural Chin State. The forum was one day event and was conducted with a focus on four themes: why uplands need a distinct approach; Uplands in Agriculture Education; Upland Agriculture Extension and Yezin Agricultural University; and Upland Agriculture Extension in Practice. Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development-MIID invited several government senior officers as speakers for the upland agriculture extension approach. The main speakers were from DG and directors at national level, state and regional directors of DoA, professors and research students of YAU, State Agriculture Institute (SAI) teachers and MIID aquaculture specialist. The last session, panel discussion, was intended to unify the four themes above, with specific reference to: – Challenges and opportunities associated with uplands agriculture extension in practice; If and how government can respond to upland needs and circumstances; and The long-term outlook for uplands livelihoods and […]
Learning exchange between Lao NPOs and Vietnam NGOs, 12 – 14 December 2018, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
The workshop has been facilitated by OXFAM and Partners ( SAEDA) Background The Center for Development and Integration (CDI) is a Vietnamese non-government, non-profit organization working for the rights of the disadvantaged groups to build a society of equity, solidarity, and sustainable development. For over last ten years, CDI has been working hard with a vision that aims to socio-economic development and good governance to build a society in which the poor, women, men, and children are respected and treated fairly in the context of rapid economic integration in Viet Nam and Asia. CDI is an active Vietnamese NGO, contributing to narrow down the social gaps and find solutions to the emerging issues of the society through supporting activities, advocacy and capacity building. We focus on 3 working themes: labor rights, good governance and inclusive growth. CDI have small grants from Irish Aid in Vietnam to organize the training and learning exchange between Vietnamese NGOs and Lao NPOs. The training and learning exchange for Lao and Vietnamese delegation as mentioned above would help actors to (i) more understand on environments and institutions of politics, economic, social (ii) learning on Sustainable Agriculture Development in Vietnam and Lao PDR (iii) Formulate network/market […]
UNICAM conference “Sustainable Agriculture in Cambodia Current knowledge applications and future needs”, 27-29 August 2018, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Co-Organizers: University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse III, France Università degli Studi dell’Aquila (UNIVAQ – Italy) Ghent University (UGent – Belgium) University of Battambang (UBB – Cambodia) Svay Rieng University (SRU – Cambodia) Mean Chey University, (MCU – Cambodia) Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear (CSUK – Cambodia) University of Girona (UdG – Catalonia, Spain) Overview of the Conference UNICAM is an Erasmus+ project focused on the development of master programs in sustainable agriculture (MSA) made up of eight universities from Cambodia, Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. The main objective of this event is to share the knowledge and agree on the steps needed to encourage more and more sustainable agriculture production. As we know there is undeniable evidence that agriculture plays and important role on global change. To that is added the large carbon footprint that food production and distribution leaves behind. Likewise, global change and more specifically the uncertainty deriving from climate change poses a threat to agriculture as it is understood today. This is truly a pressing matter which demands more and more a move to sustainable agriculture worldwide. It is worth mentioning that if we move to agricultural practices that minimize the use of pesticides the benefits will not […]
Agroecology Futures Regional Forum – supporting the agroecological transition in the Mekong region
On the 6 – 8 November, over 260 participants from 21 nationalities gathered in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discuss the futures of Agroecology during an unprecedented Regional Forum. The event was co-organised by the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) of Cambodia, CIRAD and GRET in a joint effort to promote agroecology. This “Agroecology Futures” Forum was the biggest event on agroecology in the Mekong Region since the Regional Symposium organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in November 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of the forum was to support a regional dynamic toward an agroecology transition in the Mekong Region, by networking organizations involved in agroecology, disseminating knowledge and strengthening the effort for R4D. Over 3 days, the participants could learn, share and network through 74 presentations in plenary and parallel sessions, an innovation and knowledge fair (with over 20 booths), a poster session (25 were presented) and a seed swap where more than 60 different plant species were exchanged. Agroecology being diverse and multidimensional, a broad range of issues were addressed such as the fundamental role of crop biodiversity, the highly preoccupying status of agrochemical use in the region, the need for appropriate-scale machinery, the importance […]
New publication: Agroecology Futures, Inspiring and innovating stories from the Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia
ALiSEA has proudly launched its new publication, Agroecology Futures, Inspiring and innovating stories from the Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia, in the framework of the Agroecology Futures Regional Forum which took place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on 6-8 November 2018. This publication results from the compilation of over 20 case studies and collective researches from the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility and other research work carried out since 2015. ALiSEA funded 26 initiatives to support agroecology activities in the Mekong region, which were translated into several knowledge products. These later were reviewed and harmonized to produce this capitalization book. The small grant initiatives were implemented by a broad diversity of stakeholders and participated to change the agriculture sector at different levels, from production unit to policy level. ALiSEA considers these stories as first hand and precious illustrations from the field, which could inspire others to act for a transition toward agroecology in the Mekong region. The following member organizations of the network were particularly involved: ADC, ADG, CGFED, Chalmers University, Chulalongkorn University, CIRAD, CISDOMA, Echo Asia, GRET, MIID, MIPAD, NAV, NUoL, NOMAFSI, Ockenden, RIKOLTO, SPERI, Svay Rieng University & Royal University of Agriculture, TdH Italy, TOA, RCRD, Vivre de sa […]
Another way of farming is possible: Focus on some innovative young organic farmers in the Mekong Region
In the framework of its work aiming at changing the negative narrative towards agriculture through innovative approach to attract the youth, ALiSEA launched a pilot research initiative to document some innovative farms, Assessing farm sustainability in the Mekong Region: from the concept to case studies. This study took place between March and August 2018 and was led by Ms Eve Anna Sanner, ALiSEA Jr Researcher, in close collaboration with ALiSEA team across the Mekong Region and the Youth Farm Network (Y-Farm) in Vietnam and Kalyana Mitta Development Foundation (KMF) in Myanmar. Youth is generally seen as having lost interest in farming in the Mekong region. Young people would not aspire anymore to be farmers, as such work would be associated with limited opportunities, little prestige, lack of independence and low returns (Sofie Mortensen, 2018). However, this common view on young people needs to be put in perspective. Agriculture is still a major working sector for the young population of the Mekong region: as an illustration, more than two thirds of young people in Cambodia are relying on agriculture for their livelihoods (OECD, 2018). Furthermore, the decline of the share of young people working in agriculture should not only be explained […]
Regional Workshop about Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) to promote Agroecology in the Mekong Region, Vientiane, Laos, 1-3 October 2018
On the 1 – 3 of October 2018, over 65 participants from 12 nationalities coming from 6 countries (Cambodia, Laos, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam) and from different background (Government agencies, Research Institutes, Universities, Development practitioners and private sector) gathered at the Vansana Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, for a Regional experience sharing workshop about Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) to promote Agroecology in the Mekong Region. This workshop was organized by GRET in the framework of the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) with the financial support from the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the Conseil Général des Hauts de Seine (CG92). Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) emerged over 40 years ago, as “locally focused quality assurance systems […] based on the active participation of stakeholders and built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.” (IFOAM-Organics International, 2008). In several European countries (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan) organic farmers were initially inspected by committees that involved farmers as well as retailers, processors and/or consumers (Sylvander, 1997). Later on, PGS were revived in Brazil (where alternatives to certification have been sought since the 1990s), India and Mexico (Fonseca et al., 2004; Khosla, 2006; Nelson et al. 2016). […]
4th Annual Meeting of The Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA), 20-24 August 2018, Thailand
MELA is an alliance formed to provide a forum for exchanges of agriculture extension and other important information on rural development in the Mekong region. The mission of MELA is to be a network for all stakeholders in agriculture and rural development in the Mekong Region to continuously learn and share knowledge and best practices with each other and from outside sources in advisory services for sustainable agriculture, marketing and rural development. MELA was initiated by representatives of the Mekong countries at the Workshop on ‘Reaching the Millions’, funded by SDC and organized by Helvetas in cooperation with GFRAS, which was taken place in Hanoi in March 2015. These participants acknowledged the value of regional networking and agreed to meet again to share experience and explore opportunities for further cooperation. In this regard, MELA was inaugurated in Lao PDR during first meeting held in August 2015. The second MELA meeting was organized in June 2016 in Yangon, Myanmar, while the third MELA meeting was organized in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in 2017.The Fourth MELA meeting has been held from 20-24 August 2018 in Nonthaburi, Thailand Objectives of the Meeting: Updating and redefining common interests of members; Revising a draft charter for […]
Regional Vegetable Forum 2018: Sharing knowledge to promote development of the vegetable sector ‘Innovations of production and supply chain systems for improved off-season vegetable’
The vegetable sector is becoming more of a focus for research, development and the private sector in Southeast Asia due to the high nutritional and economical value that can be generated. However, the sector faces key challenges including (1) low average yields of vegetable production in many places; (2) poor competitiveness within the region as well as outside the region; (3) postharvest losses as high 40%; (4) produce that does not conform to quality and safety demands of consumers; (5) and problems meeting market demand during the wet season. Vegetable production is concentrated mostly in the dry season, when producers take advantage of more suitable climatic conditions, and often conventional and relatively simple techniques can be used to grow vegetables. Improving off-season (wet season) production potentially helps farmers take benefits of higher prices and fill production gaps, but it does require different technical applications to manage production, postharvest handling and market access. Many research, development and private sector partners have been working on techniques to develop innovative production and supply chain systems that enable the vegetable industry to meet consumer demand year-round. The regional vegetable forum 2018, as a part of this series of events, has been again initiated by […]
The Value of a Seed: Growing a Network of Community Level Seed Banks in Asia
By Patrick Trail (Agricultural Staff Member at ECHO Asia) As an organization that seeks to equip people with agricultural resources and skills, we often find ourselves coming back to the seed. Again and again we witness the value of saving open-pollinated seeds, shedding light on locally adapted and underutilized plants of merit, and researching innovative low-cost seed storage technologies. These activities form the foundation of ECHO’s ability to empower others in their endeavors to improve food and agricultural systems around the world. Building on a longstanding history of seed bank operations, first in Florida, and now Asia and Africa, ECHO continues to expand its capacity for placing seeds into the hands of those in need. In 2009, with the establishment of Asia’s Regional Impact Center and Seed Bank, the first step was taken in an ongoing process to house seeds of regional merit and local importance on location. To date, ECHO’s first regional seedbank strives to meet a growing demand for locally-adapted, open-pollinated seed from within our network, and its success attests to the wisdom of its establishment. Distributing over 4,600 trial seed packets in 2017, from a selection of 175 different varieties, the Asia Seed Bank serviced network partners […]
SUB SECTOR WORKING GROUP MEETING ON AGROBIODIVERSITY, 16 AUGUST 2018, VIENTIANE, LAO PDR
On the 16th of August 2018, over 40 participants from Government agencies, Research Institutes, National University of Laos and Development practitioners attended the Sub-Sector Working Group on Agro-biodiversity (SSWG-ABD). The meeting took place at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and was chaired by Dr Bounthong Bouahom, Director General of NAFRI, and co-chaired by Michael Jones, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Policy Officer. The objective of this SSWG-ABD was to share experiences, knowledge and policy advises on innovative approaches for combining agriculture development and agrobiodiversity in Laos. The different presentations gave a complete overlook on the opportunities for supporting agrobiodiversity in Laos and beyond, with interventions from government bodies, research centers and private sector to present initiatives at both grass root and institutional levels. The topics covered included policy advises through the presentation of the Policy analysis on scaling up Green Agriculture, presented by Mr Kamphou Phyoyyavong from NAFRI. The Mountain Futures initiative was introduced by Dr Xu Jianchu, from the Kunming Institute of Botany, with a fruitful discussion on the potential entry points and replicability of some concepts of the initiative in Laos. In the second part of the SSWG-ABD, Mr Manoluck Bounsihalath from NAFRI presented the Pha Khao Lao portal, […]
Photo contest “Picturing agroecology initiatives in the Mekong Region”
Do you feel that organic agriculture is a key for a sustainable and fair development in the Mekong region? Do you believe that agroecology is a promising approach to protect people’s health and the environment? Do you also admire farmers who are developing innovative agroecology initiatives? Then, help us to showcase the beauty and the diversity of agroecology initiatives in the Mekong region. Pick one of the many agroecology initiatives implemented by innovative farmers in the region and share with us your best photo from the field. The deadline for submission is the 15th of October 2018. Your photos must be sent to the email address: [email protected] The 15 best photos will be selected and displayed during the Regional Forum “Agroecology futures” (https://ali-sea.org/), taking place in Siem Reap, in Cambodia, during the week of the 5th of November 2018. Photographers will benefit from a high visibility during the event. Out of the 15 photos of the exhibition, 3 will be elected by the participants during the Regional Forum and will receive Cash Prizes. The first photo will win 350$, the second one 250$ and the third one 150$. The Mekong Region at a crossroads: from agricultural intensification to ecological matters With a fast-growing population, […]
ICC WORKSHOP ON “Adaptation Research on Rice-Potato Rotational Model (using SRI for Rice and Minimum Potting Method for Potatoes – GPM) at Phu Binh District, Thai Nguyen Province”
Workshop Objectives: The objective of workshop is to share the results of Rice – Potato – Rice rotational model; discuss about the results of study and also to get the comment to improve the study and also to disseminate the research model to practice. Time: From 8 AM to 11:30 AM of 22 June Location: Meeting room of Tan Duc Commune, Phu Binh District, Thai Nguyen Province Number of Participants: about 50 people Participants: The representatives of local authorities of Phu Binh District, Provincial Extension Center, District Extension Center, Phu Tho High Tech Agricultural materials Seeding Company, farmers, ICC staffs. The results of Workshop: After the presentation of ICC about the study on SRI- Potatoes rotation model and reports from the farmers implementing the study. There are comments for the project report as follows: The study has showed some issues of rice production in Tan Duc Commune. The data results of study has also showed economic efficiency, society and environment of rice production of Tan Duc Commune between traditional rice cultivation model and SRI model, rotational Rice – Rice and Rice – Potatoes – Rice model. The study has also showed some advantages and difficulties of farmers when they join […]
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP “Vietnam and France cooperation towards the development of sustainable agriculture for the Northern mountainous region of Vietnam”
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Socialist Public of Vietnam and Republic of France (1973-2018) and the 100th anniversary of establishment of the Phu Tho Agro-Forestry Research Institute (6/1918-2/2018), Vietnam Academy of Agriculture Science (VAAS) together with French Agriculture Research Center for International Development (CIRAD) and Northern Mountainous of Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (NOMAFSI) have organized the workshop on “Vietnam –France cooperation towards the development of sustainable agriculture for the northern mountainous region of Vietnam” on the 20th of June with the objectives of reviewing the updated results and achievements of some collaborative Vietnam – France projects in term if sustainable agriculture development in northern mountainous region of Vietnam; explore and propose new vision and strategies for research collaboration between two countries in the next period regarding to ecology agriculture development in northern mountainous region The participation of the workshop are the leaders of MARD, VAAS and its member institutions, the representative of French research centers/institutions/agencies in Vietnam; universities. International research organization, local government and mass media agencies The knowledge products were shared in the workshop Some research results on sustainable farming ecology on sloping land (NOMAFSI) Study on fodder crops in sustainable upland […]
Symposium on Climate Change Resilience – turning a buzz-word into action, 14th June, 2018, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Co-organizers Finn Church Aid (FCA) Dan Church Aid (DCA) Life with Dignity (LWD) Overview of the symposium ‘Resilience’ has been an international buzz-word for a while and has lately become an emerging global topic. Cambodia is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in Southeast Asia and highly affected by the climatic variability. In this framework, European Union Aid Volunteers from Finn Church Aid (FCA), Life with Dignity and Dan Church Aid (DCA) have organized this event to share knowledge and experiences bringing innovative solutions to enhance climate change resilience in Cambodia. The topics of the speakers cover sustainable and resilient agriculture, resilience-based programming, agroecology approach and migration as a coping strategy for climate change. In addition, new green office standards and ‘Plastic use awareness’ will be showcased. As resilience has become increasingly trendy as a term, it has been applied to various contexts. Because of this over-use we have ended up in a situation where everything contributes to resilience and thus the term has become vague. As the term is used increasingly to justify programs, there is a need to discuss and define what fits under this broad term – what additional value does it bring to […]
Mountain Futures Conference, 4-8 June 2018, Kunming, China
On the 4th – 8th June 2018, the second Mountain Futures Conference took place in China’s Yunnan province, against the backdrop of the famous Hani rice terraces in Honghe and the rapidly growing city of Kunming. Building on the success of the first Mountain Futures Conference in 2016, the event gave participants the opportunity to shape the future of the Mountain Futures Initiative and to share knowledge and ideas with a range of researchers and representatives from mountain regions around the world. The Initiative seeks to foster local innovations for resilient livelihoods in mountain regions worldwide; it aims to identify, develop, and scale up mountain-based solutions to global problems. Prior the conference, a 2 days field trip was organized to Honghe county to visit the Hani Rice Terraces and some demonstration sites of relevant technologies, and to participate to the Cornerstone Ceremony for the Honghe Innovation Centre for Mountain Futures. The Open Science Conference was then organized in Kunming around 3 main themes: ECOSYSTEM RHYTHMS: UNDERSTANDING CHANGE Due to elevation gradients, mountain ecosystems are governed by unique ecological rhythms; we need to update our scientific understanding of how these ecological cycles are affected by climate change and other global processes. […]
Seeds Festival
Seeds festival was conducted on the last day of 10th Annual Alunmi Assembly of Kalayana Mitta Foundation’s alumni at Thar Yar Chaung Village, Pyin Distinct, Nga Pu Taw Township, Ayeyarwaddy Division on April 3, 2018. Saya Bo Bo Lwin gave an opening speech, and then Saya Lisu Peter (Pyin Oo Lwin) gave a special talk about the struggle life of farmers. Some villagers from Thar Yar Chaung village shared their knowledge and experiences in organic farming. After Lunch, Saya Naing Lin Tun from Metta Development Foundation presented about the law of seeds. The objectives are to realize the long-term effect of using GMO, to be aware with what GMO is and what our Seed Law and Action plan for seed law.
Gaia Green Network Meeting
Gaia Green Network organized the 5th annual meeting in Nyaung Shwe Township, Innlay, Shan State on 10-12 May, 2018. Their objectives are to share information and technique about organic agriculture, to solve the problem of agriculture and to strengthen the network in Organic agriculture and PGS. There were (40) participants coming from Myitkyina, Pwint Phyu, Pyin Oo Lwin, Phe Khon, Inle, Dawei, Kan Kyi Tauk, Tike Kyi and Yangon townships, presenting their activities, discussed the difficulties and challenges in organic agriculture production and action plan.
Enhancing farmers’ analytical and decision making capacity through application of simulation games
Article written by CISDOMA “Through the games, I now know to invest more wisely”, Ms. Luong Thi Doi, a farmer in Binh Lu commune, Tam Duong district (Lai Chau province) shared after attending the sessions of simulation games. These simulation sessions was supported by the project “Promoting agro-ecology transition via enhancing farmers’ analytical and decision making capacity through application of simulation games” funded by The Agro-ecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA). Vietnam is undertaking a strategic transformation of agricultural sector, with strong direction from government towards improving quality of agricultural products and protecting environment. From technical aspect, application of agro-ecology friendly practices in to farming systems is the only way to ensure safe quality of the products and sustainable environment. The adoption of the environment friendly technologies and practices however has encountered numbers of obstacles. Among the hindering factors, the low level of acceptance and adoption of farmers towards agro-ecological friendly techniques is a bottleneck. A critical reason to this fact is that there is lacking of effective approaches in communicating and facilitating farmers, and consequently limited application and expansion of the good practices. Simulation games have been proved as an effective tools to facilitate farmers’ engagement into […]
Dissemination Workshop on the Potato Varieties Testing for the Production in Cambodia
The potato is considered as a major diet in many countries and stands globally fourth just after rice, corn and wheat. As an important staple food, it contains vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber and pantothenic acid. The potato is commonly found in Cambodian’s dish as food garniture, soups and in many fast food restaurants. Every day about 5-10 tons of potatoes are imported from neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, China or even Japan, Australia or the USA to Cambodia and its keeps increasing every year while a local production is not existing with exemption of a handful of pioneering projects. Since 2016, GIZ has been collaborating with the Potatoes Research Center, in Royal University of Agriculture to initiate potato trial fields in the potential areas where the weather conditions are favorable for potato cultivation by taking 10 varieties from Vietnam, Thailand, Scotland and Germany. As the result, it appeared that several potato varieties introduced from Europe are better performing in both quality and yield at the time of harvest. The yields variated between 17 and 20 tons. However, one season is not enough to determine the best performed and economical cultivars and/or recommend […]
Workshop on Dissemination of the Prakas on Imposing Usage of Sample Documents for Commercial Biological Control Agents (BCA), 21 December 2017, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Since 2011 GIZ ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems (ASEAN-SAS) have been cooperating closely with delegates of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) from the Department of Agricultural Legislation (DAL) and General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) as well with agricultural experts of all ASEAN Member States to develop the ASEAN Guideline on the Regulation, Use and Trade of Biocontrol Agents (BCA). The purpose of the guideline aims to create a regional blueprint for national regulation and implementation strategies, harmonization of registration requirements and ASEAN recommendation for national regulations and policies. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the GIZ, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, through the ASEAN Sustainable Agrifood Systems project has organized a workshop on dissemination of the registration form of the biocontrol agents, the Prakas No. 526 on Imposing Usage of Sample Documents for Commercial Biological Control Agents (BCA). The main objectives of this event are to: Raise awareness on registration form as key element to make BCA official available in Cambodia Share and discuss the experiences, activities, and lessons learned by BCA application All presentations are available for download hereafter: Presentation the key content of registration form and registration application procedure and activities of […]
Workshop on Pesticide Residues and Test Kits for Food Safety, 19 December, 2017, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Agriculture Technology and Social Action (ATSA) and The Thai Education Foundation/The Field Alliance have organized one day workshop on “Pesticide Residues and Test Kits for Food Safety” on 19th December 2017 at the Tonle Bassac II Restaurant in Phnom Penh. The workshop aims to share the knowledge and efforts in studying the impacts of pesticides to health and environment and residues testing carried out in Thailand and build capacity of interested agencies in the uses of test kits to detect pesticides residues in vegetables and fruits and other toxic chemicals used to treat products. The flows of chemical pesticides and agricultural products are now appeared in all countries with very little effort to regularly and effectively checking the chemicals residues in foods within local markets and cross border check points. Improper and excessive pesticide use poses severe risks to human being as the toxic residues get into the food chain with negative consequences for health. There are 32 people from different NGOs/IOs, relevant government institutions, farmers, teachers and ATSA staffs attended the event. Blood test was conducted in the workshop while 18 participants agreed to do the blood test to find out whether chemical pesticide, Organophosphat (OP) and Carbamate […]
3rd Annual Meeting: Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA)
The 3rd Annual Meeting of Mekong Extension Learning Alliance (MELA), help on 30th October 2017- 1rst November 2017 at Angkor Paradise Hotel-Siem Reap, Cambodia, was organized by HEKS EPER, MELA and MAFF with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Gfras. The objective of the meeting is to: exchange ideas and knowledge share best practices among professionals from the country participants learn from each other for new inspiration of work The meeting begun with an introduction of program and MELA followed by welcome remarks from honor guesses. The initiative ideas of MELA foundation and its functions and the objective of the 3rd MELA meeting were introduced to participants. The program schedule started from welcome remarks from honor guesses; presentation of new policy, innovation and challenges in agricultural extension and rural advisory service in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar; Presentation from agriculture education, research institutions, NGOs, private sector on agricultural extension and rural advisory service; a panel discussion on Pesticides Impacts to Health and Environment; presentations of private sector and NGOs on Access to Market; a discussion panel on Youth in Agriculture/Future Farmers; field visit organization. The farmer’s market development experiences were shared from SNV Netherlands […]
ALiSEA 1st Annual General Meeting in Myanmar, Yangon, 22-23 February 2018
The 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) in Myanmar was organized in Yangon on the 22 and 23 February 2018. The support to the emergence of ALiSEA is part of a regional program, Towards an Agroecological Transition (ACTAE), funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and implemented by GRET. The AGM was attended by 46 participants from a broad diversity of organizations (Local & International NGO, Farmer Federations, Research Centers, Academia, Private Sector and Government Agency). This event was organized around a two-days meeting alternating presentations, insightful talks and field visits. The field visits, on the 22 February 2018, brought the participants to 2 organic farms: Myanmar Organic Farm Co. Ltd located in Pan Tapwint Taung village, near Hmawbi Township and part of the Myanmar Organic Farm Movement (AMFM) and Kokkoya Organics, an urban farm located in North Dagon Township and operating through a Community Supported Agriculture model. It enabled participants to witness first hand organic initiatives and exchange with experienced farmers. The AGM provided a space for: Reinforcing and envisioning a broad coalition of stakeholders involved in the promotion of agroecology in Myanmar Presenting and sharing ALiSEA progress activities and updates on granted organizations […]
Thematic workshop: Bringing Agroecology to the Market, 09 February 2018, Vientiane, Laos
On the 9th of February, 44 participants from Government agencies, Research Institutes, National University of Laos, Development practitioners and private sector gathered at the Vansana Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Laos for a thematic workshop on Bringing Agroecology to the Market: Innovative Market Approaches and Institutional Settings to accompany the agroecological transition. This workshop was organized by ALiSEA with the support from GRET and CIRAD. It took place in the framework of the Lao Uplands Initiative. A very popular term throughout the world, agroecology designates at the same time a scientific discipline, a set of agricultural practices, and a political/social movement (Wezel et al, 2009). The rallying point of these approaches is the need to improve the sustainability of agriculture, by focusing on various dimensions (e.g., agronomic, environmental, social, economic, and ethical) and at various scales (e.g., the plot/field, the farm, the landscape and the whole food system). Agroecology is thus not only about transforming agricultural practices, it is also about transforming the relationship between agriculture and the society. As a result, it also focuses on social values, such as trustworthiness, health, food sovereignty, youth development and improved livelihoods for farmers and their communities (Loconto et al., 2016). The agroecological transition […]
Side event at the Luang Prabang Film Festival, Promoting Sustainable Farming and Agroecology, 9-10 December, Laos
On 9th & 10th of December 2017, ALiSEA has organized a side event in the framework of the Luang Prabang Film Festival addressing Sustainable Farming and Agroecology! Addressing Sustainable Farming, the Environment, and Agroecology, this event was meant to emphasize the important role of the youth as part of the solution to lead an agricultural revolution that is much needed in the Mekong Region. It was organized in different sessions throughout the week end as follow: 9 & 10 December, whole day: Agroecology Market & Knowledge Fair & Photo Exhibition 9 December, 4 PM: A public conference about “We are what we eat” (main issues at stake in the Mekong Region and more especially in Laos in regards to agriculture development) 9 December, 5.30 PM: Award ceremony for the winners of the short film contest followed by the screening of the top selection of short films about Youth & Agroecology 9 December, 7 PM: Cocktail offered by AFD Whole day 9 & 10 December: Agroecology Market & Knowledge Fair Organized in the garden of the Institut Francais of Luang Prabang, this market fair gave the opportunity to meet with young (and older) organic farmers, learn from their experiences and buy […]
Towards a regional initiative to develop E-learning resources in Agroecology – Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 11th of October 2017
Based on on-going activities in the field of training and higher education implemented by a range of partners within ACTAE project and beyond (see program of the event) a regional workshop was organized in Phnom Penh on October 11 2017 bringing together different partners involved in training, awareness raising and higher education. This workshop was organized on the continuity of a 1st event organized by ALISEA in Vientiane in June 2017. A diversity of participants attend the event with representatives from several universities in the region (Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar), research institutions, representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, departments of Agricultural Land Resources Management, and NGOs. The first focus of the event was on e-learning as an integrated tool between different actors and beneficiaries. Discussions were conducted prior the event one between ITC, SupAgro, RUA, Queensland University, GDA/DALRM, GRET and CIRAD to identify common expectations for this event and outputs. The event was organized on two main sessions with in the morning presentations from different partners in the region and in the afternoon working groups on beneficiaries identified. Dr. Bunthan NGO (RUA), Dr. OM Rommy (ITC), Dr. Chan Phaloeun (GDA) and Dr. Philippe Girad (CIRAD) did introductory speeches. During his […]
Sub Sector Working group meeting on Agrobiodiversity, 5 December 2017, Vientiane, Lao PDR
On the 5th of December 2017, over 50 participants from Government agencies, Research Institutes, National University of Laos and Development practitioners attended the Sub-Sector Working Group on Agro-biodiversity (SSWG-ABD). The meeting took place at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and was chaired by Dr Bounthong Bouahom, Director General of NAFRI, and co-chaired by Dr Stephen Rudgard, FAO Representative in Lao PDR. The objective of the SSWG-ABD is to support the work of the Sector Working Group on Agriculture and Rural Development (SWG-ARD) in matters regarding to the Lao agrobiodiversity. It focuses more especially on policy aspects regarding the conservation and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity and access and benefit sharing. The meeting of the 5th of December addressed in priority Agroecology with presentations clarifying the concept and highlighting why it was relevant for Laos & the Mekong Region but also different case studies illustrating ongoing initiatives at both grass root and institutional levels. Hereafter are the main presentations of the meetings that led to some fruitful discussions: Agroecology in Lao PDR and in the Mekong Region, Why it matters today? How to promote it? By Pierre Ferrand, GRET / ALiSEA Identifying barriers in the adoption of Agroecological practices in […]
Cambodia Vegetable Forum 2017: Fostering A Safe And Sustainable Vegetable Sector
Fostering a safe and sustainable vegetable sector In Cambodia there is strong market demand for local, high quality, safe fresh vegetables, however, the vegetable sector in Cambodia currently supplies less than half of the domestic demand. Key challenges within the sector include (1) low yields and difficulty producing in the wet season; (2) poor competitiveness with regional neighbours; (3) post-harvest losses as high as 40%; and (4) product that does not conform to quality and safety demands of consumers. Subsequently, there are many opportunities for smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the supply chain to benefit from improved connections, collaborations and adoption of sustainable production practices. The vegetable sector offers smallholder farmers an opportunity to diversify their production systems and market options, improve household nutrition and increase incomes. Importantly, it also offers women a source of income, and can help improve household food security. As the sector develops, opportunities for market engagement, input supply and agroprocessing will increase. The challenges facing the sector can be addressed in many different ways, with all participants benefiting from the input and knowledge contributed by a wide range of stakeholders. In Cambodia, there are many public, private and development partners working to improve the productivity and profitability of the vegetable sector. Bringing these stakeholders together is a way of understanding […]
ALiSEA 1st Annual General Meeting in Vietnam, Hanoi, 13-14 November 2017
The 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) in Vietnam was organized in Hanoi on the 13th and 14th of November 2017. The support to the emergence of ALiSEA is part of a regional program, Towards an Agroecological Transition (ACTAE), funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and implemented by GRET. The AGM was attended by over 55 participants from a broad diversity of organizations (Local & International NGO, Farmer Federations, Research Centers, Academia, Private Sector, Government Agency and International Donors). This event was organized around a two-days meeting alternating presentations, insightful talks and field visits. The field visits, on the 13th of November, brought the participants to 2 organic vegetable groups engaged in PGS approach in Thanh Xuan Commune (Soc Son District) and to Bao Chau Organic Pig farm in Minh Phu Commune (Soc Son District). It enabled participants to witness first hand agroecological initiatives and exchange with experienced farmers. The AGM provided a space for: Reinforcing and envisioning a broad coalition of stakeholders involved in the promotion of agroecology in Vietnam Presenting and sharing ALiSEA progress activities and updates on granted organizations of the 1st and 2nd calls for proposals from ALiSEA and CANSEA Grant […]
Regional Forum on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in the Mekong Sub-Region towards Food Security, An Giang University, Vietnam 6-7 November 2017
The Mekong Sub-region is rapidly becoming a new frontier of economic growth in Southeast Asia due to its rich human and natural capital (ADB 2017). Its suitability for a wide range of crops has made agriculture one of the sub-region’s important economic sectors. It has also led to increased trade and investment linked to regional integration. More than two-thirds of the population of the countries comprising the Mekong Sub-region rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods (WWF Greater Mekong). These countries are Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The People’s Republic of China (Yunnan Province) is a part of this sub-region but for purposes of this forum is not included. The forum aimed to share research findings from SEARCA SFRT grantees across the Mekong Sub-Region, as well as develop research to address gaps, towards the promotion of ecological farming, adaptation to climate change, and improving rural livelihoods and food security. This forum covered Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT) research from 2013 to 2016 where 11 out of 15 studies of Vietnamese and Myanmar grantees are relevant to the above subject (none from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand for the period). The expected […]
Laos Vegetable Forum 2017: Fostering a safe and sustainable vegetable sector
Fostering a safe and sustainable vegetable sector In the Lao PDR, vegetable production provides around 80% of domestic demand, mostly produced by smallholder farmers. Throughout the country, there are large differences in consumption between provinces. Challenges to vegetable production include suboptimal yields, poor competitiveness, high postharvest losses, product that does not conform to quality and safety demands of consumers, limited technical capacity and difficulties in meeting market demand during some periods of the year. Additionally, the recent establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community has implications for cross-border trade regulations. Thus there are many opportunities for both producers and the private sector to benefit from improved connections and sustainability. The vegetable sector offers smallholder farmers an option to diversify their production systems and market opportunities, improve household nutrition and increase incomes for farmers and traders. Importantly, it also offers women a source of income, and can help improve household food security. As the sector develops, opportunities for market engagement, input supply and agro-processing will increase. These challenges and opportunities can be addressed in many different ways, and with a range of stakeholders. In Laos, there are public, private and development partners working to improve the productivity and profitability of the vegetable […]
Third call for proposal “Competitive grant scheme” in the framework of ACTAE Regional Project / Cansea Component
With a fast growing population, increased pressure on its natural resources and climate change impacts everyday more present, South East Asia is at a crossroads regarding its agriculture development, calling for an important shift towards an agroecological transition. In this framework, ACTAE project has a regional focus (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) and aims at enhancing and building durable and effective networking mechanisms to facilitate synergies among agroecology initiatives. It intends, through its CANSEA component under Cirad, at providing institutional and operational backstopping on Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Agroecology (AE) research linked to the Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA). In this way, some grants will be provided to CANSEA members and partners in order to enhance and strengthen agroecological research activities. Here is enclosed a concept note explaining the procedure and topics short listed: ACTAE-Cansea 3rd call for proposal VF10102017 Only proposals with a focus on agroforestry approach among agroecology will be eligible. The proposal should be based on a production of high economic interest for the country (ies) concerned and should aim at: – Showing results for capitalization / demonstration even within 9 – 10 months of operational implementation of the project; – Improving the scientific […]
ALiSEA 1st Annual General Meeting in Laos, Vientiane, 24-25 July 2017
The 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) in Laos was organized in Vientiane Capital on the 24th and 25th of July 2017. The support to the emergence of ALiSEA is part of a regional program, Towards an Agroecological Transition (ACTAE), funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and implemented by GRET. The AGM was attended by 47 participants from a broad diversity of organizations (Local & International NGO, Farmer Federations, Research Centers, Academia, Private Sector, Government Agency and International Donors). This event was organized around a two-days meeting alternating presentations, insightful talks and field visits. The field visits enable the participants to witness first hand agroecological initiatives and exchange with experienced farmers. It took place on the 24th of July and was hosted by: Ms Khammone Luanglath (supported by Xaythany District of Agriculture, Lao Farmer Network and Click) in Thongmung village, Xaythany District Vientiane Capital. Specific focus was put on Organic Thongmung farmer group, Young organic farmer group, Compost fertilizer, Bio-extract (BE), access market / certify products and biochar. Mr Phoutthasend (supported by Thoulakhom District of Agriculture and CLICK) in Keun village, Thoulakhom district Vientiane Province. Specific focus was put on cattle grazing group, spice production, young […]
Youth and Agroecology Short Film Competition, call for submission
Do you care about sustainable farming, the environment, and agroecology? Do you believe that youth are part of the solution and can lead an agricultural revolution that is much needed in the Mekong region? Feeling creative? Find a story, do your research, gather your team, grab your camera, and get to work on your short film now! If selected, your film could win a cash prize in addition to reaching thousands both online and at the 2017 Luang Prabang Film Festival. Submit your film by 15 October 2017. The Mekong Region at a crossroads: from agricultural intensification to ecological matters With a fast-growing population, increased pressure on natural resources, and climate change impacts becoming more present everyday, the Mekong Region is at a crossroads regarding its agriculture development, calling for an important shift towards an agroecological transition. Agroecology is a promising movement to inspire young farmers and reverse urban migration. It seeks to: ➢ produce diversified and high-quality food ➢ reproduce—or even improve—the ecosystem’s fertility ➢ limit the use of non-renewable resources ➢ avoid contaminating the environment and people ➢ contribute to the fight against global warming Across the Mekong Region, thousands of innovative farmers have already engaged themselves in […]
ALiSEA experience sharing workshop: Review of existing pedagogical materials and initiatives for mainstreaming agroecology practices in Laos, June 2017
This experience sharing workshop was part of the activities implemented by the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) to foster multi stakeholder collaborations in regards to promoting an agroecological transition. It was more especially embodied in the support provided to the Faculty of Agriculture from the National University of Laos through the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility to develop new AE pedagogical material. Their project aims at both producing an updated learning and teaching manual for Agroecology with the collaboration of the Departments of Agriculture from three other universities (Souphanouvong, Savannakhet and Champhasak) as well as revising the syllabus for agroecology courses in order to harmonize them at national level. It brought together 23 participants from Research & Academia (57%) and National and International NGOs / CSOs’ (43 %) actively working on sustainable agriculture / agroecology sector in Laos (see participants list in the full proceedings of the workshop). This workshop aimed in particular to provide an opportunity for synergizing one another’s activities. This was a great opportunity for the different participants to present and confront the outcomes of their respective projects with other initiatives in Laos and learn from their previous experiences. In addition, it provided the opportunity […]
ALiSEA 1st Annual General Meeting in Cambodia, Siem Reap, 21-22 March 2017
The 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) in Cambodia was organized in Siem Reap on the 21st and 22nd of March 2017. The support to the emergence of ALiSEA is part of a regional program, Towards an Agroecological Transition (ACTAE), funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and jointly implemented by CIRAD and GRET. The AGM was attended by 60 participants from a broad diversity of organizations (Local & International NGO, Farmer Federations, Research Centers, Academia, Private Sector and Government Agency). This event was organized around a two-days meeting alternating presentations, insightful talks and field visits. The field visits enable the participants to witness first hand agroecological initiatives and exchange with experienced farmers. It took place on the 22nd of March and was hosted by: Mr Ry Saren (supported by Horticulture Innovation Lab, FEED THE FUTURE) in Prei Thlok village, Knart Commune, in Puok district. Specific focus was put on conservation agriculture, micro-irrigation for horticulture, trees plantations and biochar Mr Em Chomreun (supported by GRET and CIRD) in Kouk Russei Choeng village, Dan Run commune, in Sotr Nikum district. Specific focus was put on composting, mulching, inter-cropping, rotation, micro-irrigation, bio-pesticides […]
Book announcement & Call for papers, Farmer Innovations and Best Practices by Shifting Cultivators in Asia-Pacific
Malcolm Cairns and his team are bringing to a logical conclusion what promises to be the world’s leading collection of scientific works on the practice of shifting cultivation, focusing on Asia and the Pacific. This book will be the third in a planned trilogy. Already, in the first two volumes, hundreds of the world’s leading scholars of swidden agriculture have called for a revolution in common and scientific regard for shifting agriculture, including recognition of its benefits in a world beset by climate change and biodiversity loss, and challenged the centuries-old treatment of swidden in official policy. Maintaining this theme, the third and final volume will explore the ways in which today’s shifting cultivators are innovating and adjusting their traditional “hitching a ride with nature” to cope with the modern challenges of population growth, market economies, shortages of land and the modern threat of plantation monocropping. They already have a rich collection of material to launch this third 1100-page tome, so the standard is challenging. But they are determined to make this the best of the three volumes and new contributions are keenly sought. They expect to be able to accommodate 52 chapters (papers) in the volume itself, with an […]
Regional Symposium on “Mapping and Assessing University-based Farmer Extension Services in ASEAN through an Agro-ecological / Organic Leans”, 23th February 2017, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
“We agree there are very different policies and priorities between all countries, but the common point is that they are all working under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. The main problem though is that SDGs do not mention organic agriculture at all, they do not mention Agro-ecology either. That is where the university needs to become involved.” Wayne Nelles, Visiting scholar, CUSAR, and Facilitator of the Symposium. On Thursday 23th of February 2017, Chulalongkorn University, School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR) hosted a regional symposium about University-based Farmer Extension Services & Agroecology with the support avec the Agroecology Learning Alliance (ALiSEA) and United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This event was a unique opportunity to bring together scholars from eight different nationalities among ASEAN countries. Were represented Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Here are all speakers’ profile: The symposium came after a one-year study lead by researchers who have been working on the role of post-secondary institutions and research institutions in farmer extension services. They presented their conclusions on how these institutions either enable or inhibit agro-ecological transition, through various case studies from each country. Here is the final symposium program: FINAL_Program_(23 Feb 2017)_Chula_Ext_Res_Symposium […]
1st Regional Academic Conference on Agroecology, Yezin Agriculture University, Myanmar, 24th & 25th of January 2017
On the 24th and 25th of January 2017, Yezin Agriculture University (YAU) has organized a Regional Academic Conference about Agroecology, with a close support from the Agroecology Learning alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) funded by the French Agency for Development. This Learning and Sharing Event took place in the framework of the ongoing collaboration between YAU and GRET in the Dry Zone (Cartier Charitable Foundation funded project in the Sagaing region), and with the objectives to promote YAU current work/research and to broaden the knowledge of its personals and students about agroecology. Such event was a unique opportunity to share experiences and knowledge from across the region while showcasing ongoing initiatives from Myanmar. It brought together 84 participants, including scholars from Cambodia (Battambang University), Lao PDR (National University of Laos), Myanmar (Yezin Agriculture University), Thailand (Chulalongkorn and MaeJo Univerities) and Vietnam (Hanoi University of Agriculture). Here are all speakers’ profile: Speaker Profiles YAU Conference_Jan17 At Myanmar level, it benefited, beyond personals and students from YAU, from the participation of Myanmar Agriculture Extension Services, Myanmar Department of Agriculture Research, representatives from Civil Society Organizations and other valuable stakeholders. This Learning and Sharing Event contributed to Take stock of ongoing academic […]
ALiSEA National thematic workshop: What performance indicators for assessing agroecology impacts? Vientiane, Lao PDR, November 2016
This 1st thematic workshop was part of the activities implemented by the Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) to foster multi stakeholder collaborations in regards to promoting an agroecological transition. It took place in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on the 29th of November 2016. It brought together 30 participants from Research and Universities (about 60%) and National and International NGOs / CSOs’ (about 40 %) actively working on sustainable agriculture sector in Laos (see participants list in the full proceedings of the workshop). This workshop aimed in particular to provide an opportunity for initiating co-evaluations of agroecological practices and experiences, with the objective to identify, document and compare parameters, expected results and condition of success for diverse agroecological cropping systems. This one day collective work has been very intense and very fruitful paving the way to some common indicators to assess performance of agroecology and enabling rewriting a more positive narrative about agriculture. There is still a lot of work to do but it has highlighted a strong interest from the participants to address this issue collectively. The workshop has offered room for a lot of experience sharing from Laos (and abroad). It has enabled to start brainstorming about some […]
Call for Co-Research, quantifying & mapping Southeast Asia’s pesticide usage
GRET together with CIAT in the framework of the Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) are planning to conduct an exploratory research initiative to quantify and map Southeast Asia’s pesticide usage. The main objective of this exploratory research initiative is to get an initial appreciation of pesticide usage patterns in key agricultural crops within several SE Asian countries, and to visualize associated environmental risks and socioeconomic implications. More specifically, this exploratory research initiative proposes to address the following objectives (each the focus of a subsequent priority action). Some of the objectives (a-b) will be addressed in priority and in the first part of this initial research and other (c-e) will come later. To consolidate and centralize available information on crop-specific pesticide use patterns, as obtained through multiple data sources, for a select set of agricultural communities in min. 3 different countries; To generate an accurate, fine-grained map of pesticide-usage patterns, as organized by crop, country, active ingredient and/or target pest (with particular attention of utilization of generic produce or banned substances); To develop initial environmental risk maps for different sets of commodities, farm typologies and geographies, and to make spatially-explicit inferences regarding the impact of pesticide use on […]
Consultation workshop with Farmers’ Organizations’ representatives in Cambodia, October 2016
This workshop was organized in Phnom Penh on the 26th of October as part of ALiSEA objective to support the emergence and promote a shared vision about Agroecology. It involved thirteen farmers, representatives of 8 different Farmer Organizations (FOs). FO here refers to farmer association, federation or network. The objectives of the workshop were: To better understand the functioning of each Farmer Organization (mandate, agricultural models promoted, difficulties/challenges faced by their members, how these challenges/constraints have been addressed, and dissemination of information by FO to their members); To assess the understanding of FO of the AE concept and facilitate the co-development of a clear definition of the agroecology in Khmer, which can be easily understood by farmers; To present ALiSEA and discuss the potential collaboration, especially on how to mainstream agroecology at farmer level; To identify potential outstanding sites (farms) that could relate to AE concept and would be worth documented (for sharing experience amongst FO members). A brief presentation of some findings of the workshop is available here
Second call for proposal “Competitive grant scheme” in the framework of ACTAE Regional Project / Cansea Component
With a fast growing population, increased pressure on its natural resources and climate change impacts everyday more present, South East Asia is at a crossroads regarding its agriculture development, calling for an important shift towards an agroecological transition. In this framework, ACTAE project has a regional focus (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) and aims at enhancing and building durable and effective networking mechanisms to facilitate synergies among agroecology initiatives. It intends, through its CANSEA component under Cirad, at providing institutional and operational backstopping on Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Agroecology (AE) research linked to the Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA). In this way, some grants will be provided to CANSEA members and partners in order to enhance and strengthen agroecological research activities. Here is enclosed a concept note explaining the procedure and topics short listed: actae-cansea-call-for-proposal-2-vf Deadline for submission is on the 22nd of October 2016 The application should include: – An executive summary, – Description of the proposal with i) context, ii) objective, iii) activities description, iv) partnerships, the proposal should involve different institutions and organisms in accordance with their field of expertise and objectives of the proposals, v) planning and duration, – A detailed budget. Because […]
The 1st Lao Bamboo Platform workshop addressing the development of the bamboo sector in Lao PDR
A Lao Bamboo Platform workshop addressing the development of the bamboo sector in Lao PDR was held on the 15th and 16th of June 2016 in Vientiane capital, Lao PDR. It was co- organised by Department of Forestry (DoF) / Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), GRET, WWF and RECOFTC. The opening was chaired by Mr Boualy Phamuang (Vice Head of DoF) and co-chaired by Mr Martin Hasler (Deputy Director of Cooperation, SDC). The closing was chaired by His Excellency Dr Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham (Vice Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). It brought together 38 participants from national and international NGOs, researchers and provincial and national governments agencies, development partners actively working on developing the bamboo and rattan sector in Lao PDR. It aimed at defining and creating a dynamic Lao Bamboo Platform for facilitating experience sharing among bamboo and rattan projects in the country in order to create a common vision, to act the willingness of a Lao Bamboo Platform as well as to start the formulation of an action-plan of the Lao Bamboo Platform for initiating a discussion on the national governance of the bamboo sector in Laos. The workshop was organized into 2 sessions: Presentation of the national forestry strategy, related to NTFP and […]
How to make ALiSEA works for your organization…
In the past few months, several communication tools (website, Facebook page, quarterly newsletter) have been developed by the ALiSEA coordination team with the objective to foster learning and sharing initiatives about agroecology in the Mekong Region. Such tools are meant to support by several ways research dissemination and analysis, updates on local, national and regional agroecology related events, mapping field level initiatives… and to enhance the visibility and the credibility of the numerous on going agroecology initiatives across the Mekong region. The table hereafter presents briefly The objectives and the current scope of each communication tool How every organization involved in agroecology and willing to join ALiSEA network can make use of them to give visibility to its action at grass root level and broadly share its experience across the Mekong region and beyond Ultimately, it is believed that ALiSEA regional network will contribute at enabling local and regional agroecology stakeholders to leverage one another’s expertise to produce evidence based studies and share them broadly to support a regional transition towards agroecology. To share with us your organization profile for the ALiSEA member section, here is the template: Template member profile To submit us a case study for the mapping […]
Agroecology multiversity launched: “It’s a school, community and movement rolled into one”
From a field-learning site somewhere in the Philippine countryside, a farmer shares through an online video platform his experience and best practices on how to grow vegetables without using harmful agrochemicals and make decent earnings. His audience includes fellow vegetable growers in Malaysia, agriculture students in South Korea, a scientist from New Zealand and organic food advocates in the US. A lively exchange of ideas followed, with all the participants learning new knowledge and insights on how to maximize and further advance agroecological farming. The setting described above is one of the various ways of how the online portal and global network of field-learning sites called International People’s Agroecology Multiversity (IPAM) is being envisioned by its proponents. Penang-based regional advocacy group PAN Asia Pacific (PANAP) officially launched the IPAM today to also mark the World Environment Day. “There is a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience on the ground on how small farmers practice agroecology. The challenge is how do we bring all these together, and disseminate and enrich them in a systematic way. We hope that IPAM could be that platform,” said Anwar Fazal, a leading grassroots environmental activist in Malaysia and one of the brains behind IPAM. IPAM […]
1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in Laos
The 1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in the Mekong Region, and more especially in Laos, was held on the 2nd and 3rd of June 2016 in Vientiane. It was organized by CIRAD and GRET as part of the inception phase of ACTAE project, funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD). It brought together nearly 60 specialists and practitioners from national and international NGOs, research and universities, farmers’ network, government agencies, development partners and private sector actively working on sustainable agriculture sector in Laos. It aimed at sharing knowledge, information and experiences between agricultural development stakeholders, more especially through: Introduction to ACTAE program with its 2 components: Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA) Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) Discussions of initial findings from the 1st study carried out in the framework of ALiSEA about Situation review of agro-ecology initiatives, stakeholders and networks in Lao PDR (report to be available soon on ALiSEA website) Demonstration of the online ALiSEA knowledge management and experience sharing platform on Agroecology Presentation of 12 case studies and one video from various stakeholders in line with 3 main topics Social & Technical dimensions of Agroecology AE products: Quality control, […]
1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in Vietnam
The 1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in the Mekong Region, and more especially in Vietnam, was held on the 5th and 6th of May 2016 in Hanoi. It was organized by CIRAD, GRET and PHANO as part of the inception phase of ACTAE project, funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD). It brought together about 40 specialists and practitioners from national and international NGOs, research and universities, farmers’ union, government agencies, development partners and private sector actively working on sustainable agriculture sector in Vietnam. It aimed at sharing knowledge, information and experiences between agricultural development stakeholders, more especially through: Introduction to ACTAE program with its 2 components: Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA) Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) Discussions of initial findings from the 1st study carried out in the framework of ALiSEA about Agroecological farming innovations: Case studies in Hoa Binh and Lam Dong province, Vietnam (report to be available soon on ALiSEA website) Demonstration of the online ALiSEA knowledge management and experience sharing platform on Agroecology Presentation of 11 case studies and one video from various stakeholders in line with 3 main topics Setting the stage: illustration of challenges & […]
1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in Cambodia
The 1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in the Mekong Region, and more especially in Cambodia, was held on the 30th and 31st of March 2016 in Phnom Penh. It was organized by CIRAD and GRET as part of the inception phase of ACTAE project, funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD). It brought together about 60 specialists and practitioners from national and international NGOs, research and universities, farmers’ federations, government agencies, development partners and private sector actively working on sustainable agriculture sector in Cambodia. It aimed at sharing knowledge, information and experiences between agricultural development stakeholders, more especially through: Introduction to ACTAE program with its 2 components: Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA) Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) Discussions of initial findings from the 1st study carried out in the framework of ALiSEA about Agroecology Stakeholder Mapping and Situation Review in Cambodia (report available in ALiSEA online library and Powerpoint available here) Demonstration of the online ALiSEA knowledge management and experience sharing platform on Agroecology Presentation of 12 case studies and one video from various stakeholders in line with 3 main topics Improving production through agroecological practices Trade-off between agriculture production and […]
1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in Myanmar
The 1st national multi-stakeholder workshop addressing Agroecological Transition in the Mekong Region, and more especially in Myanmar, was held on the 7th and 8th of March 2016 in Yangon. It was organized by CIRAD and GRET as part of the inception phase of ACTAE project, funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD). It brought together over 40 specialists and practitioners from national and international NGOs, research and universities, farmers’ and consumers’ associations, government agencies, development partners and private sector actively working on sustainable agriculture sector in Myanmar. It aimed at sharing knowledge, information and experiences between agricultural development stakeholders, more especially through: – Introduction to ACTAE program with its 2 components: + Conservation Agriculture Network in South East Asia (CANSEA) + Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia (ALiSEA) – Discussions of initial findings from the 1st study carried out in the framework of ALiSEA about Myanmar agroecology stakeholder mapping and policy framework review (report to be available soon on ALiSEA website) – Demonstration of the online ALiSEA knowledge management and experience sharing platform on Agroecology – Presentation of 12 case studies from various stakeholders in line with 3 main topics + Disseminating agroecology practices through training and extension […]
Agricultural transformation
FAO shows that 51% of South Asia’s 1,6 billion people are directly engaged in agriculture and 42% of South Asia’s landmass is under agricultural operation. It is high time the scientific and farming community of South Asia realigned their natural and knowledge resources to cope with the challenges emanating from the transformation in agriculture as an economic activity. More details please visit: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-03-06/agricultural-transformation.html
Meat consumption on the rise
Laos expects to require a total of 487,000 tones of meat, eggs and fish or an average of 65 kg per capital per year by 2020 and expects to grow to 79 kg by 2025. Recently, the government is encouraging farmers to breed cattle, goats, pig, chicken and fish to meet domestic consumption needs which are increasing year by year. More details please visit: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Meat.htm
Laos, Vietnam partner in commercial cattle farming project
Today, Vientiane farmers are producing only 50-60% of meat required to meet the capital’s needs. To solve this Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Department of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam are jointly working to help livestock breeders rear cattle for consumption and export. More details please visit: http://mekongwitness.blogspot.com/2016/03/laos-vietnam-partner-in-commercial.html
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) opens officially its first website
On February 2, 2016 MAF held the official opening ceremony for MAF firt website. The ceremony was chaired by Dr. Phouang Parisak Pravongviengkham, MAF Deputy Minister and attended by 35 delegations from MAF. The MAF website is a platform to link with the available information about agriculture and forestry in Laos. It aims at facilitating access to past and present experiences and lessons learnt from projects, as well as knowledge and technologies on agriculture and forestry in Laos. More information please visit: http://www.maf.gov.la/%E0%BA%9E%E0%BA%B4%E0%BA%97%E0%BA%B5-%E0%BB%80%E0%BA%9B%E0%BA%B5%E0%BA%94%E0%BA%81%E0%BA%B2%E0%BA%99%E0%BA%99%E0%BB%8D%E0%BA%B2%E0%BB%83%E0%BA%8A%E0%BB%89-%E0%BA%A5%E0%BA%B0%E0%BA%9A%E0%BA%BB%E0%BA%9A/#more-790
Farmers experienced that naturally grown cauliflowers gave high yields with less cost of cultivation (Myanmar)
The Farmer Journal Vol-12, Issue 180 for December 28-January 3, 2016: Vegetable producers in Magway Division are saying that cost of cultivation of naturally grown cauliflowers are very low and yet providing them with high yield. In Makyi village and Chaung Ma Gyi village of Seik Phyu township in Magway region, vegetable farmers are successful in growing their cauliflowers using cow dung and sesame cake (by product from oil pressing mill). By using 500 baskets of cow dung @ 400MMK/basket and 100 viss of sesame cake @ 1000MMK/viss, they they have learned that their harvested cauliflowers are of very good quality the market appreciated (particularly markets in Chauk and Seik Phyu townships). Although they are using a very small quantity of chemicals applied at the very young stage of the crops, this experience have motivated them to move towards purely organic farming that can satisfy the consumers and market demand. Weblink (Burmese language): http://www.thefarmermedia.com/%E1%80%9E%E1%80%98%E1%80%AC%E1%81%80-%E1%80%A1%E1%80%90%E1%80%AD%E1%80%AF%E1%80%84%E1%80%B9%E1%80%B8-%E1%80%85%E1%80%AD%E1%80%AF%E1%80%80%E1%80%B9%E1%80%95%E1%80%BA%E1%80%B3%E1%80%AD%E1%80%B8%E1%80%9E