The role of agroforestry in swidden transitions: a case study in the context of customary land tenure in Central Lao PDR

This study examines the role of agroforestry in the context of customary land tenure in Central Lao PDR, focusing on the independent adoption of ‘yang bong’ tree cultivation. It analyzes the contributions of agroforestry systems to farmer livelihoods compared to swidden cultivation and investor-led plantations. The paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers interested in sustainable land management and rural development in Southeast Asia.

Key Insights

Financial Returns of Agroforestry vs. Swidden

The returns to land from the ‘yang bong’ (Persea kurzii) agroforestry system are more financially rewarding for farming households than swidden cultivation. This finding demonstrates the potential for land use intensification pathways to replace swidden cultivation.

Preference for Banana Monocrops

Despite the financial benefits of agroforestry, the case study farmers anticipate further expansion of banana monocrops. This preference suggests the influence of market opportunities and the potential for monoculture to outcompete diversified agroforestry systems.

Wealth Differentiation

The adoption of the agroforestry system has fostered wealth differentiation in the case study village. This outcome highlights how prior and emerging inequities in the customary land tenure system shape the distribution of benefits from agroforestry.

Influence of Customary Land Tenure

The intersection of customary land use practices, national policy goals, land allocation policies, new market opportunities, and farmers’ dynamic livelihood strategies, both define and constrain the contribution of agroforestry to land use transitions.

Understanding Institutional and Livelihood Contexts

The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding institutional and livelihood contexts to appreciate the role and potential of agroforestry in supporting sustainable land use transitions.

Impact of ‘Chap Chong’

The practice of “chap chong,” claiming forestland for private household use, is increasing in Laos and exacerbates inequalities in resource access between households, and introduce new livelihood constraints for households whose access to land is now limited. (Kenney-Lazar 2018)

Prioritizing Food Security and Diversification

Households prioritize food security and livelihood diversification over income maximization. This decision-making influences their choices regarding land use systems.

Key Statistics & Data

• Returns to land from agroforestry systems were more financially rewarding for farming households than swidden cultivation.
• Mean household income of “poor”, “middle” and “wealthier” households was US$3169,$6285 and $9408 respectively (2016 data).
• Area of each of yang bong plantations, banana monoculture plantations, and wet rice paddies in 2016 had increased since DONRE’S PLUP in 2012.
• All but one sampled household owned a larger area of undeveloped chap chong land than of yang bong plantations.
• At a 12% discount rate, the per hectare NPV returns from yang bong over a 7-year cycle totalled $2596.

Methodology

The research employed a community case study approach in Ban Xepon, Central Laos, focusing on farmer-led tree-based transformation of swidden cultivation. Data collection methods included:

• Household Questionnaire Survey: A wealth-based stratified random sampling of 25 households.
• Semi-structured Interviews: Conducted with government and village officials.
• NTFP Collection Diaries: Daily records of NTFP collection and fuelwood substitution activities from 13 households.
• Photo Elicitation: Eleven households provided pictures of assets important for their livelihoods.
• Focus Group Discussions: Four groups were convened to discuss village history, resource distribution, agroforestry, and monoculture banana systems.
• Participant Observation: Village walks and informal conversations with participatory maps.

Implications and Conclusions

• Agroforestry, specifically ‘yang bong,’ offers financial and political advantages over swidden. However, the appeal to farmers has been overtaken by new opportunities to lease land for banana monocropping.
• The capacity of farmers to respond to new crop opportunities depends both on their access to ‘common’ land and on the easy access to markets afforded by the location of the case study village.
• The study recommends understanding the policy, institutional, and livelihood contexts of agroforestry adoption to best understand their future potential in supporting sustainable land use transitions.
• The study highlights that household prioritised food security and livelihood diversification over income maximisation. This is consistent with results reported by Martin and Lorenzen (2016), who found that livelihoods across all socioeconomic groups in rural southern Laos include a combination of farming and non-farming activities, although they remain highly dependent on agriculture.