Author : Chanthanome Southammavong

Summary : This study set out to analyze the prototype farmers' group (FG) as a model to enhance rice production and commercialization in Phonthong-Donyeng Zone, Champone District, Savannakhet Province in Lao PDR on the basis of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the farmer-members; the farmer households' livelihood assets or resource endowments; and the characteristics of the farmer group as an organization. The study provides insights on the potential of the farmer group to transition to an agricultural cooperative as envisioned by the Government.

Methodological approaches include a survey to a sample of 125 farmer-members of the prototype farmer group categorized into active and inactive members, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions, and document review. Qualitative analysis was made on the basis of the existing literature particularly on the sustainable livelihood framework as well as the application of certain theoretical perspectives. Quantitative analysis involved computation of frequencies, percentages, and averages.

Results show that households remain male-dominated; overall average age and farming experience are 46 and 27 years, respectively, with majority being married, and with low educational status. Average household size is six, mostly males and single, and belonging to the more productive ages of 10 to 24 years.

Subsistence production with rice cultivation as a major income-generating activity on farms of less than a hectare is maintained despite rural livelihoods having to adopt to the transition from subsistence-based to commercial and market-oriented production with many engaging in diversified farming to include cultivation of cash crops and animal raising. Farmers are knowledgeable of farming practices but market opportunities and financial services remain a challenge. Farmers maintain membership to the farmer group with expectations of benefits despite the lack of formality and structure. Services remain traditional focusing on production issues but supporting technical farmer learning, organizing, and access to resources, among others, have been major component activities with support from both local and international networks despite general impression of too much donor-dependence. There is little discussion about leadership primarily because in Lao PDR generally, leadership is defined not only of culture but also of the way the system works.

A number of lessons are drawn out of the experiences of the prototype farmers' group which demonstrate the challenges ahead particularly of turning the farmer's group into an agricultural cooperative.