Bridging Boundaries: An Agroecology exchange visit between Lao PDR and India

Authors: Gulshan Borah, Alok Sikka, Gopal Kumar, Sudharsan Maliappan, Chris Dickens, Mark Dubois, Somphasith Douangsavanh, Viengxay Xaydala, Ammala Chanthalath. (IWMI)

The recent exchange visit between the teams from IWMI Lao PDR and IWMI India working with the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology took place in April 2024. Representatives from both countries visited project sites and interacted with local communities engaged in agroecological transitions. The visit focused on reflexive and transformative learning from the shared experience.

A bit of context

Attapeu is the most southern province of Laos, and it is a sparsely populated region. The province is home to the Agroecology Living Landscape (ALL), which was established as part of the CGIAR’s Agroecology Initiative. The Attapeu ALL consists of two adjacent sites, Sanamxai and Samakkhixai. The table below summarizes the geographical settings and the predominant agricultural activities of each area.

What we learned from the field

During our on-field experience, the teams gained valuable insights into various successful and challenging farming practices and strategies. Our exchange involved actively engaging with local farming methods and discussing sustainable solutions tailored to each country’s specific needs. These discussions highlighted our commitment to promoting more inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. Some of the key discussion points were:

Use of solar-powered groundwater pumps in Done Phay Village: The Initiative highlights the significance of addressing community water needs by adopting climate-smart irrigation technologies, such as solar-powered groundwater pumps. A solar-powered groundwater pump has been installed in Done Phay village, and the Initiative is considering forming a water user group in the area. The objective of the team is to address water scarcity challenges faced by the villagers, especially during the dry summer months when traditional spring water sources are inadequate. Furthermore, the aim is to examine how solar groundwater pumps can improve quality of life, promote dietary enhancement through home garden vegetable cultivation, and encourage sustainable groundwater usage and management.

Management of Aquatic Resources in Nong Lom: At the Nong Lom site, the team identified the wetland area and lake as having significant potential, for example for implementing standard operating procedures and regulations to effectively manage these aquatic resources. Additionally, it is proposed to create a fish conservation site within the lake to enhance eco-tourism and improve livelihood opportunities for the local population. To maintain the lake, a collaborative plan was suggested, with responsibilities divided among the surrounding villages. This cooperative approach aims to engage the community and encourage collective stewardship of natural resources.

Improvement of knowledge management and capacities:

• Promotion of Women Self-Help Groups for agroecology products was proposed as a key strategy to empower women and promote gender inclusivity in agricultural practices.
• Establishing a Local Learning Resource Center was recommended to support ongoing capacity development work in the region. The center would aim to provide resources and training to support agroecology and related activities, thus enhancing the community’s capacity to implement sustainable practices.
• Development of Knowledge Products: To spread the findings and successes of the Initiative, it was suggested to develop knowledge products like case studies, blogs, and reports. These materials would help share experiences and lessons learned, supporting the wider adoption of agroecology practices.
• Demonstration of Agroecology-based farming system: The team proposed demonstrating agroecology-based farming systems across the Attapeu Province to showcase the benefits and viability of AE practices. It would serve as a practical example and justify the adoption of agroecology in the region.

A couple of takeaways:

Knowledge exchange fosters participatory learning and development. During this visit, we were particularly attentive to the interactions among community participants, and the different types of activities, and how they made sense. Observations from the field provided insight into how transformative approaches vary significantly across different contexts, reflecting the diversity of entry points and strategies needed to foster its adoption effectively.

“We believe that knowledge exchange can and does help improve research for development outcomes”, said Marc Dubois, country focal point for the Agroecology Initiative in Laos. “By harnessing the collective knowledge and experiences of various stakeholders, we can work towards constructing sustainable and resilient food systems based on agroecological principles”.