.:: Lao Knowledge Base on Conservation Agriculture ::.
A farmer-group based approach... Featured
Author(s)
Florent Tivet, Frederic Jullien, Hoa Tran Quoc, Pascal Lienhard, Andre Chabanne, Anonth Khamhoung, Khamkeo Panyasiri, Bounmy Rattanatray, Patrick Julien and Lucien Seguy
Organization
PRONAE, PROSA, MAF/NAFRI/CIRAD
Media Type
Workshop
Published in
Regional workshop on Conservation Agriculture, Phonsavanh, Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR
Publication Date
2008-10-28
To
2008-11-01
- A first component is based on local knowledge and initial assessment to characterize biophysical conditions, farming systems and the socio-economic situation.
- A second component based on reference data acquisition (65 ha in Xayabury and Xieng Khouang) is implemented through demonstration fields. A broad range of options is developed and will allow farmers to adjust their systems in line with changing market demands (continual diversification and adjustment of systems). These demonstration fields, managed by researchers and extension officers, serve as a base for creating knowledge and for training. These bases are essential within a context of constant support to dissemination, where systems are designed to evolve alongside the market, and in line with agricultural constraints and developments. The extension of this research unit should be explored to provide development within each district backed up by technical support from NAFRI (decentralisation of research activities to a local level). In this context, based on conservation agriculture, building relationships between the promoters and participants of the approach is essential due to the innovative and evolutionary character of the systems, and the need to unite and structure the activities as a whole: research and development, extension, financial support and credit, private operators, farmer groups, provincial planning, and support to decision-making regarding development assistance.
- A third component is based on organizing farmer groups (1,665 families and 78 groups) and adjusting and validating with them promising innovations which suit their specific conditions. The farmer groups approach is used to facilitate regular technical support and exchanges with families (creation of structures) concerning the production systems that are developed. The approach is flexible, evolving according to results and indicators, and able to structure and gear groups of producers towards service activities (e.g. supply, credit, and collection). All agronomic and economic data are recorded to evaluate the advantages and the constraints in adjusting innovative systems and technologies.
- An environment conducive to the dissemination of conservation agriculture is created by capacity-building, through the training of farmers, researchers and rural development players. Academic and technical training are carried out and open for all who want to be involved. Field days are also scheduled in each province and exchanges promoted between farmer groups involved in Xayabury and Xieng Khouang provinces.
- Monitoring, which is the fifth step, is carried out every year on a different scale, district and village levels, to record the adoption rate, and a village–family based study to analyse how the farming systems evolve and the main constraints in up-scaling CA innovations.
- Structuring research, extension and development agencies, private operators, the banking sector and farmers through a programme to integrate the agricultural, social and economic environments in a sustainable initiative.
- Capacity-building to increase the independence of local institutions and to promote generalist rather than specialized extension officers. Along with the technical background, extension officers are trained in farmer group facilitation and coordination. Today, more than 40 extension officers are involved in this approach and they are trained in programme definition, implementation and coordination (technical and financial aspects).
- Dissemination of production systems incorporated into and adapted to the agricultural situation and social conditions of every participant (improvement and diversification of revenue).
- Policy aid for programme adjustment.
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