Rural development in the uplands of Lao Peoples'
Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has presented many
challenges for farming communities. Government
agricultural policy is to reduce the production of
upland rice and to provide sustainable alternative
livelihoods for upland farmers. This book has
examines upland agricultural systems and economic and
agrarian transitions occurring at individual,
community, and regional levels. The effect of land
and forest allocation policy and the implementation
of swidden cultivation stabilisation measures by
governmental and international organisations have
been explored. The book contributes to the theory of
intensification of land use as low population
densities and risk aversion are propelling
diversification rather than intensification
strategies. Government land use policy appears
inappropriate and negatively affecting some farmers'
ability to generate sustainable livelihoods now and
in the future. The sustainability and longevity of
agricultural production changes occurring are
contestable. The analysis will be especially useful
to international development professionals,
researchers and students and interested in policy and
agricultural change