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The colour of maize: Visions of green growth and farmers perceptions in northern Laos

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  • Kallio, Maarit Helena
  • Hogarth, Nicholas John
  • Moeliono, Moira
  • Brockhaus, Maria
  • Cole, Robert
  • Waty Bong, Indah
  • Wong, Grace Yee

Abstract

The rapid expansion of hybrid maize in the uplands of northern Laos is viewed by the government as meeting policy aims related to green economic development. Yet, growing evidence of negative consequences of maize expansion are emerging. Based on farmers’ perceptions, we study: (1) farmers’ reasons for adopting and abandoning maize, and; (2) implications of commercial maize expansion on local livelihood security and inclusiveness (food supply, income, risk coping, and ability to join maize growing), and environmental sustainability (productivity, and soil and forest quality) over time (2013 and 2016). Results show that maize has advantages in terms of labour allocation, and it provides much-needed cash income. Yet, swidden is the main food provider and an essential safety net for unforeseen risks (including maize crop failures or price fluctuations). The way that maize was produced did not meet the criteria of green economic development due to its negative effects on the environment (soil and forest degradation) and socioeconomic sustainability (household differentiation, increased economic risks, debts, and food insecurity). By providing a local perspective, this study encourages a critical reflection of the underlying assumptions and conceptualization of the green economy approach in Laos, and argues for policies and measures that consider a more holistic perspective of human wellbeing and the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Kallio, Maarit Helena & Hogarth, Nicholas John & Moeliono, Moira & Brockhaus, Maria & Cole, Robert & Waty Bong, Indah & Wong, Grace Yee, 2019. "The colour of maize: Visions of green growth and farmers perceptions in northern Laos," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 185-194.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:80:y:2019:i:c:p:185-194
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.10.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luc Sandevoir & Laurent Lespez & Candide Lissak, 2023. "A Connectivity Approach to Agricultural Diffuse Pollution in Tropical Montane Catchments Dominated by Swidden Landscapes," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-25, March.
    2. Ramcilovic-Suominen, Sabaheta & Kotilainen, Juha, 2020. "Power relations in community resilience and politics of shifting cultivation in Laos," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    3. Pravalprukskul, Pin & Bruun, Thilde Bech & Messerli, Peter, 2023. "Maize boom, bust and beyond: Investigating land use transitions in the northern Thai uplands," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    4. Enze Han & Qiongyu Huang, 2021. "Global Commodity Markets, Chinese Demand for Maize, and Deforestation in Northern Myanmar," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-18, November.
    5. Lairez, Juliette & Jourdain, Damien & Lopez-Ridaura, Santiago & Syfongxay, Chanthaly & Affholder, François, 2023. "Multicriteria assessment of alternative cropping systems at farm level. A case with maize on family farms of South East Asia," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    6. Yongwang Zhang & Minjuan Zhao, 2024. "Environmental regulations or expected revenue: What plays a more important role in China's green transition of agriculture?," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 70(9), pages 425-435.
    7. Roberta Souza Piao & Vivian Lara Silva & Irene Navarro del Aguila & Jerónimo de Burgos Jiménez, 2021. "Green Growth and Agriculture in Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-13, January.
    8. Duyen, Tran Nhat Lam & Tien, Nguyen Dinh & Ngoc, Nong Nguyen Khanh & Thuy, Pham Thu & Tich, Vu Van, 2022. "Determinants of swidden communities’ land-use decision-making for different crops in Son La and Nghe An provinces, Vietnam," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    9. Lairez, Juliette & Lopez-Ridaura, Santiago & Jourdain, Damien & Falconnier, Gatien N. & Lienhard, Pascal & Striffler, Bruno & Syfongxay, Chanthaly & Affholder, François, 2020. "Context matters: Agronomic field monitoring and participatory research to identify criteria of farming system sustainability in South-East Asia," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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