Agroecology, through and beyond markets : The case of Khao Kai Noi rice in the Lao PDR

• In Xieng Khouang (XKH), farmers grow Khao Kai Noi (KKN) rice for self-consumption and surplus are mainly sold at local markets.
• The KKN-based farming system exhibits a range of agroecological characteristics on which initiatives such as Geographical Indication (GI) build to promote high-quality rice.
• Rice from XKH has a good reputation due to its organoleptic qualities but its sustainable features are not prized by customers.
• Knowledge about GI certification is low and the volume of KKN from XKH sold under GI certification is marginal.
• The agroecological characteristics of KKN-based farming system and their link to XKH territory have to be promoted to make it a showcase of sustainable food systems in Laos.

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Field Value
Type of ALiSEA product Agroecology Insights
Title Agroecology, through and beyond markets : The case of Khao Kai Noi rice in the Lao PDR
Description • In Xieng Khouang (XKH), farmers grow Khao Kai Noi (KKN) rice for self-consumption and surplus are mainly sold at local markets. • The KKN-based farming system exhibits a range of agroecological characteristics on which initiatives such as Geographical Indication (GI) build to promote high-quality rice. • Rice from XKH has a good reputation due to its organoleptic qualities but its sustainable features are not prized by customers. • Knowledge about GI certification is low and the volume of KKN from XKH sold under GI certification is marginal. • The agroecological characteristics of KKN-based farming system and their link to XKH territory have to be promoted to make it a showcase of sustainable food systems in Laos.
Agroecology Category
  • Economy and income
  • Sustainable food system
  • Collaboration
Agroecology Keyword
  • Market change
  • Market access
  • Sustainable food system
  • Value chain
  • Short value chain
Contributing organisations CIRAD, Malica, ASSET, NUoL, Université de Montpellier
Author Michaël Bruckert, Lytoua Chialue, Chitpasong Kousonsavath, Fue Yang and Stéphane Guéneau
Year 2025
Type of document Outreach & communication
Language English
Country Lao PDR
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
Web Link