Agroecology Dialogue: A Driving Force for Food Systems Transformation in Laos
The Lao Government recognizes sustainable food systems as central to national development goals. Agroecology policy and practice are the “head and hands” of sustainable food systems, with dialogue as the “heart” linking the two.
National policies, including the Agriculture Development Strategy and Organic Agriculture regulations, largely support agroecological principles but implementation and enforcement remain uneven.
Agroecological practices such as conservation agriculture, IPM, and organic markets have a 25- year history in Laos, though many rely heavily on external funding. New and existing dialogue platforms—such as the Sub-Sector Working Group on Agroecology (SSWG-AE), Lao Farmer Association, and ALiSEA —play a pivotal role in connecting policymakers, farmers, NGOs, and donors.
Effective dialogue requires true exchange, not one-way presentations; it should identify concrete questions, ensure diverse participation, and strengthen multi-sector, multi-level engagement. Youth, women, ethnic minorities, and private sector actors are under-represented and need stronger inclusion measures.
Organising dialogue well—through accessible venues, skilled facilitation, breakout sessions, and clear follow-up—builds trust and ensures knowledge translates into action.
Agroecology Dialogue: A Driving Force for Food Systems Transformation in Laos
Description
- The Lao Government recognizes sustainable food systems as central to national development goals. Agroecology policy and practice are the “head and hands” of sustainable food systems, with dialogue as the “heart” linking the two.
- National policies, including the Agriculture Development Strategy and Organic Agriculture regulations, largely support agroecological principles but implementation and enforcement remain uneven.
- Agroecological practices such as conservation agriculture, IPM, and organic markets have a 25- year history in Laos, though many rely heavily on external funding. New and existing dialogue platforms—such as the Sub-Sector Working Group on Agroecology (SSWG-AE), Lao Farmer Association, and ALiSEA —play a pivotal role in connecting policymakers, farmers, NGOs, and donors.
- Effective dialogue requires true exchange, not one-way presentations; it should identify concrete questions, ensure diverse participation, and strengthen multi-sector, multi-level engagement. Youth, women, ethnic minorities, and private sector actors are under-represented and need stronger inclusion measures.
- Organising dialogue well—through accessible venues, skilled facilitation, breakout sessions, and clear follow-up—builds trust and ensures knowledge translates into action.
Agroecology Category
Sustainable food system
Knowledge and values
Agroecology Keyword
Sustainable food system
Local adaptation systems
Contributing organisations
DOPC, CIRAD, NUoL, MAE
Author
Andrew Bartlett, Stéphane Guéneau and Somsamay Vongthilath
