Physical environment and farming system in Pha Oudom district, Bokeo province in northern Lao PDR

The present study aims to report preliminary results of surveys on water and soil environments and farming systems in Pha Oudom districtof Bokeo province in northern Laos. Field surveys based on interviews and observations were conducted to obtain background information for soil and farming systems. Water quality and climatological characteristics were analysed in order to evaluate the basic conditions of water environments in the area. A global climatic data set of monthly precipitation along with the mean, minimum and maximum temperatures were used for the climatological analyses. The results of the wetness index indicated a seasonal scarcity of potential water resources from October to April. The farming practices were found to depend on the seasonal availability of water resources and the soil characteristics of the area. A typical non-timber forest product (NTFP) of paper mulberry was collected during the non-harvest period, by which farmers earned additional income to their main agricultural products without increasing time between other crops. Ranking of agricultural products in terms of income and farmers' engagement differed both within and between villages. The first priority in animal husbandry was pig, followed by poultry, goat and large animals such as cattle and buffalo. Fisheries were not common among the surveyed villages. Multiple and integrated uses of natural resources such as NTFPs could be an approach used to achieve sustainable agricultural development. Along with the transition from sifting cultivation to sedentary agriculture, an increased commercialization of cash crops and NTFPs would also need to be considered for the profit of local people. Further investigations into biophysical environments, farming systems and socioeconomic conditions are necessary to develop an analytical framework for the mechanisms of the rapidly changing landuse and livelihood in northern Laos.