Spatial variation in rural development in the special region, Lao PDR : a comparative study of upland and lowland settlements located in and adjacent to the UNDP assisted rural development project area in Long Sane district

Author: Bounthene Phasiboriboun

AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-97-07

Year: 1997

Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)

Type: Thesis (M. Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1996

Examination Committee: Gopal B. Thapa (Chairperson); Karl E. Weber, Harvey Demaine (Examination Committee Members)

Abstract: Laos is a developing countly where about 85 per cent of the multiethnic population live in the mral area, practicing mainly shifting cultivation for their subsistence. Shifting cultivation is the traditional way of production which has lead to steady depletion of forests and economic harship of people. The government has made some eff01ts to rehabilitate and regenerate forest area by stabilizing shifting cultivation and improving living standard of people. Many international agencies are involved in many rnral development act1v1tles. It is essential to assess the impact of such activities. Specifically, it is necessa1y to evaluate whether they have been able to achieve their objectives. The aim of this study is to find out employment and income situation, assess agriculture systems and land management practices, examine the food situation, evaluate health condition and education attainment in the study area. The findings related to socio-economic factors revealed that there is not much change in socio-economic condition of villagers. There are ve1y limited alternative employment and income oppo1tunities. Relatively fa1m and off-fa1m earnings in the UNDP project area are higher than in the non-project area. Likewise, the socio-economic condition of people in lowland and old settlements are better than those in upland and new settlements. Family planning program is relatively more sucessful in the project area. The average number of family members falling sick is relatively less in the project area which is closely linked to beter health and MCH se1vices and immunjzation program implemented there. The impact of better educational attainment is reflected in the change of various aspects of rural life, like early marriage practice, health practice and agdcultural activities. All the results show slightly better socio-economic condition in the project area than in the non-project area UNDP made eff01ts to develop the agricultural sector. However, there is no significant change in te1m of mode and condition of this se

Scholarship Donor(s): Lao-German Forestry Project

Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science

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Search keywords index: Bounthene Phasiboriboun Spatial variation in rural development in the special region, Lao PDR : a comparative study of upland and lowland settlements located in and adjacent to the UNDP assisted rural development project area in Long Sane district Human Settlement (HS) Rural development — Laos — Long Sane