Author: Xaypladeth Choulamany
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-87-09
Year: 1987
Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1997
Examination Committee: B.W.E. Wickramanayake (Chairperson); Harvey Demaine, Mark W. Speece (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: While significant growth has taken place in Lao PDR, since the end of the eighties with the introduction of New Economic Mechanism , information on marketing in the northern hills of Laos is still superficial and not scientifically valid. It seems that the current system of production in Phoukout District is still constrained by several factors such as trade management, marketing experiences, minimal understanding of markets, previous bad experiences with government contract programs. The distribution system has not appeared to be developing well as to cope up with the increased in production. There are still limited number of traders, storage facilities, agricultural transporters, and processing facilities to allow efficient marketing. Therefore, the study attempts to provide an understanding on the marketing opportunities and distribution channels of agricultural commodities as well as the functioning of rural markets in Phoukout District. It was found that most of the transactions are taking place in the market rather than at the village due to the fact that the volume of surplus is not significant enough for traders to travel and collect at farm gate. Farmers would generally come to sell their surplus in the market. Marketing opportunities in the study area do exist but compete with strong neighbors. Future increased of agricultural production will be bleaked with Thailand, Vietnam and China experiencing gluts of several agricultural products. In order to overcome the problem, an increased in production technique is essential. With the introduction of suitable improved varieties, appropriate post-harvest technologies, the farmer could take advantage of the price premiums. However an increased on production techniques alone is not sufficient. It is crucial to improve as well marketing techniques. Market linkages involving farmers’ market awareness is required. Credit for group marketing of output should be introduced, to fill the gap created by the reduced public system. Due to the re
Scholarship Donor(s): Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ( Sida)
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources Development
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