The colour of maize: Visions of green growth and farmers perceptions in northern Laos

• Maarit Helena Kallio ^[1] ; Nicholas John Hogarth ^[1] ; Moira Moeliono ; Maria Brockhaus ; Robert Cole ^[2] ; Indah Waty Bong ^[3] ; Grace Wong
  1. [1] University of Helsinki

     University of Helsinki

     Helsinki, Finlandia

     
  2. [2] National University of Singapore

     National University of Singapore

     Singapur

     
  3. [3] Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

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• Localización: Land use policy: The International Journal Covering All Aspects of Land Use, ISSN 0264-8377, ISSN-e 1873-5754, Nº. 80, 2019, págs. 185-194
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The rapid expansion of hybrid maize in the uplands of northern Laos is viewed by the government as meeting policy aims related to green economic development. Yet, growing evidence of negative consequences of maize expansion are emerging. Based on farmers’ perceptions, we study: (1) farmers’ reasons for adopting and abandoning maize, and; (2) implications of commercial maize expansion on local livelihood security and inclusiveness (food supply, income, risk coping, and ability to join maize growing), and environmental sustainability (productivity, and soil and forest quality) over time (2013 and 2016). Results show that maize has advantages in terms of labour allocation, and it provides much-needed cash income. Yet, swidden is the main food provider and an essential safety net for unforeseen risks (including maize crop failures or price fluctuations). The way that maize was produced did not meet the criteria of green economic development due to its negative effects on the environment (soil and forest degradation) and socioeconomic sustainability (household differentiation, increased economic risks, debts, and food insecurity). By providing a local perspective, this study encourages a critical reflection of the underlying assumptions and conceptualization of the green economy approach in Laos, and argues for policies and measures that consider a more holistic perspective of human wellbeing and the environment.