SLASH-AND-BURN RICE SYSTEMS IN TRANSITION - CHALLENGES FOR AGRICULTURAL-DEVELOPMENT IN THE HILLS OF NORTHERN LAOS

Slash-and-burn rice production systems in the hilly areas of Laos have changed little over the past decades except for a reduction in the fa llow period which has caused a tremendous increase in labor requiremen ts for weed control. From 1950 to 1990, the population density increas ed from 7.6 to 17.6 persons/km(2), fallow periods decreased from 38 to 5 years, and weeding requirements increased from 1.9 to 3.9 weedings/ rice crop. Because of high requirements for weeding, the return to lab or is only 5 kg rice/labor day for slash-and-burn systems compared wit h 13 kg/day in lowland rice production. Soil organic C levels are decl ining fast, with losses of 5 t/ha observed during a single rice crop. Improvements of the living standard of the farm population, food secur ity stabilization of upland agriculture, and increased rice production are the main objectives of development agencies working in hilly area s. However, the options available are limited by the market opportunit ies and there is little chance that any of the technologies offered wi ll be adopted on a significant scale. Hill farmers have a comparative advantage for livestock and timber production but generally lack the n ecessary resources to make long-term investments in either operation. Market, credit opportunities, and land tenure are key factors affectin g the direction of future hill agriculture in Laos.