Publications

Written by Mekong Institute

In 2012, the Mekong Institute and the New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, launched the Mekong Institute – New Zealand Ambassador's Scholarship (MINZAS) Program, to help build a critical mass of human resources in the GMS capable of meeting current and emerging regional issues.

The MINZAS program provides a four-phase, structured learning program conducted over a one-year program cycle for master's level students from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand (CLMT) undertaking research and thesis topics related to regional development.

Through the MINZAS program, recipients receive research funding, skills-development training, exposure to regional subject-matter and expert advice through forums and training sessions. This comprehensive program assists scholarship recipients in developing their theses through improved analytical and documentation skills. The program also grants valuable exposure to MI's extensive public, academic and private sector networks.

From 17 February to 12 March 2014, MI welcomed the third cohort of MINZAS scholarship recipients to its headquarters in Khon Kaen for a training course on research methodology; it was the first of four program sections. In total, twelve CLMT scholarship recipients attended the training course (four from Cambodia, three from Lao PDR, three from Myanmar and two from Thailand), which drew on the expertise and experience of MI program staff and regional experts from Khon Kaen and Kasetsart Universities of Thailand.

During the research methodology training course, scholarship recipients observed four modules emphasizing the development of academically sound research proposals and new research techniques to assist in fieldwork research projects.

The results of the overall evaluation for the learning program, detailed herein, reveal that participants were generally satisfied with the program content, resource personnel, recreational activities, training management and delivery. The sessions of the program were rated as "useful" by participants, who indicated that the knowledge and skills acquired therein could (and would) be applied to their fieldwork research projects.

During the four-week intensive learning course, participants developed new friendships and established region-wide networks. Fostering such connections promotes regional cooperation and stands as a consistent, indirect benefit of all training courses and programs. Though the participants were highly satisfied with the learning program, several comments were provided which will help to improve the program for the next MINZAS cohort.

These comments expressed a need to spend more time on practicing the topics/lessons, incorporating a writing exercise for research and qualitative methodology, designing conceptual framework, and exploring operational and measure variables. There was also a desire to include more learning opportunities related to SPSS or STATA, EView and Nvivo
programs.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Mekong Institute (MI) agreed to collaborate on a specific project to develop partnership and promote cooperation between the two parties. The six-day Structured Learning Visit (SLV) on "Agricultural Planning and Investments in Thailand" was conducted from 3 to 8 February 2014 for 18 government officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Planning and Investment from Attapeu, Luang Nam Tha and Sayabouli provinces, as well as GIZ Local and International Advisors. The Structured Learning Visit aimed to provide participants with first-hand information and expose them to new ideas on planning and investment in agriculture sector in Thailand.

Two MI facilitators were involved in organizing the program, translating, facilitating discussions, and sharing experiences with the participants. The participants visited five places in two provinces of Northeastern Thailand, namely; Khon Kaen Governor's Office, Sum Sung Safe and Chemical Free Vegetable Growers Cooperatives, Betagro Group, and Mitr Phu Viang Sugar Mill in Khon Kaen province, as well as Roi-et Agricultural Cooperatives in Roi-et province. At the end of the SLV, the participants presented their reflections on what they learned and which practices can be applied upon their return. The participants appreciated most the knowledge gained on participatory strategic planning system at different levels, which involved many organizations and the use of several analytical tools. They also learned about different approaches in agricultural promotion such as 1) public-private partnership (PPP) at Sum Sung Cooperatives, and 2) contract farming system, which allowed a win-win situation for both the farmers and the companies.

The results of the evaluation conducted throughout the program showed that this SLV was successful both in attaining the program objectives and meeting the participants' expectations. Most of the participants were fully satisfied with the program, in terms of program design and contents, as well as the overall organization and management of the program, as shown in the average rating of 4.50 on the overall satisfaction to the program, using a scale of 1 to 5. However, there were some suggestions for improvement such as visiting some companies which have potential to invest in Lao PDR, and shortening presentation to allocate more time for discussion.

The participants also indicated their needs for similar activities that will enhance knowledge on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), agricultural extension system, decentralization, and PPP tools.

Written by Mekong Institute

This Project Monitoring and Evaluation Learning Program was co-designed and delivered by the GMS Phnom Penh Plan (PPP) for Development Management and the Mekong Institute (MI). The six days intensive Project Monitoring and Evaluation in Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) learning program was designed to demonstrate to the participating GMS junior civil servants how to conduct and use monitoring and evaluation concepts, tools and techniques at different stages of the project cycle. The role of different stakeholders was given emphasis in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects. The learning program was conducted from 24 February to 1 March, 2014 at the Mercure Vientiane Hotel, Lao PDR. Even though it was supposed to be held at Mekong Institute as usual, but due to the political situation in Thailand it was moved to Vientiane, Lao PDR. Overall objectives of this learning program were to develop the participants' capacity to design, plan and implement effective monitoring and evaluation systems or activities, especially of projects that are transnational or transboundary. The NSEC case study was illustrative to ensure the overall objectives were met.

Twenty-one government officials from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam attended the learning program . At the end of the program, the participants developed action plans that will demonstrate their application of acquired knowledge and skills in their respective workplaces.

A team of four project management experts designed and delivered the program. According to the participants, the trainers were qualified, experienced and employed effective training delivery methods. A "very well attained" – overall performance rating for the training was given by the participants.

The learning program introduced key concepts, processes, tools and techniques in project monitoring and evaluation. It consists of the following themes and topics: Module 1: Overview of M&E and Project Cycle. Module 1 discusses the basic M&E framework, and focuses on the review of the Design Monitoring Framework (DMF) and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as basis for doing Project Monitoring and Evaluation. Module 2 is about M&E Planning and covers Stakeholder Analysis, Data Gathering Techniques, Qualitative and Quantitative Data, and M&E Team Composition. Module 3 covers Data Processing. It covers Measuring Differences using Before-After and With-Without (BAWWO) Analysis, Significance, Necessity and Sufficiency Analysis. Module 4 covers M&E Report Writing using REESI criteria and presentation skills.

The learning methodologies that were employed in the course included lectures, group activities, simulations, role plays, film showing, computer based applications, case studies and problem exercises. Participants were organized by learning teams to facilitate participatory processes and emphasize practitioner orientation and action learning. The overall results of program evaluation showed that participants were highly satisfied with the learning contents and methodologies. Program outcomes included knowledge and skills gained for professional development, such as presentation, communication, team work, internet research, and professional networking.

The participants deemed that the training course was highly successful. Part 4 of this report contains some of the participant's recommendations, such as:

• Upgrade the NSEC case with additional photos and information on what actually happened to the project. This will reinforce the participants' learning and appreciation of the case study.
• The 6-day learning program is just enough to cover the basic topics of Monitoring and Evaluation. Should have organized the site visit in this training because the site visit on actual regional cooperation project definitely reinforces the participant's learning especially on the observation of the project outcome and impact, the proposed additional information on the case study will somehow cover this.
• The course content is just right for the 6-day learning program. The time allotted for the delivery of modules however, should be reviewed to keep the learning program schedule on track.

Written by Mekong Institute

Promotion of new SME clusters and development of existing ones are important for overall development of the economy of a country. Policy support to ensure development of SME in form of clusters can go a long way in improving their competitiveness by ensuring dynamic linkages to create opportunities. Therefore, it is important to promote growth of sufficiently integrated SMEs clusters in different sectors of the economy. This paper highlights the findings of the four action research on SME clusters conducted in the CLMV (Cambodia, Loa, Myanmar and Vietnam) with an aim to suggest measures for promoting SME clusters in these countries.

For more information please contact [email protected]

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) conducted a one-week Regional Training Cum Workshop on "Trade Negotiation and Trade Policy Development" from 5th – 9th August 2013 at its Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. This regional training program is part of the three-year project on "Capacity Building for the Integration of CLMV Economies into ASEAN Economic Community" from 2012-2014, funded by New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).

Twenty-one (21) participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and China attended this training program comprising of senior and mid level government officials namely from Ministry of Industry and Commerce / Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Mine and Energy, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Economy and Finance and Research Institutes.

The program focused on the current state-of-play in international trade and allowed the participants to develop a deeper understanding of ASEAN, the global trade system, the trade policies of individual CLMV countries, the facilitation of the AEC integration, tariff and non tariff measures and other developmental issues. Upon completion, each participant enable to:

• Demonstrate a better understanding of the AEC and global trade system, existing trade policies and emerging issues in the CLMV countries as well as the significance of accession as WTO member;
• Identify all possible areas of development and co-operation in trade negotiations with ASEAN members and other dialogue trade partners;
• Understand the process of trade policy development;
• Understand effective process, strategies and techniques in trade negotiation

This training applied as a Training of Trainer (ToT) approach to build up capacities of officials from the government agencies so that they can localize and replicate the ToT package to enhance utilization of trade negotiation and trade policy development in the respective GMS countries.

Mr. Stephen Olson from Economy Strategy Institute, Washington, D.C., acted as resource person to deliver specific topics on Evaluation of Global Trade System, WTO, AEC, Trade Policies in the GMS, and Trade Negotiation. Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, Deputy Executive Director, International Institute for Trade and Development, Bangkok, Thailand delivered on topic trade policy development. Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, an in-house resource person, shared a session on status of SME in GMS countries.

The training program was delivered through four inter-related modules:

Module 1: Setting the Stage – A Brief Overview of the Global Trade System
Module 2: Understanding the Status of Trade Policies in the GMS, and Accessing the Benefits
Module 3: Trade Policy Development
Module 4: The Art of Trade Negotiation

As part of the training requirements, the participants developed action plans to localize training packages to conduct National Workshop on Enhancing the Utilization of Trade Negotiation and Trade Policy Development in CLMV countries and China – to transfer the knowledge gained to trade negotiators, policy makers and practitioners of government agencies at the provincial and nation level in their respective countries. The national workshops will be organized within four months period from August – November 2013, before again gathering in mid of December 2013 for the follow-up ‘Synthesis and Evaluation Workshop' in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The results from overall training program evaluation methods showed satisfaction rating by the participants. However, recommendations for improvement included guidance the action plan at the beginning of the program and provide more time to develop the action plan, more assignment such as session's exercise and quiz to make better understanding of the concepts of Trade Negotiation and Trade Policy Development.

Written by Mekong Institute

This thesis studies the impacts of real exchange rates on bilateral trade balance between Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and its major trading partners. The main objectives of this thesis are: (1) to study general trade balance between Lao PDR and each of its major trading partners (Thailand, China, and Vietnam). (2) to compile policies and information related to exchange rates applied in Lao PDR, and (3) to investigate the impacts of the exchange rate devaluation on trade balance of Lao PDR with its trading partners, and evidencing the J-curve phenomenon, if observed, on the country.

A descriptive analysis was performed using the annual import-export data from 2001 to 2012 (IMF, ITC) and the yearly exchange rate data between 1990 and 2012 (IMF). A quantitative analysis was also performed using data on quarterly imports and exports, exchange rates, and real GDP data from the 1993Q1 to 2012Q4 (IMF), calculated by using the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach.

The descriptive analysis found that Lao PDR has been running a trade deficit. The country's main exports are copper, wood, ores, and electricit y; while its main imports are fuels, vehicles, machinery, metals, and electrical equipments. The principal exporter to Lao PDR is Thailand, to which Lao PDR exports mainly copper. China imports mainly ores and Vietnam wood from Lao PDR. The quantitative analysis reveals that on the one hand, when the real GDP of Lao PDR increases, the country's trades balance decreases. On the other hand, when the real GDP of trading partner trading partners increase, Lao's trade balance could actually increase.

Moreover, the analysis of impacts of the increase in the real exchange rate shows that countries respond to this phenomenon differently: whereas the J-curve phenomenon is observed in the trade balance between Laos and Thailand, it is not the case for the trade balances between this country and China, and Vietnam.

Written by Mekong Institute

This study addresses the problem of Muslim women, who become single heads of households when their male breadwinners are absent. A gender perspective will be applied in order to analyze Muslim women's role and status in society. Muslim women acting as single heads of households simply go against traditionally inherited gender norms of Muslim women, as they are expected to perform the roles of an obedient daughter, dutiful wife and good mother who serve as role models for their children. However, the sudden change of the roles of Muslim women affects their ways of life, as can be witnessed in this study.

The main objectives of this study are 1) to examine the roles of Muslim women as breadwinners of the families with regards to securing their families' livelihoods; 2) to explore the constraints of achieving this objective; and 3) to closely examine the changing roles of Muslim women in securing their livelihoods. As will be demonstrated in this study, at present the family and social roles of Muslim women, who have been affected by political violence, are changing. The main sources of family incomes are now generated by women as breadwinners. One of the major findings of this report is that, despite being satisfied with their personal life and the economic situation of their families, the women continued to struggle hard to secure their own and their families' livelihoods.

The arguments developed in this study are based on primary data collection. The study field is Pattani province in Southern Thailand and testimonies were given by Muslim women, acting as family breadwinners and who have been affected by the violent conflicts in Southern Thailand. In this particular geographical area, we interviewed many widows and other women whose husbands have been detained in prison for alleged involvements in violent activities. Suggestions will be given at the end of the paper as to how to alleviate the problems Muslim women face associated with violence in Southern Thailand.

Keywords: Gender, Livelihoods, Muslim women as breadwinners, Single head of household, violence in Southern Thailand, political conflicts, Pattani Province, Thailand.

Written by Mekong Institute

Previous literature has noted the underperformance of women-led firms relative to male-led ones in both developed and developing countries. Using Thailand as a case study of a developing country, this paper investigates the impact of female CEOs on performance and development among Thai firms. Surveys of 1,043 firms generated data used to analyze how female leadership could have impacts on firm performance and development.

The results suggest that female CEOs have negative impacts on both short-term financial performance indicators, including annual sales and profits, and long-term development of firms, for which new products and the introduction of new technology and provision of employee training were used as proxies. However, this negative association is found to have diminished in the case of female CEOs who completed a degree. With regard to firms' long-term development, including innovation and employee training, female CEOs are found to have a negative impact on firm innovation (introducing new products and technology).

Written by Mekong Institute

Kayin State lies in the south-eastern part of Myanmar and is linked to Thailand. The rural people in Kayin State are poor. In rural areas there has been an on-going conflict between Kayin ethnic group and the government for several years. However, Kayin State is richly endowed with natural resources, including agricultural land for crop production, water resources and minerals (iron, copper, lead, etc.). Farmers grow a variety of crops in fields located on silted-land and on hill-sides. Paddy is the main crop of Kayin State. Most agricultural products are for local consumption. Following the cease fire in that region, border trade to Thailand opened officially six months ago. Myanmar exports agricultural products and others commodities from the interior through the cross-border transit points. Among products from Kayin State, only cash crops, maize and mung bean, are exported to Thailand through Myawaddy and Mae-sot.

This study identifies the alternative crop selections for cross border value chain study and for economic development. The study also identifies trading constraints in order to evaluate the market chains which involve all actors in agriculture production. The overriding goal is to improve the livelihoods of poor farmers by boosting their incomes. The Team interviewed key informants in government departments and in the private sector who participate in maize production and are included in farmer focal groups.

From the survey, it was apparent that almost all Maize grown in Myawaddy is exported to Thailand as raw materials. This trade passes through small traders and collectors. However, it should be noted the produce is not of high quality, mainly because of the heavy rainfall in the producing area.

Maize has market potential for farmers and there is high demand for the product from animal feed factories in Thailand. In addition to current production, the state government is planning to extend Maize production in Hpa-an, as winter crop, in collaboration with CP-Myanmar Group to produce quality products to command a higher price. In spite of the planning, there are production challenges and exporting policy constraints.

Maize is a suitable crop for cross-border exporting due to the capacity of small and medium participating farmers, market ability, easy market access, price stability and the participation of the private sector as a key element the value chain development. In addition, the Kayin State has a good potential for extending maize area due to land capacity, available irrigation system and favorable climatic conditions.

Summary of findings

Summary of key barriers in Maize value chain

Governance

• Poor physical infrastructure, especially in terms of farm road, as well as lack of drying facilities and weak facilitation of extension services lead to considerable losses of marketable production.
• Poor facilitation to set up applicable regulations in exporting product officially.
• Unstable security in the maize production area.
• Weak information sharing and facilitation in grading, classification and quality standards to differentiate product pricing and to reward farmers for producing a quality product. An important informational gap is the absence of SPS standards.
• Absence of other market quality standards and certification potentially discourages production of high quality maize.
• Weak association among farmers results in their failure to minimize the high input costs and gives them low bargaining power.
• Insufficient government facilitation in cross-border market transactions

Market Constraints

• Absence of efficient market distribution channel for accessing agricultural inputs, particularly seeds and agro-chemicals needed to minimize production cost.
• High cost of hired labor and absence of labor saving devices.
• High input cost and total dependency on imports from Thailand. Agricultural inputs are not available at the local market.
• Absence of a transparent market transaction mechanisms for farmers to trade maize.
• Uncertain Thai government policy to import maize from Myanmar.
• High cost of transporting.
• Trading season is only 2 months per year.
• Monopsony market (single market).
• In Hpa-an, the market is at embryonic stage. There is no local collector/local dealer/ investors yet.
• All maize cross-border trade is done through informal channel which is difficult for government to provide the services and support to the informal value chain nodal players.

Institutional

• Weak extension services, particularly for rural farming communities
• High use of chemical herbicides and fertilizers may have adverse affect on environment and workers. The use of these inputs will also violate SPS regulations and may prohibit imports from Myanmar in order to protect Thai growers.
• Absence of low cost facilities to help farmers measure moisture content of maize.
• Lack of know-how regarding post-harvest handling and storage techniques, resulting in low prices.
• Weak farmers associations and producing poor quality products to help pool resources and to organize community or attract investors.
• In Myawaddy, local input supplier is not present at local market. Therefore, the market information could not share effectively to small-holder farmers

Human Resources

• Poor on-farm storage facilities and post-harvest handling
• Lack of information about both input and output prices
• Shortage of seasonal labor
• Weak facilitation of department service providers
• Lack of experience of local traders in managing contract farming, processing and value adding activity

Written by Mekong Institute

This report is an integral part of the project "Capacity Development for a More Inclusive and Equitable Growth, Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)". Basically, the report integrates the findings from literature review and desk research coupled with observations and interviews conducted during field visits in March and April 2013 and supplemented by cross-examination with key players in the public and private sectors as well as development projects at various nodes of the rice value chain.

Guided by the objective of the project paper on "Value Chain Prioritizing and Selection" in Khammouane, Lao PDR, to the authors have orientated this rice value chain analysis towards assessing the current status and requirements for value chain strengthening. Sub-objectives include designing specific strategies to improve productivity, income and growth in the upstream nodes (input providers, farmers and supportive organizations of production units); in the midstream nodes (milling and other processing units); and the downstream nodes (retailers and international traders) and their impacts on commercial rice value chains in Khammouane.

At the end of rice value chain analysis, key recommendations have emerged to target increasing productivity by using good-quality seeds and modern production techniques, improving water supply management and extension services, establish grading and rice quality standards/ certification for global markets, maintaining and upgrading farm to market roads. The main recommendations are targeted on the upstream nodes of the rice value chain. For the midstream nodes expanding financial services to improve access to inputs and encouraging private firms such as miller to increase their participation in international trade and investment. At the downstream nodes, recommendations include enhancing trade facilitation and improving export processing.

Additional summary conclusions from this analysis include the following:

Summary of Key Barriers in Rice Value Chain

Market Constraints

• High input costs and limitation of access to inputs, especially for individual smallholder farmers
• Absence of contract farming mechanisms and regulations for enforcement
• High cost of transportation as a result of poor farm-to-market roads
• Rice cross-border trade is done through single exporter; therefore there is a monophony market with insufficient competition.
• Low price of rice, caused mainly by government policies on restricting exports and expanding food security reserves
• Insufficient financial services and high interest rates result in low investment in the value chain
• Low rice milling efficiencies result from insufficient in efficient milling equipment and rice mill management.

Governance

• Uncertain rice standards and certification for global market competitiveness
• Poor physical infrastructure, especially farm-to-market roads and poorly managed irrigation systems
• Weak information sharing and facilitation in grading, classifying and standardizing to differentiate product pricing and to encourage farmers to produce good rice qualities.
• Lack of regulatory framework and enforcement of contracts.
• Weak information sharing and promotion of getting private input suppliers involved in supporting farmers to obtain better access to inputs.
• Ineffective flood management program resulting in production losses, especially during rainy season

Institutional

• Weak extension services, particularly for individual farmers in rural farming communities
• Increasing and inefficient use of chemical fertilizers may have adverse affects on environment and production costs
• Absence of farm level technology, particularly to measure the moisture content of rice

Human Resources

• Little knowledge on post-harvest management resulting low rice prices
• Labor shortage with increasing rural wages