Publications

Written by Mekong Institute

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE TH MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Since May 2008 InWEnt implements the programme Regional rural development through Innovative regional management in South East Asia. Total programme duration is to last for 4 years. Programme activities cover the countries Cambodia and Laos and are operational in two provinces of each country (Siem Reap and Battambang in Cambodia and Sayaboury and Attapeu province in Laos). Since the Federal Republic of Germany has identified rural development as one of the focal area of support, the InWEnt programme closely cooperates with GTZ rural development programmes and DED (Battambang).

It aims at building up and strengthening regional management structures. The capacity building activities increase the competences of the participating organisations to actively design and coordinate a potential-oriented and participatory regional development of rural areas. The conceptual orientation is based on the LEADER-PLUS approach.

Three objectives should be reached by the end of four-year implementation period:

(A) The partners on local and regional level are knowledgeable in the principles, instruments and processes of integrated rural development, the regional management and the economic development on community and regional levels. They apply these to establish an equivalent development of their rural areas.

(B) Regional, national and cross-boarder networks of executives and decision-makers of partner organisations and institutions are strengthened. They contribute efficiently to a specialist exchange of experience on policies, strategies, promotion programmes and appropriate organisational structures for the development of rural areas and to regional integration.

(C) Selected governmental and/or non-governmental training organisations are qualified to independently carry out valuable capacity building in principles and tools of regional management for realizing an integrated rural development.

Since the programme is implemented through a single phase lasting four years InWEnt decided to conduct a midterm review (MTR). The review fulfils two purposes a) to review project achievements up-to-date in terms of its relevance, applicability, efficiency and effectiveness and b) to use the findings and recommendations to improve the project design and implementation during the remaining implementation period. In cooperation with the Mekong Institute interviews were conducted with all target groups (core group members, decision makers and lead trainers) in both countries.

There has been a solid progress toward achieving this indicator. 18 National Trainers (10 for Cambodia and 8 for Laos) and over 200 regional management core group members from 14 selected regions (districts) of Cambodia and Laos participated in a modular training programme of Regional Management. Since October 2008, five progressive training modules on Regional Management were provided to the target groups using Training of Trainers approach of which the InWEnts international trainers provided TOT to the National Trainers and following the TOT, the National Trainers in turn conducted the same training module to RM core groups. In addition a team of 14 members from Cambodia and Laos are attending a twelve-months training course in Germany. The programme measure will last until September 2010.

The Regional Management Capacity Building Programme of InWEnt is very relevant to both Cambodia and Laos. Both countries have, since early 90s, transformed from centralized planned economies to decentralized market-oriented economies. Cambodia is more advanced in implementing its Organic Law on decentralization and deconcentration. Though Laos had a slow start, it is making visible progress toward decentralization.

The Regional Management (RM) approach as a tool to foster rural development is very new to both countries and there is no ready-made formula so far. Development of tools for multiplication is in progress. To ensure that the RM Capacity Building Programme will continue to be used at the project pilot sites, is scaled up to the national level and is incorporated into national training programmes the review team recommends a set of follow-up actions:

It is recommended to continue the present ToT training modules which have already been scheduled in July and November and at the same time start finding new permanent implementing partners at regional and national levels. This involves:

It is suggested anchoring the training programme at a regional organization which has the capacity to deliver services (training, consultancy) and to ensure basic research on the matter, thereby institutionalizing the RM programme on a regional level. Due to its characteristics (regional focus, entails research and training services, has a thematic focus on Rural Development, etc.) and existing involvement in the programme the Mekong Institute (MI) seems to be the natural partner for this aspect. The selected organization, once capacitated, can serve as Champion of RM in the Mekong Countries.

Working with National Institutions that have a direct mandate in promoting rural development might be of additional benefit. The National Economic Research Institute and Training Center of Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos and the Cambodian Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of Cambodia are two potential partners.

More concerted activities are required developing a Laotian and a Cambodian Regional Management Training Package. This measure is under way, as some practical experiences and adaptations made e.g. in Cambodia have already been re-introduced into trainings for Core Groups. In defining this package, the implementation experiences of the German TA partners are irreplaceable, yet the process has to be supported by InWEnt RM experts, MI and national trainers.

Introducing Regional Management as an innovative approach for Rural Development in Cambodia and Lao PDR requires the support of the National Level. To gain this support, national level policy dialogue needs to be initiated. Policy dialogue can be used to call the attention and increase awareness of policy makers and senior officials on regional management issues.

Study visits need to be closely coordinated with training contents to support learning in the various modules. For high level officials exposure to different good practices might continue to include visits to the Regional Management Programme in Bavaria or to Thailand (decentralized law, local administration system).

The roundtable discussion with the management of the partnering national training institutions revealed that the interest in the topic of Regional Management is high but there is still some scepticism in how far this will prove to be a business case which justifies resource allocation for further developing capacities and contents. This should be a topic of continued discussion between InWEnt, German TA partners and national partners.

During the remaining implementation period the organizational capacity building concerning the anchoring of the innovative rural management approaches needs to be further developed with higher priorities. The review team suggests that the Mekong Institute could play more active role both countries supporting the institutional anchoring of the topic.

 

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) was commissioned by the Yunnan Provincial Government of the Peoples Republic of China to organize a regional workshop and structured learning visits on Transboundary Agribusiness Development and Management in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce, the Provincial Chambers of Commerce along the North-South Economic Corridor of the GMS (R3a) and GMS Business Forum (GMS-BF). It was conducted from 22 March to 2 April 2010 at Mekong Institute and twenty-two government officials and private sector personnel from the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries attended the workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to expose participants to the increasing significance of agribusiness to poverty alleviation, to uplifting the quality of life of rural people and in narrowing cross-border trade gaps in the GMS.

Eight resource persons were invited to deliver lectures and facilitate discussions and to share their experiences with the participants. The program comprised of five inter-related modules. Module 1 Global and Regional Trend in Agribusiness Development provided an introduction to global and regional trade agreements. Module 2 Role, Significance and Trend of Cross-Border Agricultural Trade in the GMS covered the role and significance of agriculture and agribusiness to national economy activity and introduced the prospect of cross-border agricultural markets in the GMS and ASEAN regions. Module 3 Agribusiness Development and Management addressed a range of core agribusiness development and management issues. Module 4 Strengthening Small Farm-agribusiness Linkages and Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprise Entrepreneurship detailed the means to support small farm-agribusiness linkages. Module 5 Measures to Facilitate Cross-border Agribusiness in the GMS suggested ways to increase cross-border agribusiness in the GMS.

Five structured learning visits were organized to enhance the participants understanding and help them to apply the acquired knowledge in their works.

The evaluations of the workshop show that the program accomplished its objectives and met participants expectations. Networking, gaining knowledge of agribusiness trend in the GMS and cross-border agribusiness linkages and practices, site visits, and a better understanding of the contribution of small-scale farmers and businesses to poverty alleviation were highlighted as the most significance benefits for participation in the workshop. Recommendations and suggestions were also made for the improvement of the workshop and the development of future cross-border agribusiness programs.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute (MI) in collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB)- RETA 7521: Strengthening Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry along the East-West Economic Corridor to Promote Trade, Investment and Value Chains conducted a five-day regional training course on Capacity Development for Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) and Business Associations (BA) along East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) from 6 to 10 December 2010 for forty executive members and staff of CCIs, Business Associations and government officials in government department whose work is directly involved with trade and investment activities of Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.

The course aims at developing the capacity of industry associations, trade promotion agencies and chambers of commerce and industries in understanding the role of their organization in the light of developments taking place globally and thereafter exposes them to various issues and strategies involved in trade and investment promotion activities.

The training course was designed and delivered using modular training approach where participants went through three progressive stages : i) Learn to Do training on concepts, techniques and tools to be employed; ii) Do to Learn the participants were required to apply what they learned in their work assignments with proper coaching from assigned advisers; and iii) Share to Learn the participants had opportunity to present the results of their group work, learning experiences and lessons learned.

Four resource persons were invited to deliver lectures and facilitate discussions, and share experiences to the participants, as well as, to enhance the participants understanding of the program contents and to apply the principles, process, structure, and stakeholders in planning and implementing trade from the learning program.

The training course comprised of four inter-related modules. Module 1- Trade and investment Promotion -Role of CCI gave an understanding of the role and functions of CCI and management information systems. Module 2 -Integration of SMEs of EWEC in Global Value Chain covered the concepts of inter-SME trade and regional and global value chains (RVC/GVC) and supply chains- related trade facilitation. Module 3 -Business Networking with SMEs in EWEC and tools and methods for developing business clusters and networks. Module 4- Trade and Investment promotion Strategies enhanced the participants understanding on effective trade fair management, management information systems, the need and importance of trade fairs and Steps for Planning a Trade Event, management practices and promotion.

The feedback gathered from the participants confirmed that the resource persons and facilitators were qualified, experienced and able to explain difficult content topic in clear and simple term. The evaluation results demonstrated that the learning program successfully attained its objectives. The results from a range of evaluation methods showed high satisfaction rating by the participants. However, recommendations for improvement included providing field visit.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute conducted a two-week training course on "Integrated Water Resources management for the Mekong" for eight Junior Riparian Professional from line agencies of National Mekong Committees of the four lower Mekong Countries and 6 young GMS Professionals from China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao, Thailand and Vietnam. The program, which was carried out from 19 to 30 July 2010, aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills related to water resource management in the context of Mekong Cooperation. The topics covered included integrated water resource management principles, water resources management functions, basin planning and decision support framework, development potentials in the lower Mekong Basin, and key water resources management issues.

The use of participatory approaches and a strong focus on practical knowledge was highlighted in the course. Likewise, two structured learning visits were included in the program, one on Pak Mu Dam and another on Huay San Mor Watershed Management, to give the participants some insights on the various problems involved in the planning and implementation of water management and hydro-power projects in Thailand.

The participants evaluated the course as successful and provided some recommendation for training improvement in the future. Among the recommendations were to provide more case studies specific to four lower Mekong Basin countries and more specific examples to illustrate the IWRM concepts. The approaches and training methods employed such as the use of case studies, simulation exercises, videos, and field works were highly appreciated by the participants and they suggested continuing its use as they found those methods an integral part of their learning experience. They also recommended that the training program should include participants from upper Mekong countries in order to develop a common understanding of water resources management in the context of the Mekong basin.

The Mekong River Commission and New Zealand's International Aid and Development Agency provided the financial support for thus training program.
 

Written by Mekong Institute

The main purpose of this study is to provide an update of the NSEC logistics study conducted in 2008. It will be based on empirical data gathered in the field and aims to assess the capacity of key stakeholders involved to transform the NSEC from a transport corridor into an economic corridor. The goal is to propose policy recommendations to bridge the human capacity gap in order to attain this target.

Written by Mekong Institute

Labor migration is considered to be one way to reach the goal of poverty reduction and economic development by the Vietnamese Government. The Government has been trying to expand its overseas labor market. However, Vietnamese migration to the countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion has receives less attention from policymakers. Many Vietnamese migrants cross the border with countries in the region illegally for working purposes. This spontaneous migration process has implications for the socio-economic development of the origin as well as the destination country.

This research was conducted in two poor communes in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam where the number of migrants travelling to Lao PDR for work is the highest in the country. Focusing on spontaneous migration to countries along the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC), the field survey was administered to 250 migrants and state officials. The study results show the economic potential and social challenges of spontaneous migration from Vietnam to other countries in the EWEC. Easy transportation to EWEC countries, fast and cheap official document processing at the border and the availability of jobs at the destination are identified as the potentials of labor migration. The study also explores the role of social networks in supporting this process. It considers the social links with the origin and destination country and between the migrants and those who stay behind. Social networks are seen as providing protection and security for migrants at their destination. However, migrant workers have to face numerous challenges during their migration, including difficulties in accessing social welfare in their destination country, being abused, exploited and becoming illegal workers due to the lack of legal documents. The research finds that spontaneous migration to EWEC countries is a survival strategy for the poor in Thua Thien Hue province. Therefore the study suggests that in
developing a national poverty reduction strategy policy makers and development aid agencies should pay more attention to the spontaneous migration of the poor.

Keywords: Economic potentials, Social challenges, Livelihoods, Social network

Written by Mekong Institute

Along with other GMS countries Lao PDR has adopted land and forest policies aimed at reducing poverty. In 1996, the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) officially adopted a nationwide program on land use planning and land allocation (LUP/LA). The aim of the program was to provide villagers with access to additional land resources as well as at safeguarding the nations forest areas. The LUP/LA program has now been drastically decreased due to budget constraints after having been implemented to varying degrees in most parts of the country. Implementation of LUP/LA varied throughout the country, but studies on the impacts have shown that several of the expected results have not been achieved. It is reported that in general, LUP/LA has been beneficial in the delineation of village boundaries and resource use zones, has helped to reduce land conflicts and improve forest protection. On the other hand, land allocation has led to a reduction in agricultural and forest areas available for use by households living in upland areas. In many cases this has resulted in decreased yields and insecure livelihoods.

"Reassessment of the land-forest allocation programme is needed, particularly as it is applied to upland areas where shifting cultivation is widespread; there are shorter fallow periods and population pressures because of declining yields and the hardship experienced in some upland areas." (Lao PDR NGPES).

This study confirmed most of the impacts identified in previous surveys.

The GoL's strategy for the development of remote areas has been to push for "economic integration."This has translated into a policy of swidden agriculture eradication, which is commonly understood to be an important way to develop the uplands. Following the GoL line, swidden is focused on producing a diversity of crops for subsistence which keeps ethnic minorities poor, especially where fallow cycles have been reduced. Thus, the villagers have to be taught how to farm like lowland Lao farmers - to focus on a narrow range of crops in order to produce a surplus which will generate cash, increase market linkages and decrease poverty. Recognizing that many upland areas are unsuitable for paddy cultivation, and given the remoteness of so many upland minority villages, thousands of villages have been resettled - often with disastrous consequences due to the lack of support during the actual move, lack of basic infrastructure in the new villages and difficulties faced by the communities in adapting to new environments, diseases and agricultural practices. Its not surprising, then that the figures from many studies conducted in Laos show an increase in all poverty indicators, including decreased food production and increased mortality rates in new villages.

In recent years, Laos has experienced an increase in demand for its main national resource, the countrys land. Huge areas of land have been conceded to foreign investors, mainly to Chinese and Vietnamese rubber plantations. These land concessions have put further pressure on upland minorities by increasing land scarcity and reducing forest areas which are vital to these minorities livelihoods. Furthermore, there lands
has often been conceded to the foreign investors - sometimes without any or with too little compensation - leaving villagers as day laborers on their own land with no alternatives means of livelihood.

This study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of how institutional arrangements governing ethnic minorities rights to access and control over land and forest areas impacts on their livelihoods, based on a field study in 5 ethnic minority villages in the Sekong province.

Keywords: Land Policy, Land Rights, Land Concessions, Land Titles, Lao PDR

Written by Mekong Institute

This study examines the nature of transboundary production of maize, the key benefits to farmers from contract farming (CF) and the factors influencing a farmers decision to participate in CF. Farmers who are suppliers in CF were surveyed to answer the study objectives and statistical analysis was employed. The findings reveal that the market for maize in Cambodia is too small which makes farmers extremely vulnerable to price fluctuation. Contract farmers are usually poor and have low education. While CF is predominantly dependent on verbal contracts, contractors who are middlemen are likely to gain high profit margins in the market chain for maize. But the income of farmers is not helped by CF and CF does not improve their livelihood. Access to credits and seeds is what attract farmers to CF. The findings suggest that a legal framework is needed for CF and better market access is important for agricultural and economic development in Cambodia.

Keywords: Transboundary Production, Maize, Contract Farming

Written by Mekong Institute

Cover and Introduction

Improving Farm Family Incomes: The Role of Market Structures and the Impacts of Economic Integration in Upland and Lowland Farming Systems in Lao PDR

Impacts of Economic Integration on Upland Farming and Ethnic Minorities in Lao PDR From Experiencing Social Disgust to Passing as Normal:Self-Care Processes among Thai People Suffering from AIDS

Consumer Satisfaction with Public Health Care in the Greater Mekong Subregion:A Case Study of Cambodia, Yunnan of China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam

Evaluating a Project from Beneficiaries Perspectives: A Case Study of the Second Mekong International Bridge

Quantifying the Effects of Trade Liberalization in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Market Participation of the Rural Poor: Choice or Necessity A Case Study on Smallholder Beef Cattle Producers in Hanh Phuoc Commune,Nghia Hanh District, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam