Two new ACIAR-funded projects will explore pathways to build an inclusive and sustainable smallholder farming sector in Vietnam and Lao PDR.
Led by the University of Canberra (UC) in collaboration with Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) in Vietnam, National University of Laos (NUOL) and National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Lao PDR, the projects will work closely with national policymakers to propose policies that help farmers cope with future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Smallholder farmers are vital for food security, producing 30% of food commodities in the region. But their environment is rapidly changing-they now face serious challenges like disrupted supply chains, limited market access and climate change. Adapting their farming systems and livelihoods is no longer a choice but a necessity.
'We have not comprehensively understood the challenges and opportunities facing smallholder farmers,' said Associate Professor Leonie Pearson, project leader from UC.
'Our research, therefore, focuses on key questions: who are the future smallholder farmers, and how can we support their future success? By answering these, we could better shape the policies and development strategies in Vietnam and Lao PDR over the next 35 years.'
The project will combine economic and social sciences to create different future scenarios for smallholder farmers, addressing some of the most pressing challenges, like climate change, market access issues and the trend of young people leaving the farming sector. These scenarios will help policymakers understand how farmers make decisions and which incentives work best, laying the ground for long-term policies that support sustainable livelihoods for farmers now and into the future.
The collaboration between Vietnam and Lao PDR is strengthened by shared agricultural challenges and similar socio-economic conditions. The research partnership aims to deliver tailored policy recommendations and enhance research capacity in both countries.
'Through collaborations, knowledge and expertise exchanges, we can enhance our understanding of the future challenges and opportunities the smallholder farmers might face,' said Dr Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane, Acting Director General of NAFRI.
'This will enable us to develop well-prepared policies, providing actionable recommendations and innovative solutions that directly address their needs. Our goal is to strengthen food and nutrition security through collaborative research and innovation, increase agricultural productivity, and foster resilient farming communities.'
Vietnam is estimated to have more than 9 million smallholder farmers who contribute significantly to the national food security and economy through agricultural exports. However, they are still working on fragmented lands, a significant challenge to achieving mass production and adopting new technologies.
'This is the first research to integrate future scenarios for Vietnamese smallholder farmers,' said Ms Nguyen Le Hoa, Head of IPSARD's Policy and Strategy Division.
'We aim to develop policies that address fragmentation and encourage collective actions in production and agribusiness, such as through effective linkages with cooperatives and agricultural enterprises.'
By enhancing market access through cooperatives, agricultural enterprises and digital platforms, smallholder farmers will gain more bargaining power and reach sustainable markets, driving economic growth in both countries.
'In Lao PDR, one of the project's main goals is to provide policy recommendations on developing and building climate-resilient farmers and farming practices. These innovations will improve livelihoods and food security, ensuring long-term social and economic transformation, particularly for women and young farmers,' said cross-country coordinator, Ms Sengphachanh Sonethavixay.
The project's aim to empower women, youth and other marginalised groups by ensuring they have a voice in the process of making agricultural policies and decisions.
'This is about amplifying the voices of those who have been overlooked, creating truly inclusive policies,' said Dr Pearson. Through training programs, the project will help women address long-standing barriers, such as limited land ownership and lack of access to credit.
'We envision that the case studies from Vietnam and Lao PDR will serve as a foundation for future ACIAR-supported projects in South-East Asia, guiding future policy direction and ensuring smallholder farmers are better equipped for future challenges,' said Dr Todd Sanderson, ACIAR Research Program Manager, Social Systems.
These projects aim to secure a sustainable future for rural communities and ensure that smallholder farmers remain vital contributors to the regional economy and global food security.
Learn more about these projects: Lao PDR and Vietnam.
