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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Farmer-driven Approach and its Contributions to Farmer Empowerment in the Village Extension System of Lao PDR

(Lao PDR), Master of Science in Extension Education (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Thesis Abstract:

 

The study sought to analyze the farmer driven approach and its contribution to the implementation of the village extension system (VES) in six districts of selected provinces of Lao PDR.

 

Descriptive method of research was used with 126 respondents consisting of farmers, village extension workers/head of production groups, village authorities, and district staff directly involved in the Laos Extension for Agriculture Project (LEAP). The Pearson correlation and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables while the Point-bisetered correlation was used for dichotomous variables.

Results revealed that both individual (age, ethic group, income, perceived effectiveness of VES, and motivation) and organizational-related factors (support from the local government unit, linkage mechanism, community members’ responsiveness and cohesiveness, and feeling of ownership) influenced the extent of participation of stakeholders in the projects of the VES. Respondents were unanimous in the perceived contribution of VES in empowering them through acquisition of individual and collective assets and capabilities, which enabled them to actively partake in the activities of the VES in their respective villages.

It was deemed necessary that VES establish interventions of broader coverage to increase farmers’ participation in all phases of the project cycle. Trainings in partnership with other institutions should emphasize not only “hard” but also “soft” skills, which include the range of skills necessary to promote farmer-to-farmer extension such as communication skills development, public speaking, and leadership to boost confidence of stakeholders. Home-based programs like weaving and handicraft making are worth considering to support sustainable livelihood.

Increased visibility of government staff, distribution of quality and simplified extension materials to attract a wider readership, creation of cooperatives, and group savings funds were also suggested. Finally, it was recommended that the concept of empowerment be expanded in practice to embrace the promotion of collective assets and capabilities. Relative to this, further research should be done to study the promotion or creation of common funds.