The modernization of the Laotian agricultural sector, which accounts for over half of the country's gross domestic product, is among the most critical issues affecting the country's economic development. Addressing it requires research into not only such technical issues as irrigation but also systems like distribution and taxation.
This project aims to reinforce the knowledge base necessary to modernize the Laotian agricultural sector by providing support for joint research in the field of agricultural economics conducted by the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the National University of Laos.
Over the three years of this project, workshops, case studies, thesis writing, tours of neighboring countries, and other learning opportunities have been provided to 20 young instructors from these two faculties.
In fiscal 2005 and 2006 the instructors conducted research pertaining to the cultivation and productivity of four types of agricultural products--aromatics, cassava, sugarcane, and corn--and in fiscal 2007 a study of distribution systems was made.
Observations were also carried out in Vietnam and Japan in fiscal 2006 and in Thailand in fiscal 2007. In Thailand and Vietnam, participants observed production, processing, management systems, and generation of added-value through diversification of applications of agricultural products.
In fiscal 2007, a four-volume report, organized by agricultural product, was compiled outlining the results of the series of activities conducted, and in March 2008 a briefing session was held in Vientiane to report the results of the research. The briefing was attended by 44 people representing such UN organizations as the Food and Agricultural Organization, the National Agricultural Research Institute of Laos, the National Economics Research Institute, and the media.
Current status analysis and policy recommendations were reported for individual agricultural products in relation to regional production levels, productivity, distribution, and product supply and demand. The research results were also featured in an academic journal published by the National Agricultural Research Institute of Laos and in the Vientiane Times.
At the outset of the project, the econometric methodologies were a source of confusion among the instructors; however, after three years of the project they are able to produce high-level reports that could be published in a technical journal. Also, over the same period, relations with overseas universities were built through a series of joint activities. A memorandum of cooperation is expected to be exchanged between the National University of Laos and Waseda University, which would allow researchers from Laos to enroll in Waseda's doctoral program.