A Bayesian network model to explore practice change by smallholder rice farmers in Lao PDR

Abstract

Highlights  A Bayesian Network was built to explore the chances of practice change amongst farmers.  The focus of the study is smallholder farmers in southern Lao PDR.  The model emphasizes systemic barriers and enablers relating to practices and context.  Coordinated multi-stakeholder action can improve the likelihood of practice change.  The model supports examination of data gaps, perspectives and knowledge management.

A Game-Based Approach to Exploring Gender Differences in Smallholder Decisions to Change Farming Practices: White Rice Production in Laos

“…These actions released additional labour to engage in alternative on-farm and off-farm income-generating activities. This finding is very much in line with other studies that show that nontraditional off-farm and nonfarming activities have become integral to the way households generate income in Lao PDR [12][13][14][15], as well as in other emerging economies [75].…”

“…The southern provinces are crucial to the Lao PDR government's agricultural strategy and planning as they are the site of seven large plains that have been designated as "suitable for intensive crop production". The research study undertaken in these provinces involved over 950 participants, including 900 farmers and 50 stakeholders involved in data collection exercises [12,14,[56][57][58].…”

“…Livelihoods of farmers in selected villages participating in the study were based on rice production and livestock as sources of sustenance and income, with additional income from off-farm work. Using a Bayesian network analysis, Moglia et al [14] found that the key opportunities important for improving rice farming practices and increasing "white" rice production in this area were:…”

“…The flip side of the switch to white rice is the threat it carries to preferred subsistence food for the family. Decisions on household agricultural practices are being made in the larger context of industrialization and urbanization, with nontraditional off-farm and nonfarming activities becoming integral to the way that households generate income [12][13][14][15].…”

A Knowledge Brokering Framework for Integrated Landscape Management

“…• Bayesian networks to predict the factors influencing uptake of new practices (Moglia et al, 2018). (M/P) • ADOPT tool (Kuehne et al, 2017) relatively few are able to account for the demand for ecosystem services and their valuation, (4) many miss key services, and (5) they do not account for political and organisational aspects of decision making (Grêt-Regamey et al, 2017).…”