A recent survey from the Agro-biodiversity Project (ABP) on organisms used by villagers in an upland paddy rice ecosystem in Xieng Khouang Province confirms Lao farmers' high reliance on biodiversity in the upland paddy areas. The survey revealed that 95 species of plants and animals are used for food, sale or medicine. So far, this is the largest number of recorded species used by villagers in the upland paddy area, although declining.  

For Lao farmers living in the uplands, the paddy rice fields are more than just rice. Numerous native species of plants and animals in and around the rice fields are used for food, income and medicine. However, the contribution of these species to farmers’ food and income is often neglected. Part of this reason is limited knowledge and information to shed light on the importance of the biodiversity to the livelihood of upland communities. Accurate assessments such as baseline surveys and inventories on the agro-biodiversity are rare, but needed.

In 2013, as part of its work to support conservation and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity in Lao PDR, the Agro-biodiversity Project (ABP) undertook a comprehensive survey of the local uses of organisms in paddy rice fields and connected irrigation canals and ponds. A 200 ha area used by three villages in Phoukhout District, Xieng Khouang Province was surveyed. It was the first survey of its kind in the district. During a three-month period, a team of local resource persons explored the area and recorded catchments and use.

The survey confirmed the assumption that upland paddy rice fields are an important source of food, income and nutrition for farmers. Moreover, it revealed the rich biodiversity of upland paddy rice ecosystems of plants and animals including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, molluscs and crustaceans. A total of 95 species were recorded. The species were mainly used for home consumption with few sold at local markets including eight species for medicinal purposes. It is the largest number of species recorded in Laos in the upland paddy rice based area.

The survey also revealed that more than half of the species are declining compared to 10 years ago, including nearly all fish species, most plants, amphibians and insects, some mollusks, particularly the apple snail, and the freshwater leech.  The villagers suggested that the decline was due to high market demands, with limited efforts of conservation and sustainable use. The villagers, however, also noted increased numbers of certain crabs, prawns, frogs, insects, plants, and catfish.

A very diversified use of plants and animals was also observed either as main protein source or important ingredient for traditional dishes or other uses. Fish species were either eaten the same day or dried, smoked and fermented. All other organisms were consumed in the same day, with exception of water primrose (Phak bee ian), Chinese ginger (Wane pai), naples garlic (Phak boua leuath), and the freshwater leech (Ping) which were only used for medicinal purpose.

“This type of assessment help us to grasp the importance of a well-functioning ecosystem supporting diversified farming systems in upland paddy areas. The system provides much value to the daily lives of farmers and gives us important inputs when stressing the importance of policies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity,” commented Ole S. Pedersen, Chief Technical Advisor of the ABP.

Get access to the survey by clicking here.