In recent years, the government of Lao PDR has adopted a number of initiatives aimed at developing forestry and NWFPs. Other positive signs include such innovations as self-help groups and participatory enterprises at the local level, which show much promise of success. Innovative institutional arrangements have been sponsored and promoted by donor agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).Within this context, MAF requested FAO and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) to assist the Government of Lao PDR in reducing rural poverty and promoting sustainable use and management of forest resources through appropriate NWFP marketing systems. More specifically, this involved establishing a model for the development of marketing systems for priority NWFPs through the market analysis and development (MA&D) approach, and promoting income generation for rural farmers through strengthening NWFP marketing and sustainable management of NWFP resources. The key outputs of the project are: the establishment of ten pilot NWFP village enterprise groups (involving 239 people) for rattan, bamboo handicrafts, paper mulberry and mushroom production activities; increased incomes for local entrepreneurs; assessment of the NWFP sector at the national level; development of a model approach to NWFP marketing; establishment of linkages with national and international organizations and the private sector (marketing information system [MIS] workshops, project partnerships, etc.); capacity building for local communities and other key actors to strengthen their capacity for MA&D and sustainable management of NWFP resources.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
FAO

Region
Asia Pacific

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All