Search Filter

Keywords:

 

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

Effects of Kaoleo II pump irrigation on rice production and income in Kaoleo, Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic

(Lao PDR), Master of Science in Agricultural Economics (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Thesis Abstract:

Irrigation is the major agricultural technique applied for water sustenance for paddy cultivation since rice is the key crop in the agriculture of the country. Since 2017, however, there is limited study on the effects of irrigation on production and income of farmers in Kaoleo, Vientiane Capital. Hence, intensive interviews of randomly selected farmers in irrigated and non-irrigated areas of Kaoleo were carried out to specifically characterize the socio-economics of farmer respondents; describe the operation and management of irrigation; and analyze the effects of irrigation on rice production and income.

The results of the study highlight the positive effect of irrigation on inputs use and cropping intensity that resulted in higher yield levels. The total cost, total net income, and total income from all sources of irrigated group were higher than the non-irrigated group. Credit and age of household head had positive effect on rice production. Thus, this study recommends partnership with project implementers, farmers, and institutions in order to improve the water management, operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities and to provide small irrigation system for non-irrigated farmers. On the other hand, it is highly recommended to increase awareness of credit access to increase levels of inputs and, in turn, more rice production in the study areas.