ALIS NATURAL & AGRO

Agro-forestry is a collective name for land-use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used on the same land-management units as agricultural crops and/or animals, in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. Agro-forestry is a dynamic, ecologically-based, natural resource management practice that,…

Conservation Agriculture (CA) is an agro-ecosystems management approach aimed at improving and sustaining agricultural productivity, increasing profits and food security while preserving and enhancing the resource base and the environment. CA is characterised by three interrelated principles.

Integrated agriculture provides high quality food and other products by using natural resources and regulating mechanisms rather than polluting chemical inputs to secure sustainable farming. The agronomic techniques and biological / physical / chemical methods are carefully selected and balanced taking into account the health of people (i.e. farmers and…

This section addresses integrated farming approaches that have been promoted as alternatives to Green Revolution agriculture since the 1990s for self-sufficient farming. The New Theory farming system in Thailand and the VAC system in Vietnam (VAC in Vietnamese is Vuon, Ao, Chuong which means “garden/pond/ livestock pen”) consist in highly…

Organic agriculture aims at sustaining the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and natural cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of chemical inputs with potentially adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote…

The System of Rice Intensification, known as SRI is an agro-ecological approach for increasing rice productivity (and more recently other crops) by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients.

ALiSEA Online Library contains a wide range of agro-ecology’s documents: backgrounds, case Studies and initiatives fact sheets, presentations, policy documents, toolkits and IEC Materials. All documents are searchable via their Agro-ecological School(s), country, or type. Access now.

National: Vietnam Title: Eco-weed control: a participatory experiment on PGS organic vegetable farms. Organization: Center for Agricultural research and Ecological studies, CARES Link: (Website, facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: To experiment if transplantation of healthy nursery-raised seedlings can be combined with non-till culture (with some crop/weed residues left as soil cover or feed for soil animals and microorganisms), to control weeds effectively, boost crop development, and improve overall soil quality and farmer’s income. Designing (and constructing) experiments on non-till culture practices in combination with good nursery practices with farmer’s participation on PGS vegetable farms (based on results of assessing local vegetable systems, farmer’s preferences on crops and nursery practices, etc.). Monitoring experiment performance with farmer’s participation (for weed development and control; crop growth and productivity/quality; labor consumption for nursery practices and transplantation; and possible plant growth/health; soil improvements including soil animals/color and smells…). Synthesizing experiment data to produce a final technical report and videos for public dissemination. Localization: Hanoi & Hoa Binh provinces Period: 12 months Activities: 1: Assessment of existing local vegetable systems (seasonal weed problems and control; sowing and/or nursery practices soil preparation practices). 2: Experiment design 3: Data collection and analysis 4: Dissemination of experimental results Documents: (will add […]

National: Vietnam Title: Strengthening community capacity in monitoring pesticides use and promoting Agroecology- for a Non-Toxic Environment Organization: Research Centre for Gender, Family and Environment in Development, CGFED Link: (Website, facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: Agroecology plays an important role in protecting human health and the environment, in which monitoring and control of pesticides in agricultural production is a prerequisite for agroecology. Farmers have an important role to play in monitoring pesticide use, particularly women farmers since many men migrate to big cities for work. The monitoring of pesticide use will be implemented by application of the CPAM tools and biodiversity monitoring. Results of pesticide use monitoring are the basis for communication events, advocating for communities and local authorities to reduce the use of pesticides (especially highly hazardous pesticides) and agroecological practices. Female farmers will directly carry out monitoring of pesticide use as well as initiate and conduct communication events in the community with support from the project. To do this, the project carries out activities to improve capacity and promote participation of female farmers through training courses (on using CPAM tools and biodiversity monitoring in monitoring pesticide use; women’s leadership), organizing communication events. Localization: Nam Dinh province Period: 12 months Activities: […]

National: Laos Title: Link and learn agro-ecology from the field Organization: CLICK Link: (Website, Facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: To promote sustainable agriculture and increased cooperation in the area of knowledge management with ALiSEA members, capture at least 20 agro-ecological best practices, shared and learned by members of ALiSEA, Lao Farmer Network and Department of Agriculture Extension and Cooperative. Localization: All provinces Period: 18 months Activities: 1: A workshop to map out agro-ecological practices in Laos inviting ALiSEA members and non members 2: Set up expert team for each topic for capitalization process including owner of the practice and supporting team. 3: Conduct documentation and assessment of each practice by the expert team. 4: Produce media 5: Disseminate the knowledge products to online relevant platforms 6: Organize a knowledge fair Documents: (will add and update during the implementation) Budget granted by ALiSEA:  19,955 EUROs

National: Vietnam Title: Supporting the transition towards more diversified farming system by developing experimental cultivation of native medicinal herbs and edible herbs on upland farming areas Organization: Social Policy Ecology Research Institute, SPERI Link: (Website, facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: This small grant aims to support the transition towards more diversified and integrated farming system through applied research and experimental cultivation of native medicinal herbs and edible herbs on the upland farming areas of Kon Tum province, where excessive herbicide use has devastated farming. The support to test and integrate native medicinal herbs and edible herbs in pilot farming areas, equipped with capacity development and sites demonstration, will broaden stakeholders’ skills and knowledge. The grant also seeks to raise stakeholders’ awareness of the value of diversifying crop production, providing short-term incentives to farmers and potentially facilitating local policy changes. Localization: Kon Tum province Period: 14 months Activities: 1:  Conducting field-based ethnobotanical research engaging farmers and stakeholders to determine the list of native herb species and edible herbs for cultivation and development. 2: Establishing inter-families pilot farms for experimental cultivation (including acclimatizing, propagating these valuable herbs). Technical training and farmers ‘ exchanging is integrated during these processes. 3: Organizing inter-stakeholders’ workshops (farmers in […]

National: Cambodia Title: Multidimensional Evaluation of Agroecological (MuLAgE) Organization:  ECOLAND or Ecosystem Services and Land Use is a research centre based at Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) Link: https://www.facebook.com/ecolandcambodia/ Summary: Recent efforts led by development stakeholders focus on enhancing the sustainability of Cambodian agriculture. The regional network ALiSEA focuses on helping vulnerable farmers to transition towards sustainable agriculture practices through networking, strengthening knowledge, sharing experience, increasing the visibility of agroecology, and scaling-up the adoption of agroecological practices among farmers. This study aims to evaluate existing ALiSEA members’ farms in Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia, promoting sustainable development using FAO-TAPE tool. The evaluation will address the agroecology profile and development criteria, including a participatory process for qualitative and quantitative aspects of the project. The project will provide evidence-based evaluation documentation and will broaden the partnerships and collaborations of ALiSEA members and non-members, promoting shared pathways to agroecological and safe food system transitions in the Sub-Mekong Region. Period: 18 months Activities: Conduct baseline survey on production system, agroecological zone, existing policies, and enabling environment On-farm survey on characterization of agroecological transition On-farm survey on criteria of agroecological performance (measure progress and quantify impact) Analysis, participatory interpretation (participatory approach) and reporting Documents: […]

National: Laos Title: Promotion of renewable energy into agriculture post-harvesting for smallholders Organization: Community Development and Environment Association, CDEA Link: (Website, facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: Food loss and food waste is a global issue, especially in Laos, which has a tropical climate, a large  population, and a lack of post–harvesting techniques and facilities.  This project aims to assist small farmers’ access to the market by improving production practices and adding value through the use of  renewable energy.  In so doing, farmers will reduce harvest loss and increase agro-produce market value, while also better integrating into the market.  The project will introduce local farmer groups to the super – durable polycarbonate-made Solar–dryer dome, an invention of Silpakorn University in Thailand and now widely used in Thailand and other countries.  The project will provide training for farmers in drying agro–produce and in post – harvest processing.  Local farmers’ cooperatives will produce processed fruit and vegetables and connect directly to the market, with part of the profits funneling back to a community fund. Localization: Vientiane province Period: 18 months Activities: Launching workshop and closing ceremony Study tour in the country to Na Phor VTE Capital out skirt and Ban Keun ,Vientiane Province and Champasack […]

National: Cambodia Title: Research and demonstration of climate-resilient and agro-ecological cashew nuts production Organization: HEKS/EPER is a major Swiss NGO with focus on rural community development, humanitarian aid and inter-church cooperation Link: (Website, facebook, YouTube,….) Summary: Though Cambodia has grown to be one of the largest producers of cashew nuts in the world, cashew producers in Cambodia, mostly small scale farmers, are not aware of technical know-how on agroecological and climate resilient cashew production, and rely heavily on agro-chemical for pest and weed management and to increase the yield.  Although HEKS has ongoing research on how climate change affects cashew nuts production and what factors affect yield drop, HEKS is also planning to start research on resilience towards climate change and pest mitigation.  The project will commence in Kompong Thom province, one of the largest producer provinces, by training producers on agro-ecological practices to mitigate damage from climate change. The research and demonstration will be implemented by Agrismart Innovation Co., Ltd., which has been involved with projects related to cashew nuts in Cambodia dating back to 2010.  It will also be coordinated with PDAFF, whose staff are committed to support cashew producers in Kompong Thom.  The proposed project will be […]

Logo: Organization: Department of Extension of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Cambodia Summary: MetKasekor, literally Farmer’s Friend, is a sustainable climate smart extension service model, which focuses on opening the market for private sector investments on Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification by disseminating and promoting the practices via government agents to smallholder farmers in Cambodia. Location: Battambang province, Preah Vihear province; Cambodia Model Activities: Identification of potential agriculture cooperatives, farmers and service providers Demand Creation with agriculture cooperatives, service providers and smallholder farmers Field Showcase by early adopter farmers Commercial Demonstration led by private sector Annual Meeting to review progress of the model (during pilot phase) Promotional Meeting to enlarge the pool of private sector Model publications: MetKasekor Model Brochure MetKasekor Pitch Deck Adress & Contact: Our Address: Swisscontact Cambodia, 7th Floor, THAN’S CORP Building (#46, Mao Tse Toung Boulevard (245) Email: [email protected] Website: metkasekor.com (under development)

Logo: Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Cambodia Summary: Cambodia Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification Consortium (CASIC) is a national mechanism established to collaborate and coordinate with a network of organizations that are implementing activities related to Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification (CA & SI) in Cambodia such as marketing, research, policy and service delivery etc. by promoting CA/SI farming systems, creating demand for CA machinery and implements, increase the diversification of crops, the accessibility of cover crops, and the participation of the private sector to meet the needs. Vision: The vision of CASIC is to become a platform for promoting conservation agriculture and sustainable intensification towards agroecological transition in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Mission: The mission of CASIC is to coordinate and support research for development; invest into knowledge management; create an enabling environment for policy dialogues and public-private partnerships; value creation; and explore market opportunities and enhance collaboration between various stakeholders in conservation agriculture, sustainable intensification, and agroecology. Location: Cambodia Activities: The CASIC Executive Board Committee has the following roles and responsibilities: To prepare action plan and implement on CA and sustainable intensification in agricultural sector; To serve as secretariat for CASIC Steering Committee; To support […]

 Logo: Organization: Swisscontact Summary: The project promotes appropriate technologies and extension services for a sustainable intensification of agricultural production leading to reduced negative impacts on the environment including an improved soil health that allows smallholder farmers to increase their productivity and income. Location: Battambang province, Preah Vihear province, Kampong Thom province, and Siem Reap province; Cambodia Intervention Areas: Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders Promote agriculture extension services Promote sustainable agriculture technology and techniques Increase knowledge through internship program Project Brochure: Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture Project Brochure Learn more about our project through videos: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/news/watch-migip-experiences-and-impacts-in-cambodia Adress & Contact: Our Address: Swisscontact Cambodia, 7th Floor, THAN’S CORP Building (#46, Mao Tse Toung Boulevard (245) Email: [email protected] Website: swisscontact.org/isa

Civil society organizations: farmer Location: Lao PDR Fact sheet: Download Bounhome, Bounhome Farm Owner Bounhome Mixay started his farm since when he was 10 years old with her parents. His parents have been doing organic farming. Currently, Bounhome still doing organic gardening; he has been trained on organic farming by Huam Jai Asasamak Association (HJA). Bounhome starts planting vegetables in early July to February of each year he grows vegetables near his home. Since he joined Engaging Rural Lao Youths to Promote Community – based Organic Vegetable Farming to Mitigate Impacts of Agrochemicals Project. he mostly grows leafy and heads vegetables. As a beneficiary, he has received much support including technical training, marketing network and agricultural inputs from HJA and SGP – GEF fund. He notices that organic vegetable production has a huge impact on his family. It reduces product cost, brings good health to support his family. Bounhome gardening did not perform well, because the area he used to the garden was steep, while the March – June period had no water to be used since his garden was dependent on rainwater and the crop production depends heavily on organic fertilizers from his animals. However, his farm contains a […]

Civil society organizations: farmer Location: Lao PDR Fact sheet: Download Bounleua, Bounleua Farm Owner Bounleua Manichanh started her farm since when she was 12 years old with her parents. Her parents have been doing organic farming. Currently, Bounleua still doing organic gardening; she has been trained on organic farming by Huam Jai Asasamak Association (HJA). Bounleua starts planting vegetables in early September to June of each year she grows vegetables near her home. Since she joined Engaging Rural Lao Youths to Promote Community – based Organic Vegetable Farming to Mitigate Impacts of Agrochemicals Project. she mostly grows leafy and heads vegetables. As a beneficiary, she has received much support including technical training, marketing network and agricultural inputs from HJA and SGP – GEF fund. She notices that organic vegetable production has a huge impact on her family. It reduces product cost, brings good health and generates a decent small income to support her family. Bounleua gardening did not perform well, because the area she used to the garden was steep, while the March-May period had no water to be used since her garden was dependent on rainwater and the crop production depends heavily on organic fertilizers from her animals. However, […]

By Thuy Thu Doan – CISDOMA The field visit organized for members of the ALiSEA-Vietnam to Mai Son and Moc Chau districts, Son La province, Vietnam was successfully organized by the The Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous areas (CISDOMA), the Vietnam Association of Rural Development Sciences (PHANO) and the Northern Mountainous Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Science and Technology (NOMAFSI). This activity was supported by the Agro-ecology Learning Alliance in Southeast Asia (ALiSEA), within the framework of the Agroecology and Safe Food System Transitions in Southeast Asia (ASSET) project – funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union (EU). The field visit took place for 2 days from October 17 to 18, 2024. Twenty participants from the Northern, Central and Southern provinces of Vietnam including experts from research institutions such as the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Northwest University, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Southern Fruit Tree Research Institute and CIRAD; officers of NGOs including Consultative Institute for Socio-economic Development of Rural and mountainous Areas – CISDOMA, Mekong Organics, PGS Vietnam and farmers from SPERI). The visit also received participation of the distributors including food stores of safe and organic products Objective of […]