On 5th October 2023, Malica organized its Annual Scientific Seminar 2023 featuring a diverse range of presentations and discussions on the topic “Food Systems and Sustainability in South-East Asia”.

This year event took place in Vang Vieng (the Lao PDR), hosted by the National University of Laos (NUoL) and Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD, France). It brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers from the Lao PDR, Vietnam, and France to discuss various aspects of food systems and sustainability in the region.

The seminar was officially opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Phouvin, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (NUoL).

Dr. Phouvin Phousavanh, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, NUoL

Diets and supply chains

The first presentation featured Sayvisene Boulom from NUoL, who highlighted the role of agroecology in improving nutrition in Xieng Khouang province, Laos. According to Sayvisene Boulom, despite the growing evidence on the importance of forest for resources and agriculture for nutrition, there are only few researches undertaken on the linkages between agroecological or agricultural practices like collecting forest products for income and foods, agricultural diversity, dietary diversity, and nutritional status.

Sayvisene Boulom, Researcher from NUoL

Agroecology: policies and practices

In the second session, Nguyen Thi Mai Huong from the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD, Vietnam) provided participants information on recent polices supporting Agroecology and Food System in Vietnam. In her opinion, supporting AE and FS transition in Vietnam needs multi-disciplinary, multi-actor and multi-level actions and interventions. Also, the promotion and support to AE and SFS in Vietnam should be clearer in the revised strategies and legislation.

Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, Deputy Director of RUDEC-IPSARD, Vietnam

Next, Maiyer Xiong from NUoL presented a study on the relationship between farmers and consumers and consumer perspectives on agroecological food products in Xieng Khouang province, Laos. She concluded that: i) short supply chains foster strong relationships between farmers and consumers, as the marketplace serves as a crucial symbol of trust in organic products; ii) this specific marketplace, coupled with collective actions, enables farmers to effectively handle various challenges (Covid19, petrol crisis); iii) collective actions have provided farmers with access to public support, including agricultural training, policy backing (such as free marketplace access), technical assistance, production and marketing oversight, and coordination with development projects.

Value chains, certifications, and quality

In this session, Fue Yang from NUoL and Stéphane Guéneau from CIRAD together introduced the status of agrarian transition and maize border trade in Houaphanh, Laos. Then they provided participants with a better understanding of the legal framework of trade relations and contract farming in the province.

To continue this session, Estelle Biénabe from CIRAD presented insights from newly established high-quality Robusta value chain pilots co-designed with Vietnamese companies in the Central Highlands, with a specific focus on quality and value chain development. Her study addresses the question, "Can research for development delve into the intricacies of quality and value chain building?"

Estelle Biénabe, Senior Researcher from CIRAD

Round table: Reflection of PGS development in Vietnam and the Lao PDR

The round table discussion featured insights from various experts, including Pham Tho from the Center for Agrarian Systems Research and Development (CASRAD), Huynh Phong from GRET Laos, Thongdam Phongphichith from the Southeast Asian Development Agencies (SEADA), and Thavisith Bounyasouk from the Department of Agriculture (DOA, the Lao PDR).

 The discussion centered on the development of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in both Vietnam and the Lao PDR. Panelists shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing PGS in their respective countries. 

Thavisith Bounyasouk (DOA, the Lao PDR), speaking at the roundtable on PGS

General discussion

The seminar concluded with a general discussion, providing a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, raise questions, and share their perspectives on the day's topics.

Assoc. Prof. Dao The Anh – Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), and Chairman of the Malica Platform

Dr. Palikon Thalongsengchanh, Senior researcher, NAFRI

Mr. Thisadee Chounlamountry, Researcher, DALAM

The Malica Annual Scientific Seminar on "Food Systems and Sustainability in South-East Asia" proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, contributing to the ongoing efforts to enhance food systems and promote sustainability in the region.

All presentations can be found HERE 

Participants to the Malica scientific seminar