Differences in the Importance of Shifting Cultivation among Villages in Northern Laos: A Case Study of 14 Villages in Xieng Ngeun District, Luang Prabang Province

A comparative analysis of 14 adjacent villages in Xieng Ngeun District, Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos, reveals significant variations in the reliance on shifting cultivation for dry rice production. The study highlights that village boundaries play a crucial role in shaping these differences, influencing land use patterns and livelihood strategies. By examining land use and subsistence practices across the villages, researchers identified distinct patterns of agricultural intensity and resource management, providing insights into the socio-ecological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This work underscores the importance of local governance structures in sustaining traditional farming systems amidst environmental and economic pressures.

Nakatsuji, S. (2013). Differences in the Importance of Shifting Cultivation among Villages in Northern Laos: A Case Study of 14 Villages in Xieng Ngeun District, Luang Prabang Province. Japanese Journal of Human Geography, 65(4), 339–356. https://doi.org/10.4200/jjhg.65.4_339