Changing Perspectives: Understanding Chinese Agricultural Investors in Northern Laos

ABSTRACTED FROM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This surge in Chinese agricultural investment in Laos has drawn attention and debate from various quarters. Academia and development organizations have conducted extensive studies to assess the impact of the investments. Of particular concern are the smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of producers in the sector and often face disadvantages within the investment process. However, most existing studies predominantly focused on local perspectives, inadvertently overlooking the insights of Chinese investors. To bridge this gap, LURAS undertook this comprehensive study encompassing eight case studies conducted in seven districts across four provinces in northern Laos. These investigations were carried out between March and June of 2023, with the specific aim of dissecting the complex relationship and power dynamics between Chinese investors and local farmer communities. This study focused on small and medium-scale Chinese agricultural investors and their interactions with local communities. These findings illustrate the complexity and heterogeneity of Chinese agricultural investments in Laos. Different investment cycles and management approaches for various crops have led to diverse investment behaviours. The consequences of these distinct investment behaviours, partially stemming from crop differences, have far-reaching social impacts.

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