Irrigating the Uplands: A Case Study Analysis to Understand the Potential and Challenges in Northern Laos

Abstract

About 80% of the Lao PDR’s land area comprises mountains, and much of its economy depends on subsistence agriculture. Due to the predominantly rainfed nature of upland farming, the climate determines agricultural practices. Climate change thus puts rainfed farmers in a precarious position, with extreme dry weather events threatening the year’s harvest. Agricultural irrigation can provide a layer of climate resilience to these farmers, especially in mountains with springwater sources. However, access to irrigation is expensive and limited to the lowlands. Referring to literature on irrigation in the highlands, we developed an Upland Irrigation Feasibility Framework. Then, drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in 2019–2020, we applied the Framework to a mountainous village in northern Laos to explore the potential and challenges of irrigating the uplands. We found that while water was available, the supply network and the end-users’ demand could be improved. Social institutions that govern the use of agricultural water are important but need to formed. Agricultural irrigation is not a necessity but is beneficial to farmers, but the risks associated with any agricultural transition need to be managed and the value of conserving water needs to be emphasized.