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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Sari Jusi and Maarit Virtanen

Water resources development plays a central role in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth in Laos. The development of irrigation is vital for the rural…

Abstract

Water resources development plays a central role in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth in Laos. The development of irrigation is vital for the rural population dependent on agricultural production, but irrigation projects have suffered from low levels of maintenance, as farmers have felt little ownership for the government projects. At the moment, a process of Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) is undertaken in Laos with the aim of transferring the management and operation of schemes to farmers. This article aims at evaluating, how IMT has been implemented in Laos and how it is affecting the sustainability of agriculture.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2011

Sari Jusi

The purpose of this paper is to analyse social and environmental sustainability considerations developed in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and to identify problems and…

1898

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse social and environmental sustainability considerations developed in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and to identify problems and challenges related to sustainable hydropower planning and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is leaning on empirical analysis based on analysing primary and secondary data and information; official government documents and relevant literature, a series of workshops of the Future Resource and Economy Policies in Laos till 2020 Project (FREPLA2020), and interviews with government officials and experts.

Findings

To achieve its socio‐economic objectives, Lao PDR needs to manage its hydropower development to ensure environmental and social sustainability through developing of the legal, institutional and regulatory environment and strengthening of the institutional capacity of the sector, improving knowledge and data management, and developing institutional coordination across the government agencies.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the Lao government assesses strategically the hydropower development options, prepares capacity building plans, develops risk assessment and management, and learns from past hydropower developments.

Social implications

The paper recommends using hydropower development generated revenues to poverty reduction activities and to strengthen participatory approaches.

Originality/value

The paper can act as a discussion awakener, to help and give some guidance to decision makers and actors in the hydropower sector to integrate sustainable development considerations into hydropower development and planning.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

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