Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Rice Production Systems Among Smallscale Farmers in Luang Prabang Province Laos

Abstract

This study investigated on socio-economic factors affecting rice production among smallscale farmers in Xiang Nguen District (XND), Luangprabang Province, Laos. Stratified sampling method was employed in determination of the sample size. The primary data were collected for the study through structured questionnaire and data collected from the randomly selected farmers through face to face interviews, resulted in 374 households completed questionnaires. The study used a regression model to determine the relationships between the Economic factors and rice yield as predictor variables. The outcome revealed that the existence of one constraint influenced the other. Land tenure constraints were related to production constraints (r=0.52; p<0.01) input (r=0.60); p<0.01). Again, information constraints were related to economic (r=0.38; p<0.01), input (r=0.70; p<0.01) and production related constraints (r=0.62; p<0.01). The yield is inversely related to land acquisition and tenure constraints (? = -0.34; p<0.05). Further, the rice yield in Xieng Nguen was also inversely related to the technological constraints (? = -0.43; p<0.01). Nonetheless, there were positive relationships between farmers’ attitude and rice yields innovations (? = 0.22; p<0.05). Moreover, there exist additional opportunities to improve rice productivity through adoption of improved rice cultivars, farm mechanizations, provision of extension services and improved market accessibility.