AgriFoSe2030 highlights science–policy linkages at conference in Laos

The conference, themed “Circular Agricultural Production and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” brought together researchers, policymakers, development organisations, and private-sector actors to discuss how Southeast Asia’s agricultural systems can adapt to climate change, digitalisation, and evolving rural economies.

AgriFoSe2030 researchers presented studies and practical examples of how countries in the region are addressing similar structural challenges in agricultural development.

Le Thi Hoa Sen shared insights from Vietnam on farmers’ adoption of digital extension services. She presented evidence that showed that access to technology alone does not ensure adoption. Instead, trust in institutions, relevance of digital tools, and supportive extension systems are key factors influencing farmers’ decisions. Chou Phanith shared evidence on the role of Local Technical Agroclimatic Committees (LTACs) in translating climate information into localised farming advice in Cambodia. He showed the improvements in access to climate information as a results of the work of LTAC’s and highlighted the need for more localised climate data and coordination between institutions. 

Daovy Kongmanila presented research on sustainable goat production in Laos emphasising the value of strengthening agricultural extension services. She highlighted how adopting a train-the-trainer model together with farmer field schools can build long-term institutional knowledge and capacity while supporting farmers to adopt improved livestock practices. Citing evidence from The Philippines, Flordeliz B. Dacuyan shared insights on behavioral and socio-economic factors affecting farmers’ adoption of digital extension services. She showed how trust in digital systems, perceived usefulness, and farmers’ confidence in using technology, along with ICT infrastructure and institutional support, play major roles in determining adoption.

Together, these insights are evidence of a key regional trend: while digital agriculture, climate services, and institutional innovations are expanding, their success depends on how well they align with farmers’ needs, capacities, and local governance systems.

AgriFoSe2030 co-organises Lao International Agricultural Workshop

Alongside ASTDC, AgriFoSe also co-organized the Lao International Agricultural Workshop, held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture at NUOL. The workshop served as a regional platform to showcase AgriFoSe researchers and promote science–policy translation as a key driver of sustainable agricultural transformation in Southeast Asia. Five research presentations addressed topics including digital extension adoption in Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines, rural socio-economic change in Vietnamese rice systems, and improved livestock knowledge dissemination through strengthened extension services in Lao PDR.

The event brought together universities, policymakers, and development partners, creating opportunities for new collaborations to advance science policy translation and inclusive agricultural innovation across the region.