Invisible Forests

Trees in Rice Landscapes - Lao PDR

Volume 1
Case Studies

FAO Save and Grow Programme

Farmers Field Schools on
'Save and Grow'
Sustainable Intensification of Rice Production
Regional Rice Initiative II

FAO Representative Office

Vientiane, Lao PDR
November 2015
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Volume 1
Table of Contents
1. Background 1
2. Agroecological Settings 2
3. Structure of the Report 4
4. Rice Landscapes in Laos 5
5. Trees in Paddy Fields - A Brief History 6
6. Rice and Trees - Central and Southern Laos 7
6.1. Central Laos 7
6.2. Southern Laos 9
6.3. Summary 10
7. Rice Landscapes and Biodiversity 11
8. Farmers, Trees and Livelihoods 13
9. Farmer's Attitudes and Motivations 14
10. Field Surveys in Central and Southern Laos 16

List of Tables
Table 1 - Characteristics of Trees in Paddy Fields in Nakhou and Bak Villages 9
Table 2 - Uses of Trees - Champassak 10
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Laos - Agroecological Zones 2
Figure 2 - Muang Phongtong, Champassak (south) 3
Figure 3 - Ban Thoum (FFS), Xieng Khouang (northeast) 4
Figure 4 - Range and Amount of Fish, Aquatic Animals and Plants Consumed per
Day 12
Figure 5 - Density of Trees in Paddy Fields in NE Thailand 16
List of Annexes
Annex 1 - BTO Report on Field Visit to Xieng Khouang province
Annex 2 - BTO Report on Field Visit to Champassak province
Annex 3 - Tree Species in Paddy Fields in Laos & NE Thailand
Volume 2
Draft Special Topics Modules for FFS in Trees in Rice Landscapes.

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Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Dr Stephen Rudgard, FAO Representative in Lao PDR, for

providing the opportunity to undertake this fascinating work on trees in rice
landscapes. Mr Somvang Phanthavong, Director Regulatory Division, Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR provided welcome assistance on a number of
occasions.
For more than assistance in fieldwork my thanks to Mr Phouvong Keomany, of
PAFO Champassak and FAO National Project Coordinator. Phouvong and I
worked together preparing, conducting and analysing preliminary field surveys
on trees in ricefields with FFS participants in Champassak and Savannakhet.
Thanks also to Ms Chanthavong Vornthalom, National Farmer Field School
Coordinator. In the FAO office many thanks to Ms Manola Soukhavath for
assistance in navigating the FAO administration!
In the FAO Bangkok office, Dr Kenichi Shono, Forestry Resources Officer, and
Johannes Willem Ketelaar provided essential technical support and advice.
Support also came from Simone Borelli and Michela Conigliaro of FAO Rome.
These colleagues also kindly reviewed the inital drafts of these reports.
Many thanks.

Personal Note
In 1990 I joined the team starting to popularise IPM in Indonesia using Farmer
Field Schools (FFS). Then I had the privilege and good fortune to be working
with a talented team of energetic young Indonesians and innovative foreign
campaigners. The team was led by Dr Russ Dilts, who remained a close friend
but, sadly, died prematurely several years ago - Russ taught me many things. I
was able to learn more about how IPM had evolved and spread to 14 countries
in Asia when I was a member of the FAO IPM regional evaluation team in 2000.
In 2006, working with ICRAF, we adapted the FFS approach to teach farmers
about establishing and managing agroforestry nurseries in Aceh - after the
tsunami and the war there had finally ended.
For some forty years, on and off, I have been studying rice farmers and the
ecology of rice farming across SE Asia. In all this time, sadly, I never paid serious
attention to the trees growing in an around the rice fields - mea maxima culpa!
I've certainly noticed them but never thought deeply about their many benefical
products or functions in ricefield ecosystems, until recently.
Undertaking this work for FAO Laos has provided me with an opportunity not
only learn a great deal about the ecology and benefits of trees growing in rice
landscapes in Laos and NE Thailand, but also to renew my links with active FFS.
For this fortunate opportunity I could not be more grateful.

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Invisible Forests1
Trees in Rice Landscapes in Lao PDR

Case Studies

1. Background
The current studies are part the second phase of FAO's three nation Regional
Rice Initiative (RRI) and FAO's new global strategy of 'Save and Grow' (S&G). In
collaboration with relevant government agencies in each country (Indonesia, the
Philippines and Lao PDR) RRI is undertaking field studies and conducting Farmer
Field Schools (FFS) on rice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and initiating
studies and training on fish and aquatic food sources (rice-fish) as part of the
same regional programme.
Earlier studies (FAO 2013) by FAO focused on aquatic biodiversity in rice
landscapes in Xieng Khouang in northeastern Laos, followed in 2014 by pilot
studies in the same locations on 'trees in rice landscapes' (FAO 2014). 2 Early in
the current study a brief field visit was made in August 2015 to the same
locations. This clearly showed that in the north, in contrast to central and
southern Laos, farmers do not allow trees to grow within paddy fields or within
the valley bottom rice landscapes because, as they explained, shading reduces
rice yields. However, as elsewhere in Laos, many trees and shrubs can be found
growing in gullies, along streams, on hillocks and in dense mixed woodlands on
hillsides adjacent to rice fields.
Prior to undertaking further field work a rapid survey of typical rice landscapes
was made of all 18 provinces using satellite imagery provided by Google Earth
(GE). Recent imagery (2012-14), when cloud or haze free and especially during
the dry season (November-May), has high enough resolution in most locations to
be able to clearly distinguish individual trees growing in paddy fields. This rapid
survey clearly showed that north of Vientiane (about 17o N) farmers do not allow
trees to grow within paddy fields, and the pattern broadly conforms to that seen
in Xieng Khouang (see below). In central and southern areas in Laos trees within

1
The phrase 'Invisible Forests' seems particlarly apposite for the functions and
appearance of the trees, woodlands and ricefield mosaic in central and southern Laos
and also NE Thailand (Isaan). It was coined by Susanna Hecht and Sassan Saatchi:
Hecht, S.B., Saatchi, S.S., "Globalization and Forest Resurgence: Changes in Forest
Cover in El Salvador ." BioScience 57(8):663-672. 2007, doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1641/B570806.
2
"Aquatic biodiversity in rice-based ecosystems - Studies and reports from Indonesia, Lao
PDR and the Philippines ." FAO, Rome, 2014, and "Assessing and Promoting Trees
Outside Forests in Asian Rice Production Landscapes." FAO, Rome, 2014.

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paddy fields - on floors and levees - are a common occurrence, as they are in NE
Thailand (Isaan). This pattern appears to be independent of altitude (range 150 m
-1,100 m) or landform (river plains to broad midland and upland valleys).
Given the close linkage in Laos between FFS being conducted in four provinces
- Xieng Khouang (northeast), Xayaboury (northwest), Savannakhet (central),
Champassak (south) - and the occurrence of trees in paddy fields this difference
immediately raises the issue of whether it is appropriate to include a module
(special topic) on 'trees in paddy fields' (as it is sometimes called) in the FFS
curriculum for northern Laos? This and related issues are discussed below.

2. Agroecological Settings
Agroecological environments in Laos have been divided into six zones - see map
below. The characteristics of these zones goes a long way towards explaining
the marked differences observed in the occurrence of trees in rice landscapes.

Figure 1 - Laos - Agroecological Zones (ca 2006) 3

As noted above, only south of Vientiane - south of the Vientiane Plain zone in
yellow on the map - are trees in rice landscapes a common feature of the

3
"Lao PDR: Rural and Agriculture Sector Issues Paper", Rural Development and Natural
Resources Sector Unit, East Asia and Pacific Region World Bank, May 2006

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agricultural environment. The Mekong Corridor zone along the Mekong River -
marked in light green - corresponds closely with observations - direct and
satellite imagery - of where rice-tree systems are to be found. In the other
northern zones - marked in light and dark red - trees are largely absent from
within rice landscapes, although woodlands almost always are adjacent to and
surround rice growing plains and valleys, watercourses and gullies and, of
course, villages.
The differences between northern and southern Laos in the distribution of trees
in rice landscapes is illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3. 4 In Champassak there
are many clumps and single trees in the paddy fields, in Xieng Khouang and
other northern areas virtually none, except along water courses and the
surrounding woodlands.
Figure 2 - Muang Phongtong, Champassak (south)

4
Satellite images are almost all captured late in the year in the dry season, making it easy
to identify the trees (even single trees) against the earthen background.

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Figure 3 - Ban Thoum (FFS), Xieng Khouang (northeast)

3. Structure of the Report

This report is composed of four parts, the main body of the report - an extended
literature review, and four separate annexes. The first annex contains the draft
modules for the FFS Special Topics on trees, rice landscapes and food security.
The second annex reports on the field work undertaken in Champassak and
Savannakhet provinces in September-October 2015. This includes an extended
discussion of the relevance of the results to broad range of issues related to trees
and biodiversity. The last annex is a supporting bibliography and abstracts of a
wide range of literature related to trees in rice landscapes, with a focus on the
Mekong Region. This will be accompanied by a full text digital collection of this
literature plus other related literature that is not included in the bibliography.

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4. Rice Landscapes in Laos

Rice landscapes in Lao PDR span the length and breadth of the country, from the
lowland rice paddies at about 100 m asl along the eastern side of the Mekong
River at the border with Cambodia. Paddy fields in eastern central Laos stretch to
the foothills of the Annamite Range bordering Vietnam. They cover some 1,200
km along the Mekong to the border with Myanmar in the northwest in Bokeo at
about 500 m asl, and to the high paddy fields in the narrow valleys of Huaphan
and Phongsaly and broader highland plains of Xieng Khouang at about 1,000 m
asl. In addition, there are substantial areas of paddy on the western side of the
Mekong in Champassak in the south and Xayaboury in the central west of Laos.
All but a small fraction of these paddy field grow rain-fed wet-rice.
In addition, dry rice is grown as part of swidden farming on the hills of Laos,
along the Annamite Range and all across the steep hills of central and northern
Laos.
In the south - Attapeau, Sekong, Champassak - and central provinces - Saravan,
Savannakhet, Khammouane - trees grow scattered within and along the edges of
the paddy fields, as they do on the western side of the Mekong in Thailand in a
region traditionally called Isaan. This is an agroecological feature unique to this
region, one that is slowly disappearing.
Much of the research into the 'trees in paddy fields', as it is often called in
Thailand, has been conducted by or in conjunction with Khon Kaen University.
This includes the majority of the work on 'trees in paddy fields' in central and
southern Laos, with much of the work done by Japanese researchers. Except for
one recent article (Watanabe etal 2014) based on doctoral research, there has
been little further work undertaken in about the last decade.
In contrast, in paddy fields north of Vientiane it is unusual to find trees growing
with the paddy field, or on levees or even within the paddy field landscape. The
exceptions are trees growing in gullies, along streams and on hillocks (often
large clumps of bamboo) within the broader paddy field landscape and, of
course, dense woodlands of mixed species along the valley hillsides at the edge
of the paddy landscape. In some places, there may be well defined stand of
planted and managed of commercial species, e.g. teak, rubber - within the
paddy landscape.
The clear differences between northern and southern Laos in the distribution of
economically and ecologically important trees and woodlands presented a
conundrum, in terms of defining how best to orientate and structure training
modules to be used in FFS. It is evident from the literature and recent field work
that the trees within the rice fields, on paddy floors and dykes, are important in
central and southern Laos. However throughout Laos trees growing along
ricefield watercourses and in adjacent woodlands are important throughout Laos
as part of the 'rice landscape'. This issue and an option for resolving the
conundrum are discussed later.
Throughout Laos villages are usually the centre of broad swathes of agroforestry,
with the most valuable fruiting trees planted in the home garden.

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The case studies are arranged as follows: first a brief overview of the history of
'trees in paddy fields' in NE Thailand, because of it similarity and proximity, is
provided, followed by sections on this topic for central and southern Laos. This
is followed a discussion of various aspects of biodiversity in paddy fields in Laos,
as part of the broader compass of the TOR for Trees Outside Forests.

5. Trees in Paddy Fields - A Brief History

To see what may be feasible in terms of promoting farmer's stewardship of trees
in paddy fields. It is necessary to understand the recent agroecological history of
the Isaan region in NE Thailand and central and southern Laos. Until borders
between Laos and Thailand were formally established at the beginning of the
20th Century, Isaan was culturally, socially and agriculturally unified. The region
was sparsely populated and almost wholly covered with dry dipterocarp, dry
evergreen and mixed deciduous forests; it was home to a wide range of species,
including megafauna such as tigers and elephants. After WWII in NE Thailand
the process of clearing forests, establishing rice agriculture and settlements took
several decades to complete and proceeded by identifiable stages. The area of
forests in NE Thailand decreased from about 71,000 km2 in 1961 to 22,000 km2
by 1991 largely as a result of 'land pioneering' (ha na di) (Prachaiyo, 2000:61);
his wide-ranging studies covered many aspects of the changing agricultural
landscape and economy in NE Thailand. 5 Remnants of the original forests, are
sometimes referred to as the 'Invisible Forest', and may all too soon disappear.
Possibly the first broad scale and systematic study was conducted by Grandstaff
et al (1986) in NE Thailand. 6 This identified four stages in the process of
conversion from forest to paddy fields, the changing status of remnant trees, and
agricultural, economic, and social values farmers placed on trees and their
products. The four stages are as follows (paraphrasing Grandstaff et al):
Stage 1 Forested or partially forested areas are converted to paddy; swiddening
may be involved; a few trees, usually older or dead, are removed each
year, mostly from paddy floors; the process spans a decade or longer;
Stage 2 Once the paddy is "finished" tree density slowly declines as flooding or
natural mortality kills some trees and others are cut for timber; seedlings
on dykes are not protected; nearby forest is still available for fodder;
Stage 3 Little forest remains, density may increase due to trees being planted,
on dikes or other higher places: fruit, nut, food or medicine trees plus
bamboo, valuable natural trees are protected.
Stage 4 Tree density is similar to stage three, but most trees are planted, almost
all on dikes and mounds, for human food, fodder, fuelwood, poles;
almost no trees remain on paddy floors; no nearby forest remains;
private property rights are well developed, with few communal rights.

5
Prachaiyo, B. " Farmers and Forests: A Changing Phase in Northeast Thailand ." Southeast
Asian Studies, Vo1.38, No.3, December 2000
6
Grandstaff, S. W, Grandstaff, T.B. Rathakette, P. Thomas, D. E. and Thomas J. K. " Trees in
Paddy Fields in Northeast Thailand." Chapter 13, from Gerard D. Marten "Traditional
Agriculture in SE Asia: A Human Ecological Perspective." (1986) Westview Press, Boulder
Colorado.

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Grandstaff also identified the main uses of trees in Isaan: shade, for humans and
livestock, human foods and medicines, fuelwood, habitats for wildlife (especially
birds), insect predators and prey, sources of large and small timber, litterfall and
nutrient cycling, stabilising paddy dikes, livestock fodder, and storage for rice
straw.
The same pattern of slow deforestation and paddy field expansion almost
certainly took place on the Lao side of the Mekong river, albeit starting later,
given agroecological, social and cultural affinities spanning the Mekong. As the
later discussion of what is continuing to occur in NE Thailand shows, Laos can
also anticipate continuing decline in the current number of trees growing on the
floor of paddy fields, due to a combination of mechanisation (trees get in the
way of machinery), commercialisation (land being monocropped with annual
crops or trees), and declining biodiversity due to use of agrochemicals (replacing
organic fertilizers) and pesticides (killing 'non-target' species).

6. Rice and Trees - Central and Southern Laos

Research on 'trees in paddy fields' in central and southern Laos commenced in
the first decade of new millennium; recently in NE Thailand only a limited
amount of work has been conducted, mostly by staff from or working with Khon
Kaen University, following Grandstaff et al's and others earlier work.
A range of articles on 'trees in paddy fields' for central and southern Laos have
been identified, no articles for this topic for north of Vientiane could be found.
This is not surprising, given trees are mostly absent or excluded from paddy
fields in northern Laos.
For central Laos seven papers on trees in paddy fields were reviewed, these were
based on field research by a group of collaborating Japanese authors; one paper
is in Japanese. For southern Laos two papers were reviewed, based on field
research conducted by some of the same authors working in collaboration with
Lao researchers.
6.1. Central Laos
Work by Kosaka (2006 a,b,c) and his colleagues documented a process of forest-
to-paddy conversion in Savannakhet in Central Laos, providing significant
amounts of detail on the types, number and distribution of tree and plant species
affected by the transition. 7 This was followed detailed work on the effects of
agricultural practices on species composition by the same team and other teams
of Japanese and Lao researchers. 8 Research reported in 2011, on rice landscapes
adjacent to Vientiane, but published only in Japanese, provides a very detailed

7
Kosaka Y., Takeda S., Prixar S., Sithirajvongsa S., Xaydala K. "Species Composition,
Distribution and Management of Trees in Rice Paddy Fields in Central Lao, PDR."
Agroforestry Systems 67(1):1-17 2006c, DOI: 10.1007/s10457-005-1109-1
8
Kosaka,Y., Shinya,T., Sithirajvongsa,S., Xaydala, K. "Plant Diversity in Paddy Fields in
Relation to Agricultural Practices in Savannakhet Province, Laos." Economic Botany,
60(1), 2006b, pp. 496.

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spatial analysis of distribution of tree species and their uses in a location north of
Savannakhet. 9
Kosaka et al studied two villages, in one village (Bak) they identified 104 forest
species used by villagers, seven species were planted and 25 species had
economic value (sold in local market or to traders); useful plants were mainly
used as food (47 spp.), timber (39 spp.), or fuel (52 spp.). In Nakhou village,
forested land (not sacred or crematorial forests) hosted a total of 48 useful plants
mainly used as food (20 spp.) and fuel (25 spp.). In Bak village 18 useful species
were recorded in paddy fields, 14 were herbaceous and four were woody; the
majority (17 spp.) were edible. Paddy fields in Nakhou had the largest number of
useful plants: 116 useful species. Of these, 30 were herbaceous and 86 woody
species, of these 40 species had been planted and 40 species had economic
value; mainly used as food (62 spp.), timber (24 spp.) and fuel (26 spp.). In a
second study (Kosaka 2006c) included a third nearby village (Dongmakngeo).
Almost all plants in paddy fields had indirect, secondary utility in all villages.
Cattle and buffaloes grazed the paddy fields after harvesting; trees in paddy
fields provided shade for both humans and livestock. Villagers in Nakhou village
said shade from trees protected rice plants from strong sunshine (Kosaka et al
2006a).
They concluded factors contributing to high species diversity were: i) presence
of species unique to different paddy types; ii) the presence of remnant species
from original vegetation; and iii) the impact of agricultural practices. Multiple
plant species coexisted in paddy fields under various agricultural practices, with
some species were essential sources of food or used to support subsistence
livelihoods of local residents.
Almost identical teams examined differences in land and plant use between
neighbouring upland and lowland villages. In the upland village the forest was
the most important source of food and other materials, while in the lowland
village the wide variety of plants in the paddy fields were more important. They
concluded that "relationship between humans and plants at this study site was
flexible and influenced mainly by topography and land-use and partly by socio-
economic conditions and invasion of naturalized species." 10 Other researchers
in the same region examined the effects of shading on rice yields, concluding
the effects were not significant. 11
As noted by other researchers (e.g. Watanabe et al 2014) tree location and
density in paddy fields is changing over time; intertemporal data on this is scarce

9
Matsusita, Y., Hoshikawa, Miyagawa, S. Kosaka, Y. " Geographical Distribution of Tree-
rice system in Paddy Fields at Vientiane Plains - Case of Study in Dong Khuai Village of
Laos." (in Japanese) Environmental Science annual report, 33 pp.89 - 97, 2011-03-31,
Shinshu University Environmental Science Research Group.
10
Kosaka, Y., Takeda, S., Sithirajvongsa, S. Xaydala, K. "Land-use patterns and plant use in
Lao villages, Savannakhet Province, Laos." Tropics, Vol. 15 (2006c) No. 1 P 51-63,
doi.org/10.3759/tropics.15.51.
11
Miyagawa, S., Seko, M., Harada, M., Sivilay, S. " Yields from Rice Plants Cultivated under
Tree Canopies in Rainfed Paddy Fields on the Central Plain of Laos " Plant Prod. Sci.
16(4): 325334 (2013).

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for Laos. Kosaka (2006c) reports the majority of surviving trees are to be found
on levies or termite mounds on levies, termite mounds on the paddy floor, with
only a small minority on the paddy floor; however, there are wide variations
between species. Table 1 illustrates these differences.
Table 1 - Characteristics of Trees in Paddy Fields in Nakhou and Bak Villages
Paddy
Paddy floor Both Total
Levies
Wild species
No. of families 17 37 22 47
No. of genera 23 78 42 116
No. of species 25 97 62 184
Cultivated species
No. of families 7 6 0 13
No. of genera 10 7 0 17
No. of species 10 7 0 17
Source Kosaka 2006b

In terms of tree density (trees/ha) in one of the older villages (Bak) there were no
trees in the paddy fields, with the highest density in Dongmakngeo, the most
recently established village, and an intermediate density in Nakhou
6.2. Southern Laos
In southern Laos the same spatial and temporal patterns observed in northern
Laos and NE Thailand were also present: older paddy fields have fewer trees, but
a greater proportion were used for fruit and fuelwood, while in newer fields the
remnants of the forest were mainly used for timber. 12 The second paper provides
more detail on the wide range of tree species found and their uses. 13
Natuhara et al (2009) visited four villages in Champassak to explore the extent of
and changes in trees in paddy fields. Their information was derived from
discussions with villagers and non-systematic field observations.
In Ban Kok Dua, they noted 19 species of trees, in Ban Sivilay 30 species, in Ban
Lak 30 45 species, but Ban Thompsok had small paddy fields and only 9 tree
species. According to local people most trees were useful, and said shading
(people, cattle) was the main reason for allowing them to grow. They also
obtained construction materials, fuel, food (fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs),
medicines, dyes, resins, and many other products from the forests; fertilisation by
leaf litter was another benefit mentioned.
The same authors made a more thorough analysis of their information in a later
publication, especially with respect to uses of trees found in paddy fields (see
Table 2 below). They recorded 61 tree species in or adjacent to the paddy fields

12
Natuhara, Y., Imanishi, A., Kanzaki, M., A., Southavong, S., Duangvongsa, I. "Uses of trees
in paddy fields in Champasak Province, Southern Lao PDR." Landscape and Ecological
Engineering 8:115-122 January 2011
13
Natuhara, Y., Imanishi, A., Mukai, Y., Fukamachi, K., Miki, Y., Southavong, S.,
Phomvongsa, B., Razkhanty, K., Duangvongsa, I. "Landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem
service of paddy fields in Champasack Province, Lao PDR." 2009 Kyoto University and
Champasack Universities.

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in three villages. Species composition varied widely between villages, with only
eight species common to all three villages.

Table 2 - Uses of Trees - Champassak (based on Natuhara et al 2009)

Use of Trees in Paddy Lak 30 Sivilay Kok Deau Total
Fibre 0 (0) 2 (1) 2 (1) 1 (1)
Firewood 11 (4) 17 (7) 19 (8) 15 (12)
Flower 2 (1) 5 (2) 2 (1) 2 (2)
Fruit/seed 27 (10) 17 (7) 28 (12) 27 (21)
Timber/furniture/housing 22 (8) 12 (5) 14 (6) 14 (11)
Medicine 11 (4) 17 (7) 19 (8) 16 (13)
Pole 5 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 3 (3)
Resin 5 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 3 (3)
Shading 2 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 1 (1)
Tea 0 (0) 5 (2) 0 (0) 2 (2)
Vegetable 11 (4) 15 (6) 9 (4) 10 (8)
Total 100 (36) 100 (39) 100 (42) 100 (77)
Source: Natuhara et al (2011), Table 1. Note: First figure in each column is percentage of trees
used for each purpose, the second figure in brackets is the number of trees used for that purpose.

6.3. Summary
The nine papers reviewed for Laos are observational and analytic in character
and do not attempt to formulate any recommendations for practice or policy.
They provide for the first time detailed documentation on the broad range of tree
species associated with paddy fields and their many uses by farming
communities. They illustrate the continuing social, economic and biological
importance of trees in rice landscapes.
It is fairly clear the same processes that are have occurred in NE Thailand -
steady loss of trees in paddy fields - are taking place in Laos and following more
or less the same spatial patterns. However, it is not clear if the parallel process -
trees preferentially being preserved and/or planted on levies - is occurring in
Laos. It is reasonable, but possibly optimistic, to assume it is occurring and will
continue.
The benefits of trees for providing a habitat for conserving the existing range of
wildlife species - mammalian, aquatic, avian, insect, reptile - and nutrient fixing
and recycling, i.e. co-dependent biodiversity - growing in paddy fields is well
established. This suggests that an FFS module assisting farmers, especially
younger farmers, gain a better understanding of the benefits of conserving and
planting selected tree species may be a practical and worthwhile approach.

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7. Rice Landscapes and Biodiversity

A number of studies of rice landscape biodiversity in Laos (and NE Thailand)
have been conducted in recent years, among them FAO's own contributions. 14
These all document an amazing range of species living in and adjacent to
ricefields, and some also document the uses made by communities of many
species for food. What follows is a brief summary of some of the more important
findings and their implications, with an emphasis on the actual and potential
role of trees in biodiversity conservation in rice landscapes.
Because such a large proportion of the species live in aquatic habitats, these are
considered especially important. The rice-fish systems used by farmers in Laos
are among these, as these provide communities with a wide range of edible
species (Other Aquatic Organisms = OAA) in addition to fish. Farmers have
developed a range of methods for ensuring their survival through the long dry
season, and facilitating their breeding and reproduction at the beginning of the
rainy season, when surface water begins to flow and ricefields are again flooded.
In 2009 IUCN sponsored the production of a comprehensive bilingual guide to
what they termed 'farmscape' biodiversity in Laos aimed at stimulating further
research. 15 At about the same time Halwart (2008) made a region assessment of
the importance of biodiversity for nutrition and livelihoods in several SE Asian
countries including Laos. 16 More recently Garaway et al (2013) showed aquatic
biodiversity, which is in decline, was of critical important for household food
security throughout Laos. 17
Rice-field ecosystems are a major source of high protein and high energy foods,
minerals and vital micronutrients. Local people, including those in Lao PDR,
utilise some 145 fish, 15 mollusk, 13 reptile, 11 amphibian and 37 plant species
from rice-field ecosystems. 18 A figure from Halwart & Bartley's study on six
families in Savannakhet provides an insight into how important the rice field
ecology and landscape is in terms of farm families' diets (Figure 4).
Garaway et al's (op cit) studies are the most recent and detailed: a survey of 240
households in four districts in each of three provinces (Champassak,
Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang), spanning 13 months of 24-hour recall data on
family food intake, some 90% of which was caught and consumed by families
themselves. The range of species included fish, amphibians, mollusks,
crustations and aquatic insects.

14
"Aquatic biodiversity in Rice-based Ecosystems - Studies and reports from Indonesia, Lao
PDR and the Philippines." - FAO, 2014
15
Nieman, A.L. and and Kamp, K. "Guide to Biodiversity in the Farmscapes of Lao PDR."
IUCN 2009.
16
Halwart, M. "Biodiversity, nutrition and livelihoods in aquatic rice-based ecosystems."
Biodiversity, Volume 9, Numbers 1 & 2 2008
17
Garaway, K., Photitay, Roger, Khamsivilay, Halwart, M "Biodiversity and Nutrition in
Rice-Based Ecosystems - the Case of Lao PDR." Human Ecology (2013) 41:547562,
DOI 10.1007/s10745-013-9602-z
18
Halwart, M., and Bartley, D. M. (2005). Aquatic Biodiversity in Rice-Based Ecosystems.
Studies and Reports from Cambodia, China, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and
Vietnam. FAO CDRom, Rome.

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The study compared catches from 'within' and 'outside' ricefield habitats:
'within' included: ricefields, ricefield streams and canals; trap ponds; small
natural ponds or swamps contained within the rice-field area; 'outside' included
lakes/reservoirs; natural ponds; private ponds; rivers and streams; forest. Overall
the great bulk of fish and OAA are harvested from 'within' the ricefield habitat.
However there are also significant variations between locations and seasons, in
some places and seasons harvests from 'outside' the ricefield habitat are greater
than those from 'inside'.
For our purposes - i.e. trees in rice landscapes - all these sub-habitats are
relevant. Many of them are connected by watercourses, belts of trees and/or
perennial vegetation; belts of trees and woodlands contain the largest amount of
above and below ground biomass in rice landscapes. These constitute mosaics
of interconnected habitats for a wide range of terrestrial, avian, insect and
aquatic organisms that are vital for ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and
for its own sake, whose conservation requires an integrated, landscape
approach.
From the two habitats 'within' and 'outside' rice fields the average harvest of all
aquatic species (fish and OAA) was ~51 kg /AUE/yr (range 36.3 to 76.9
kg/AEU/yr), 19 although with wide seasonal variations in amounts and species
composition. This is equivalent to roughly one kg/household/week of aquatic-
sourced protein, fats, and scarce minerals (especially calcium, iron and zinc)
and micronutrients from rice landscapes; this is in addition to a wide range of
other essential products harvested from these landscapes.
Figure 4 provides another perspective on the range of species harvested from
rice landscapes, showing that aquatic animals (OAA) are about as important as
fish and plants from the landscape in contributing to families' diets.

Figure 4 - Range and Amount of Fish, Aquatic Animals and Plants Consumed per
Day (Halwart & Bartley 2005:75)

19
Adult Equivalent Units (AEU).

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Sherr et al (2012) identified the five essential elements of integrated agricultural

landscape management. All are relevant to management of rice landscapes, with
their mosaic of included and surrounding trees and woodlands.
Landscape interventions need to be designed to achieve multiple
objectives, including human well-being, food and fiber production,
climate change mitigation, and conservation of biodiversity and
ecosystem services;
Ecological, social and economic interactions among different parts of the
landscape managed to seek positive synergies among interests and actors
or reduce negative trade offs;
The key role of local communities and households as both producers and
land stewards is acknowledged;
A long-term perspective is taken for sustainable development, adapting
strategies as need to address dynamic social and economic changes; and
Participatory processes of social learning and multi-stakeholder
negotiation are institutionalized, including efforts to involve all parts of
the community and ensure the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people
and groups are protected or enhanced. 20

8. Farmers, Trees and Livelihoods

Throughout the literature on trees in paddy fields the multiple products and uses
trees represent for farmers, their families and communities is frequently noted - it
is a long list and quite consistent across a number of landscapes. However, the
actual social and economic value of trees to farmers is no more than sketched in
- it is nowhere assessed in substantive social or economic terms, nor is the
possible loss or decline in the number and variety of trees and associated
habitats discussed, except in the most general terms. It is also unknown to what
degree farmers appreciate the role trees play in conserving biodiversity, in
addition to providing a range of more obvious and tangible benefits. There are
also medium-term issues related to the role of trees and ricefield woodlands in
increasing resilience to climate change in the Mekong region.
As noted, it currently appears that trees in paddy fields are only present in
significant numbers in central and southern Laos and NE Thailand (e.g. NE
Thailand is larger in area than Cambodia). These are important staple crop
production regions in Laos with significant levels of poverty and malnutrition
among farm communities. Identifying practical means for increasing incomes
and wellbeing, in which trees might play a role, are important issues to address.
In the context of S&G and RRI it is vital for governments and FAO understand
more about farmer's attitudes and motivations regarding conserving trees and
using their products. If farmers value the benefits trees provide - whether
subsistence, ecological and/or cash benefits - identifying policies and practical

20
"From climate-smart agriculture to climate-smart landscapes." Sara J Scherr, Seth Shames
and Rachel Friedman, Agriculture & Food Security 2012, 1:12,
http://www.agricultureandfoodsecurity.com/content/1/1/12

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ways of encouraging farmers to plant and steward useful trees will facilitate
achieving S&G's broader aims; biodiversity conservation will be an important
co-benefit.
There is no opportunity in the current context to thoroughly explore farmer's
attitudes and motivations to the trees growing in their ricefield landscapes.
However asking farmers several basic questions can provide initial insights into
how important trees may be, if farmers are interested in protecting the trees they
have, if they want to plant more trees and how this might be achieved. This is
briefly explored below in the summary of fieldwork results. Most importantly, if
conserving trees in paddy fields is recognised as important for farmer's and
ecosystem wellbeing, and they are alert to this, then this needs to be taken into
account when planning future FFS curricula.

9. Farmer's Attitudes and Motivations

A good understanding of farmer's attitudes and motivations is essential if
agricultural extension activities such as FFS are to be effective. In part this can be
derived from experience of working with farmers in a region, it can also be
deepened by what extension staff learn when conducting FFS, and curricula can
be revised as necessary. However, when the topic is (relatively) novel, such as
rice-tree systems, it is advisable to devote attention to learning as much as
possible prior to FFS curricula being prepared and commencing work. Currently,
knowledge of farmer's attitudes and motivations regarding rice-tree systems in
Laos (or NE Thailand) is scant and shallow.
The great majority of the literature on tree-rice systems concerns NE Thailand's
ricefield ecology and the processes of change occurring there. From the limited
literature on Laos it is clear similar processes are occurring in central and
southern Laos, albeit later and possibly more slowly. This is not surprising, as
social and economic factors - increasing population, agricultural modernisation
and commercialisation - related to these processes are similar and
agroecological and climatic environments all but identical.
The changing patterns of trees in rice landscapes in Laos and NE Thailand are
clear but quite varied. The secular trend over the last few decades is for there to
be fewer trees, for species to be selected for specific purposes and for trees to be
preferentially located on paddy levies. However, almost all literature reviewed
for Laos and NE Thailand is technical and quantitative, the steps in the process
of charge are described (e.g. Grandstaff et al's four steps) but there is only very
limited information on farmer's attitudes or the social and cultural importance of
rice-tree systems.
This suggests that to be effective:
the FFS trainers will most probably require a (brief) training course on
rice-tree systems, ideally a detailed briefing with supporting materials;
the first round of FFS rice-tree training will best be regarded as a pilot
activity;

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trainer's experience and insights will need to be systematically collected

and documented; and
if feasible, provision made to revise the curriculum prior to a second
round of FFS commencing.
A recent paper by Watanabe et al (2014) 21 - based on Watanabe's doctoral
research - employs statistical analyses of recent satellite imagery to explore the
processes of change in rice landscapes in NE Thailand. The authors identify five
co-varying factors affecting tree density, these are important enough with respect
to Laos to be cited in full here:
history of land development, with more recently developed paddy fields
having higher densities;
topography, with fields located at higher topographical positions having a
higher mean density of trees;
access to natural forest resources, with fields in areas located close to
natural forests having higher densities;
amount of annual rainfall, with fields in areas with higher average annual
rainfall having higher tree densities; and
landholding size, with fields in areas with larger-sized landholdings
having more trees. (op cit)
In Laos a number of researchers (e.g. Kosaka 2006, Kosaka et al 2006, Matsusita
et al 2011, and Natuhara et al 2009 and 2011 - all op cit) have reached similar
conclusions based on local area studies in central and southern Laos. The value
of Watanabe et al's paper is that it shows where in NE Thailand the changes are
occurring and introduces detailed climatic and topographic variables into the
analysis. In brief, assuming a roughly identical level of forest cover and tree
density in NE Thailand before deforestation commenced - the changes are least,
i.e. tree densities are highest, closer to the Mekong River adjacent to central and
southern Laos and greatest in the northern central parts of NE Thailand adjacent
to Vientiane. These differences are illustrated in the map below.

21
Watanabe, M., Vityakon, P., Rambo, T. "Cant See the Forest for the Rice: Factors
Influencing Spatial Variations in the Density of Trees in Paddy Fields in Northeast
Thailand." Environmental Management (2014) 53:343356, DOI 10.1007/s00267-013-
0206-6

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Figure 5 - Density of Trees in Paddy Fields in NE Thailand (Watanabe et al 2014)

There are higher tree density on the eastern side of NE Thailand (Zones C and D)
- which face the 'Mekong Corridor' in the previous figure - while the somewhat
lower tree density in the north is comparable with that found on the eastern part
of Vientiane Plain in that diagram; noting, as satellite imagery confirms, there are
fewer trees in paddy fields in the western part of the Mekong plain.

10. Field Surveys in Central and Southern Laos

It was regarded as essential to determine from first-hand data how important
trees growing in rice fields in Laos are for famers and, by implication, for village
economies. If, for example, trees are important, then including modules on Trees
in Rice Fields in FFS (as an element of FAO's Trees Outside Forest - TOF -
initiative) could make a valuable contribution to their livelihoods and would be
worthwhile; and vice versa.
Early in the study, because farmers do not allow trees to grow in ricefields north
of about Vientiane, it was agreed as a result of internal discussions that there
would be limited value in trying to change farmer's approach or attitudes, e.g.
via including an FFS module on Trees in Rice Fields, for northern Laos which, in
part, might encouraged them to plant more trees in their ricefields. On the other

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hand, it was clear from observation and the literature that trees were a common
feature in rice fields in central and southern Laos. More generally, trees along
watercourses and woodland adjacent to rice fields are common throughout
Laos.
Given this, two brief field surveys were undertaken in locations where FFS are
being conducted in Champassak and Savannakhet; in each of the two provinces
three FFS are being conducted. Group interviews and discussions with
participants in these FFS were used to quickly collect basic, quantified
information about which tree species grew in their rice fields, where they were
growing (paddy floor, dykes, watercourses and/or adjacent woodlands), whether
the trees were planted or growing naturally, and approximately how many of
each species were growing and the uses made by farm families of each species.
In both Champassak and Savannakhet the landscapes are undulating river plains.
The rice fields are rainfed and only one crop of rice is harvested late each year;
soils are generally sandy, and smaller watercourses ephemeral for most of the
year.
Separate Annex #1 reports on the approach, methodology and detailed results,
including satellite imagery, of the field surveys conducted in both provinces. The
results of the fieldwork are summarised below.
The results of the field surveys can be summarised as follows:
In central and southern Laos trees commonly grow within the rice fields
on paddy floors and dykes, in addition to growing along watercourses
and woodlands adjacent to rice landscapes;
The pattern of trees in rice landscapes is very similar to that found on the
western side of the Mekong river in NE Thailand (Isaan);
North of Vientiane (17oN) there are very few trees growing within rice
landscapes, except on hillocks, in gullies or along watercourses;
FFS participants in all six locations reported significant numbers of a
economic/popular trees planted in rice landscapes (12-25 species);
Preliminary estimates indicate that the number of trees in rice landscapes
may amount to about 5-15,000 per village in central and southern Laos;
All of the trees species grown have multiple uses and some are sold, e.g.
for firewood or building materials;
Overall, it appears there is a trend to planting/nurturing trees
preferentially along watercourses and/or in the adjacent woodlands;
FFS participants want to plant more economic trees, and identified
preferred species and locations: watercourses and adjacent woodlands,
plus dykes; and
Trees provide habitats for many species of wildlife, especially aquatic
species along watercourses; these habitats are important sources of food
and nutrition.

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This suggests that finding ways to encourage farmers to plant more economic
trees in suitable locations offers a means of both stabilising availability of
important subsistence foods, other goods and services and increasing incomes.
Providing secure habitats will also contribute to biodiversity conservation. In the
FFS context, this requires integrating teaching on the economic and biological
importance and potential of trees in TOT courses and FFS curricula. This may
best be done by including two or three 'Special Topics' sessions focusing on
planting and stewardship of trees in and adjacent to ricefields, and linking this to
biodiversity conservation and strengthening food security.

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Annexes

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Annex 1

BACK-TO-OFFICE REPORT
FAO Representative in Lao PDR

Reporting Officer: Sean Foley

Provinces Visited and Dates: Xieng Khouang, 12-14th August 2015

Purpose of Visit: Introductions to provincial and district agricultural

officials
Programme Entity/Project: RRI II - "Save and Grow"
Date of Report: 24th August 2015

Executive Summary
Given variations in the distribution of trees in paddy fields between different
regions in Laos and their general absence from within and around paddy fields
in the locations visited in XKH it may well be that changing farmer's
perceptions and behaviour may be beyond the capabilities of this project.
Interviews with a range of farmers in each region will be necessary to
establish their perceptions about paddy-tree placement, usefulness and
species selection.
It will need to be decided if it is worthwhile incorporating a module on
paddy-trees in regions where trees are currently not part of the 'rice
landscape' and local farming culture and practices.
The FFS are operating well and are actively engaging with local farmers'
groups. It is not clear at this time how these obviously useful activities can
be scaled-up so as to reach many more farmer groups. Adopting the
Farmer-to-Farmer approach used successfully in Indonesia and other
countries in the region may offer a solution.

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I. Introduction

Two senior Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) officials: Messers

Bounthong Saphakdy (Deputy DG Livestock and Fisheries) and Chanthaboun
Sirimanotham (Director Planning and Cooperation) and Mr Nick Innes-Taylor,
FAO's fishery expert for RRI, visited Xieng Khouang (KXH) on a round of
introductory meetings and visits with provincial and district offices in
Phonsavan, and Khun and Phoukout districts. I accompanied the mission.
During this round of meetings when requested I explained to officials FAO's
initiatives on Trees Outside Forests (TOF) and its links with the Farmer Field
Schools (FFS), being conducted as part of RRI, for development of a module on
'trees in rice landscapes' (paddy-tree) to potentially be integrated in the FFS
curriculum from 2016.
One of the key points made to all local officials was that RRI (and fish-rice) was
a practical example of GOL's policy of decentralisation, closely linked with the
national strategy of achieving food and nutritional security, by encouraging
provincial and district official to make decisions on and take responsibility for
how national policies would be implemented in their area. Considerable time
and effort was devoted to ensuring that local officials both understood and
agreed with what was being proposed. This was essential, as, based on my
understanding, RRI and its various sub-activities apparently does not have a
normal 'project document' and so is being presented as a continuation of earlier
programmes.
At the provincial level there was limited knowledge about the FFS that were
being conducted for the last month-plus in two districts. However, at the district
level officials were well informed and supportive.
The schedule of visits was determined by the availability of local officials, and
consultations on the planned rice-fish activities naturally had priority. It was not
possible to undertake any independent field visits to specifically discuss rice-
paddy issues. The schedule of meetings is provided below.

II. Purpose of the Mission

The purpose of the consultations between national DLF officials/FAO was to

explain the planned project activities for rice-fish under RRI component 3, and
clarify its objectives and develop detailed plans for local implementation,
including the identification of local coordinators.
III. Outcomes

Rice Landscapes. In almost all of the paddy fields observed along the routes it
was apparent that trees (or shrubs) were rarely growing within the paddy fields
themselves. In general, trees, woodland and shrubs were to be found on the
perimeter of the paddy fields, on hillsides, hillocks and gullies, and along water

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courses and around ponds. Large clumps of bamboo (5-10 m in diameter) on

paddy perimeters were probably the most common in Khun district. This is on
contrast to paddy fields in central and southern Laos where solitary and small
clumps of trees are commonly scattered throughout paddy fields. In many
instances paddy-side irrigation/drainage channels made a clear demarcation
between the paddy field and woodland or forest.
This separation does not mean there are no interaction between paddy fields and
trees, nor that trees do not play an (indirect) role in maintaining fertility and
biodiversity. However, unless farmers are actively taking vegetation from
adjacent woodlands for use in the paddy fields, the linkages are likely to be less
important. Similarly, the general absence of trees on paddy bunds/levees means
that trees are not playing a significant role in physically stabilising the structure
of paddy fields. In general, an impression was formed that farmers 'exclude' trees
from paddy fields in the regions we observed.
Several comments from local officials suggested that farmers do not maintain or
plant trees in their paddy fields as they want to avoid negative effects of shading
on rice growth and yields. If this is an important reason for what has been
observed, then it is likely this also has quite deep roots in local farming culture
and would be difficult to change. Encouraging farmers to plant selected trees in
or adjacent to their paddy fields would involve, for example, demonstrating that:
i) there is no yield reduction due to shading and ii) there are tangible benefits,
e.g. increases in useful aquatic plants and animals.
These preliminary observations confirm, at least for Ban Phoungman in
Phoukout district, that in this region only a relatively small area of the paddy
fields has trees present (FAO 2014:29). 22
Farmer Field Schools. Just as we arrived in Ban Thoum, Khun district, the
participants in the FFS were returning from nearby paddy fields after conducting
an agroecosystem analysis - an essential part of every weekly session. This was
the fourth of 16 weekly sessions throughout the growing season that will be
conducted with this group of about 20 farmers, roughly evening split between
women and men. The meeting was being facilitated by a newly trained leader
and observed by Mr Phouvong Keomany the National Project Coordinator.
The majority of the participants were active in preparing the drawing illustrating
what they had observed, closely examining rice tillers for pests and analysing
what was occurring in their fields. There was a sense of intense engagement in
the group and it was clear that they were actively learning news skills.
We were not able to observe the FFS in Phoukout district, where there are two
FFS being conducted, one on FFS rice and one on IPM rice. In this district there
are continuing overlaps between FAO RRI (FFS) and agrobiodiversity and TABI
activities, some occurring in the same villages. It was not clear how much
coordination was taking place and local officials expressed some concern at the
lack of coordination/communication between donor activities.

22
"Assessing and Promoting Trees Outside Forests in Asian Rice Production Landscapes." - FAO,
Rome 2014.

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IV. Follow-up :

Meet with FAO Representative and FFS National Coordinator, Vientiane.

Prepare proposal, schedule and budget for conducting fieldwork in the
four FFS provinces, and visit to Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Meet with Liaison office Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane.
Conduct range of meetings with staff from relevant Lao government
agencies and donor funded projects in Vientiane.

V. Acknowledgements

Many thanks for the support and cooperation received from Xieng Khouang
provincial and district staff agriculture, livestock and fisheries staff.

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ANNEX 1. Itinerary
Date Time Activity
12 August Morning Flight VTE-XKH - QV 401
1430-1530 Meet with XKH Provincial Livestock and Fisheries
officials
1600-1700 Meet with Head XKH PAFO
13 August 0730-0930 Visit FFS Ban Phousy, Muang Khun district
0930-1100 Meet with Muang Khun DAFO officials
1400-1500 Meet with Muang Phoukhout DAFO officials
1500-1700 Visit to Ban Phoungman
14 August 1030-1200 Return flight XKH-VTE - QV 402

ANNEX 2. Key Persons Met

Head, Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO).

Head and staff Provincial Division of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF), Xieng
Khouang.
Head and staff, Muang Khun District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO).
Head and staff, Phoukhout District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO).

ANNEX 3. Satellite Imagery

The geographical coordinates of the places visited were accurately recorded.

This will allow FAO RRI to begin preparing Google Earth-based imagery and
maps illustrating the land cover at specific locations and could extend to
recording types of farming and project activities.
Once under way this will offer the possibility of making greater use of social
media for selectively providing information to a wide range of participants and,
more importantly, offering a means for farmers and local officials to share
information, including technical and market information.
At the end of the report there are Google Earth images of paddy fields and
surroundings in Muang Khun, Ban Thoum (FFS), Ban Phoungman (FFS) and an
overview image showing these locations and the central Xieng Khouang area.
Location Latitude (N) Longitude (E) Altitude (m)
Muang Khun DAFO 19.327078 103.372795 1026
Ban Thoum (FFS) 19.316125 103.405841 1037
Muang Phoukout DAFO 19.568299 103.085682 1071

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Ban Phoungman (FFS) 19.640707 103.129820 1096

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Muang Khun (Mar13) Ban Thoum (FFS) (Mar13)

Ban Phoungman (FFS) (Mar13) Central Xieng Khouang (Oct13)

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Annex 2

BACK-TO-OFFICE REPORT
FAO Representative in Lao PDR

Reporting Officer: Sean Foley

Provinces Visited and Dates: Champassak, 20-26th September 2015
Purpose of Visit: Conduct survey of Trees in Rice Landscapes
Programme Entity/Project: RRI II (Save and Grow)
Date of Report: 6th October 2015
BTOR

Executive Summary
The consultant conducted fieldwork in Champassak province between 20-26th
September. He was assisted by Mr Phouvong Keomany, National IPM
Coordinator (Champassak PAFO, Agriculture), and on occasion by Mr
Kongthong Inthalath (DAFO Pakse). Visits were made to three Farmer Field
Schools (FFS) participating in RRI on 22-24th September.
Data on trees growing in rice landscapes was collected from FFS participants in
Donkhor, Nongbounoy and Nawa villages; details and analysis are contained in
the Fieldwork report under preparation. The FFS participants represent about
2.5% to 10% of the families in each of the three villages, which have
populations ranging from 380->200 families.
This data is preliminary and partial, collected in a brief period and from only
three locations; it is to some degree supplemented by visual analysis of Google
Earth satellite imagery for each province in Laos and the three locations. Despite
this, it is clear that trees growing within and adjacent to rice landscapes in
southern Laos are an important economic and biological resource for almost all
rice growing communities.
The number of species identified ranged from 12 to 25; this is probably an
underestimate of the actual number of species, it also omits many shrubs/bushes
that are not of economic or biological importance.
Based on these preliminary estimates there are 3-500 trees being grown by FFS
participants from each village. This conservatively translates into some 3,000-
10,000 trees growing within and adjacent to rice landscapes in each village.
Aside from products directly harvested from these trees (e.g. fruit, firewood)
these trees are a major biodiversity habitat for a wide range of species, many of
which are eaten, play an important role in conserving soil moisture, and
maintaining soil quality via leaf litter and biomass decay.
Clearly these trees are a major livelihood resource - subsistence and cash
income - for these communities, and more broadly for the district and provincial
economy. Loss or major decline in numbers of these trees would, arguably,

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markedly impoverish communities, especially poorer families.

This suggests that finding ways to encourage planting more economic trees in
suitable locations offers a means of both stabilising availability of important
subsistence goods and services and increasing incomes. In the FFS context, this
requires integrating teaching on the economic and biological importance and
potential of trees into TOT and FFS curricula. This may best be done by
including two or three 'special topics' sessions focusing on stewardship of trees
in and adjacent to ricefields.

Key Words: Trees, rice landscapes, Laos, Champassak, field survey

I. Introduction

The BTO follows on from an earlier mission report in September to Xieng

Khouang in northeastern Laos. The earlier mission and follow-up image analysis
clarified that trees are not normally found within ricefields in northern Laos.
Overall, only south of Vientiane are trees commonly found within ricefields; this
is also common in NE Thailand (Isaan).

II. Purpose of the Mission

The purpose of this mission was to explore how important trees within and
surrounding ricefields might be for farming communities in the lowland river
plains in southern Laos.

Survey were conducted in three FFS in Champassak province. It involved

collecting information from FFS participants on: trees species identified as
important (economic) by participants, the locations in which they are growing
(paddy floor, paddy dykes, and/or surrounding the paddy fields (tang na), what
each species was used for and a rough approximation of the number of trees of
each species.

III. Outcomes

It is clear that farmers both allow to grow (i.e. self-seeded trees) and plant a wide
range of economic trees around their paddy fields and in surrounding
woodlands; in some places trees are also allowed to grow within the paddy
fields. These trees and their products are used for many purposes and apparently
make a substantial contribution to village economies and ricefield biodiversity
and moisture retention. Overall, farmers said they would like to plant more trees
in their paddy field environment.

IV. Follow-up :

A similar survey is being conducted at three FFS in Savannakhet. The results of

that survey will be integrated with those from FFS in Champassak.

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V. Acknowledgements

The mission appreciates the assistance provided in arranging the mission by Mr

Somvang Phanthavong, Director of Regulatory Division, MAF, Vientiane; Mr
Stephen Rudgard, FAO Rep and Ms Chanthavong Vornthalom of FAO Laos.
We also appreciate the willing cooperation of the participants of the three FFS
in: Donkhor, Pakse district, Ban Nongboua-noy, Phathoumphone district, and
Ban Nawa, Phonthong district.

ANNEX 1. Itinerary

20 October fly to Pakse QV 303

21 October - fieldwork preparation
22 October - field visit to Ban Donkhor
23 October - field visit to Ban Nongboua-noy
24 October - field visit to Ban Nawa
25 October - data entry and analysis
26 October - fly to Vientiane QV 304

ANNEX 2. Key Persons Met

The mission met with Mr Somvith Vilavong, PAFO Champassak, Chief of

Agricultural Section.

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Annex 3
Tree Species in Paddy Fields in Laos & NE Thailand

Over the past few decades a number of researchers in Laos and NE Thailand
(Isaan) investigated and identified the range of tree species growing in rice
landscapes. In many cases they have helpfully compiled lists of tree species they
found using local (Lao or Thai), English and scientific names. In many cases they
also identified the uses to which the trees are put, and in some cases the
locations where the species is usually allowed to grow or is planted.
There are overlaps between the lists prepared by different researchers, and also
differences between the lists in terms of scientific (systematic) and local names.
There is no easy means for resolving these differences.
Most of the research was conducted by scholars from Japanese Universities,
many of them working in association with colleagues from the National
University of Laos or Khon Kaen University, Thailand.

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Major Plant Species Used in Bak village, Savannakhet - based on Kosaka et al (2006)
Scientific Name Lao Name Habitat I Use Note
Diptererocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don Mai nyang W DEF 3 T, O Formerly, oleoresin was main income source.
Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz Mak ngeo W DEF 3 Fo, T, C Fruits eaten raw.
Syzygium gratum (Wight) S. N. Mitra var. gratum Phak samek W DEF, SWF 3 Fo Essential vegetable for popular Lao dish.
Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Th. Kheua khao ho T DEF, Home 3 M Medicine for lumbago. Transplanted to homesteads.
Amomum villosum Lour. Mak neng W PTF 3 M Medicine for stomachaches. Thai traders came to buy.
Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Mak fai W PTF 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) Dyer Phak tiu W PTF 3 Fo Essential vegetable for popular Lao dish.
Dialium cochinchinense Pierre Mai kheng W PTF 3 Fo, T Fruits eaten raw. Producing high quality timber.
Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex Benn. Mai bok W PTF 3 C, Fo, T Seeds eaten raw. Best quality charcoal.
Peltophorum dasyrrhachis (Miq.) Kurz Kok aran (safang) W PTF 2 T, C Fast growing pioneer tree.
Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels Kheua ya nang W PTF 3 Fo Essential ingredient for popular Lao dish.
Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees Mai sang phai C PTF 3 Fo, H, O Planted in forest as living fence. Shoots edible.
Calamus sp. Waai W PTF 3 Fo, H Shoots cooked as vegetable. Fruits eaten raw.
Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Mak nat C Field 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Morus alba L. Kok moon C Field, Home 3 Fe Leaves used for sericulture.
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) Hubb. Nya kha W Grass 3 O Used for roofing.
Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) O. Ktze. Kok khem W Grass 2 H Spikes used as material for broom.
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Dok boua W Dam 3 Fo Young seeds eaten raw.
Pandanus sp. Kok teuy T Dam, Marsh 2 O Transplanted from marsh for dam protection.
Neptunia oleracea Lour. Phak kaset W Marsh 3 Fo Cooked as vegetable.
Limnophila geoffrayi Bonati Phak ka nyeng W Paddy 3 Fo Essential herb for popular Lao dish.
Lygodium sp. Phak kout kapon W Paddy 2 Fo, O Edible fern. Stems used as string.
Marsilea crenata Presl Phak ven W Paddy 3 Fo Eaten raw as vegetable.
Mentha aquatica L. Phak suumlao C Paddy 3 Fo Cultivated in paddy levees. Important herb.
Ocimum basilicum L. Phak i tou C Paddy 3 Fo Cultivated in paddy levees. Important herb.
Oryza sativa L. Khao C Paddy, Field 3 Fo, Fe Staple diet. Straw and husk was feed for livestock.
Annona squamosa L. Mak khiap C Home 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Chrysophyllum cainito L. Mak nam nom C Home 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Pentace burmanica Kurz Kok si siet T Home, DEF 3 O Used for betel chewing. Transplanted to homesteads
Source: Kosaka Y., Takeda S., Prixar S., Sithirajvongsa S., Xaydala K. (2006, Table 2a). "Species Composition, Distribution and Management of Trees in Rice Paddy
Fields in Central Lao, PDR." Notes: The last named species (Pentace burmanica Kurz) was not recorded in Nkahou village. Habitat: C: Cultivated, E: Cultivated and
escaped, W: Wild, T: Transplanted, DEF: Dry evergreen forest, PTF: Peltophorum dominant forest, SWF: Swamp forest, Field: Shifting cultivation field, Grass:
Grassland, Home: Homestead, Paddy: Paddy field. I: Importance: 3: Essential for daily livelihood or source of cash income, 2: Sometimes self-consumed but not
essential, 1: Recognized as useful but rarely used at present); Use: C: Charcoal, Fe: Feed, Fo: Food, Fr: firewood, H: Handcraft, M: Medicine, O: Other uses, T:
Timber.

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Major plant species used in Nakhou village, Savannakhet - based on Kosaka et al (2006)
Diptererocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don Mai nyang W DEF 3 T, O Formerly, oleoresin was main income source.
Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz Mak ngeo W DEF 3 Fo, T, C Fruits eaten raw.
Syzygium gratum (Wight) S. N. Mitra var. gratum Phak samek W DEF, SWF 3 Fo Essential vegetable for popular Lao dish.
Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Th. Kheua khao ho T DEF, Home 3 M Medicine for lumbago. Transplanted to homesteads.
Amomum villosum Lour. Mak neng W PTF 3 M Medicine for stomachaches. Thai traders came to buy.
Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Mak fai W PTF 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) Dyer Phak tiu W PTF 3 Fo Essential vegetable for popular Lao dish.
Dialium cochinchinense Pierre Mai kheng W PTF 3 Fo, T Fruits eaten raw. Producing high quality timber.
Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex Benn. Mai bok W PTF 3 C, Fo, T Seeds eaten raw. Best quality charcoal.
Peltophorum dasyrrhachis (Miq.) Kurz Kok aran (safang) W PTF 2 T, C Fast growing pioneer tree.
Tiliacora triandra (Colebr.) Diels Kheua ya nang W PTF 3 Fo Essential ingredient for popular Lao dish.
Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees Mai sang phai C PTF 3 Fo, H, O Planted in forest as living fence. Shoots edible.
Calamus sp. Waai W PTF 3 Fo, H Shoots cooked as vegetable. Fruits eaten raw.
Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Mak nat C Field 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Morus alba L. Kok moon C Field, 3 Fe Leaves used for sericulture.
Home
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) Nya kha W Grass 3 O Used for roofing.
Hubb.
Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) O. Ktze. Kok khem W Grass 2 H Spikes used as material for broom.
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Dok boua W Dam 3 Fo Young seeds eaten raw.
Pandanus sp. Kok teuy T Dam, 2 O Transplanted from marsh for dam protection.
Marsh
Neptunia oleracea Lour. Phak kaset W Marsh 3 Fo Cooked as vegetable.
Limnophila geoffrayi Bonati Phak ka nyeng W Paddy 3 Fo Essential herb for popular Lao dish.
Lygodium sp. Phak kout kapon W Paddy 2 Fo, O Edible fern. Stems used as string.
Marsilea crenata Presl Phak ven W Paddy 3 Fo Eaten raw as vegetable.
Mentha aquatica L. Phak suumlao C Paddy 3 Fo Cultivated in paddy levees. Important herb.
Ocimum basilicum L. Phak i tou C Paddy 3 Fo Cultivated in paddy levees. Important herb.
Oryza sativa L. Khao C Paddy, 3 Fo, Fe Staple diet. Straw and husk was feed for livestock.
Field
Annona squamosa L. Mak khiap C Home 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Chrysophyllum cainito L. Mak nam nom C Home 3 Fo Fruits eaten raw.
Pentace burmanica Kurz Kok si siet T Home, DEF 3 O Used for betel chewing. Transplanted to homesteads.

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Source: Kosaka et al (2006) Table 2b. Local: Local name; Habitat (C: Cultivated, E: Cultivated and escaped, W: Wild, T: Transplanted, DEF: Dry evergreen forest,
PTF: Peltophorum dominant forest, SWF: Swamp forest, Field: Shifting cultivation field, Grass: Grassland, Home: Homestead, Paddy: Paddy field); I: Importance (3:
Essential for daily livelihood or source of cash income, 2: Sometimes self-consumed but not essential, 1: Recognized as useful but rarely used at present); Use (C:
Charcoal, Fe: Feed, Fo: Food, Fr: firewood, H: Material for handicraft, M: Medicine, O: Other uses, T: Timber).

Tree Species and their Uses in Dong Khuai village, Vientiane, Laos - baserd on Pham et al (2015)
Scientific name Local name Charcoal Firewood Timber Food Furniture Medicine Other Uses
Irvingia malayana Kok bok x x x x stain for fishing net
Butea monosperma Kok chan x x x leaves for wrapping cak
Shorea obtusa Kok chik x x x x grow edible mushroom
Xylia xylocarpa Kok deng x x x x x x
Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kok dou x x x x x stain for fishing net
sticky resin to catch
Ficus sp. Kok hai
x x x x cicada
Shorea siamensis Kok hang x x x x mushroom, resin
Lagerstroemia macarpa var.
Kok kalao
macrocarpa x x x x roadside tree
Ziziphus mauritiana Kok kathan x x x x
Diospyros mollis Kok kua x x x x
Tamarindus indica Kok kham x x x x x chopping board
Albizia sp.1 Kok khanhoung x x x x
Schleichera oleosa Kok kho x x x x
leaves for wall material,
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Kok koung
x x x wrapping salt basket
Mangifera indica Kok mouang x x x x x grow edible mushroom
mushroom, filling in
Ceiba pentandra Kok ngiou
x pillow
Dipterocarpus alatus Kok nyang x x x x resin for making torch
Morinda tomentosa Kok nyo x x x x
Bambusa blumeana Kok phaiban x Handwork making

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Scientific name Local name Charcoal Firewood Timber Food Furniture Medicine Other Uses
fence, hand craft, strings
Bambusa bambos Kok phaipaa
x andtapes
sticky resin to catch
Ficus religiosa Kok pho
x x x x cicada
Dipterocarpus intricatus Kok sabeng x x x x resin for making torch
Peltophorum dasyrrhachis Kok sakham x x x x x
Samanea saman Kok samsa x x x x
Dipterocarpus obtusifolius Kok sat x x x x x
Terminalia alata Kok suak x x x x stain for fishing net
Streblus asper Kok sompho x roadside tree
Salacia chinensis Kok takai x x x x
Borassus flabellifer Kok tan x x sugar, base of rice box
Afzelia xylocarpa Kok tekha x x x x x
Sindora siamensis var. siamensis Kok tenam x x x x
Albizia sp.2 Kok thon x x x x
Annonaceae sp.3 Kok teng seng x x x
Eucalyptus sp. Kok vik x x x x x paper
Syzygium sp. Kok waa x x x x
Source: Pham, H. T., Miyagawa, S., Kosaka, Y. "Distribution patterns of trees in paddy field landscapes in relation to agro-ecological settings in northeast Thailand."
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 202 (2015) 42-47, doi.org/10.1016/.

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10 Most Dominant Tree Species in Paddy Fields in NE Thailand - based on

Prachaiyo (2000, Table 66)
Scientific Name Thai Lao Uses
Dipterocarpus obtusifolius hiang T, R, L
Dipterocarpus alatus yang na T, L
Dolichandrone spathacea khae na F, M
Parinari anamense maphok maiohok T, O
Irvingia malayana kabok T, F, S O
Terminalia tomentosa rokfa T, S, E
Pterocarpus macrocarpus pradu maidu T, S
Dipterocarpus intricatus sabaeng maisabaeng T, R
Lagerstroemia calyculata tabaek yai T, E
Dalbergia nigrescens chanuan T, S
Source: Prachaiyo, B. " Farmers and Forests: A Changing Phase in Northeast Thailand ."
Southeast Asian Studies, Vo1.38, No.3, December 2000. Notes: T = timber; R. = resin; F. = food;
M. = medicine; S. = soil improvement; E. = aglicultural equipment; L. = latex; and O. = seed oil.

Trees in Paddy Fields in NE Thailand - based on Prachaiyo (2000, Table 69)

Scientific Name Thai Lao
Dalbergia cochinchinensis phayung maiyang
Dalbergia nigrescens chanuan
Dipterocarpus intricatus sabaeng xmaisabaeng
Albizia siamensis kang hung
Azadirachta indica var. siamensis sadao xmaikhadao
Dipterocarpus alatus yang na maiyang
Hopea odorata takhian thong maikhaen
Dipterocarpus obtusifolius hiang
Parinari anamense maphok
Terminalia tomentosa rokfa
Shorea roxburghii phayom x
Tamarindus indica makham makham
Irvingia malayana kabok
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus phluang
Shorea obtusa teng
Pterocarpus macrocarpus pradu maidu
Xylia xylocarpa daeng maideng
Sindora siamensis makha tae maitae
Lagerstroemia calyculata tabaekyai
Adina cordifolia khwao
Ajzelia xylocarpa makha mong
Peltophorum dasyrachis nonsi
Dolichandrone spathacea khae na mai
Diospyros rhodocalyx tako na
Combretum quadrangulare sakae na maikae
Acacia siamensis kathin phiman kathin
Mitragyna javanica var. microphylla kathum na
Butea monosperma chan

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Prachaiyo (2000, Table 69)

Scientific Name Thai Lao Uses
Dipterocarpus obtusi/olius hiang T,L
Dipterocarpus alatus yang na T,L
Dolichandrone spathachae khae na F ,M
Parinari anamense maphok T ,D
Irvingia malayana kabok T ,D ,S
Terminalia tomentosa rok/a T ,E ,S
Pterocarpus macrocarpus pradu T ,D ,S
Dipterocarpus intricatus sabaeng T,R,L
Lagerstroemia calyculata tabaekyai T ,E
Dalbergia nigrescens chanuan T, S
Shorea obtusa teng T,R
Diospyros rhodocalyx tako F ,M ,Y
Xylia xylocarpa daeng T
Sindora siamensis makha tae T
Adina cordi/olia khwao T
Shorea roxburghii phayom T, M , D , R
Acacia siamensis khatin phiman T ,M
Mitragyna javanica var. microphylla kathum na T, F
Tamarindus indica makham T,F,S
Ajzelia xylocarpa makha mong T ,S
Butea monosperma chan T
Peltophorum desyrachis nonsi T
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus phluang T,R,L,W
Hopea odorata takhian thong T
Azadirachta indica var. siamensis sadao T ,M ,F
Dalbergia cochinchinensis phayung T ,S
Dalbergia siamensis kanghung T ,S
Combretum quadrangulare sakae na T,M
Notes: T=timber, L=latex, F=food, M=medicine, O=seed oil, S=soil improvement, E=equipment,
D=fodder, R=resin, Y=dying, W=wrapping

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Uses and characteristics of trees in paddy fields in NE Thailand - Based on Pham et al (2015, Table 4)
Scientific Name Family Local name Use Status Farmers perception
Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Ma muang Fo* P Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Arecaceae Tan Ol* P
Dolichandrone spathacea (L.f.) Baillon ex Schumann Bignoniaceae Khae na Fo, T P/W
Parinari anamensis Hance Chrysobalanaceae Phok S, T W
Combretum quadrangulare Kurz Combretaceae Sakae na C W
Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G.Don Dipterocarpaceae Yang na S, T P/W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Dipterocarpus intricatus Dyer Dipterocarpaceae Sabaeng C, T W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb. Dipterocarpaceae Phluang Fu W
Shorea obtusa Wall. ex Bl. Dipterocarpaceae Teng C, Fu, T W
Shorea siamensis Miq. Dipterocarpaceae Rang C, Fu, T W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Shorea roxburghii G. Don Dipterocarpaceae Phayom C, T* W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz Ebenaceae Tako S P/W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Makha
Afzelia xylocarpa (Kurz) Craib Fabaceae mong T W
Butea monosperma (Lmk.) Taub. Fabaceae Chan C, W
Dalbergia sp. Fabaceae Pha yung T* W
Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kurz Fabaceae Pradu Fu, T* W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. Fabaceae Cham churi S W
Senna siamea (Lmk.) Irwin & Barn Fabaceae Khilek Fo P/W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Sindora siamensis Teysm. ex Miq. var. siamensis Fabaceae Makha tae T W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Tamarindus indica L. Fabaceae Ma kham Fo* P Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) Niels Fabaceae Daeng T W
Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex Benn. Irvingiaceae Kra bok T W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Tectona grandis L.f. Lamiaceae Sak T* P

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Scientific Name Family Local name Use Status Farmers perception

Careya arborea Roxb. Lecythidaceae Ka don Fo W
Lagerstroemia macrocarpa Kurz var. macrocarpa Lythraceae Kalao Or W
Lagerstroemia sp. Lythraceae Puay C, Fu W
Michelia champaca L. var. champaca Magnoliaceae Champa T W
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. var. siamensis Valeton Meliaceae Sadao C, Fo, T W Soil fertilization and pest control by leaf litter
Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Pho Or* W
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. Myrtaceae Yuka P*, S, T* P Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Competing with rice for nutrition and water
Yield reduction by shading and leaf litter
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Waa T W Soil fertilization by leaf litter
Yield reduction by shading
Bambusa sp. Poaceae Phai Fo, T W Competing with rice for nutrition and water
Mitragyna diversifolia (G.Don) Havil. Rubiaceae Krathum C, Fu W
Source: Pham, H. T., Miyagawa, S., Kosaka, Y. "Distribution patterns of trees in paddy field landscapes in relation to agro-ecological settings in northeast Thailand."
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 202 (2015) 42-47, doi.org/10.1016/. Notes: Uses: C, Charcoal; Fo, Food; Fu, Fuelwood; Ol, Oil; Or, Ornamental; P,
Pulp; S, Shade; T, Timber; *, sale for cash income. Status: P, Planted; W, Wild.

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