Blog Post #17 - Organic Conversion of Smallholder Farmers

******* The following research is credited to Hystra Consulting and is based on a report they created in July 2015 entitled "Smallholder Farmers and Business - 15 pioneering collaborations for improved productivity and sustainability" *********

In addition to summarizing some of the amazing research that Hystra conducted, I have added my own interpretations and pictures for the context of organic Khao Kai Noi (KKN) farming in Laos.

Khyati Foods, in India, has successfully supported the certification of 9000 smallholder farmers, and is in the process of certifying 6000 more. Farmers are motivated to participate in the organic program because they save input costs on fertilizers and pesticides. Organic production also improves soil quality and can generate higher yields by 5-10% over the three-year conversion period.

On the flip side, organic adherence on average adds an additional five hours of labour each week for a two acre farm. These extra hours can be attributed to activities like preparing vermi-compost or cow dung fertilizer.

Water buffalo fudge +.....

Cow gravy =....

.....pleasant barrel of fertilizer ready for stir

This additional time commitment is actually a large risk to Xiengkhouang province farmers achieving organic certification. Xiengkhouang farmers have experienced labour shortages with many youth moving into the city. Initiatives for mechanization (to alleviate labour shortages) are also difficult in Xiengkhouang because the land is very uneven and hilly. Tractors are not only expensive for these poor farmers, but are largely ineffective to achieve desired productivity improvements.

I cannot imagine myself being too productive with this back breaking work

I am too much of a princess to even know which end of the tool to hold

While priority for these social enterprises is of course the farmers themselves, Khyati Foods and SAEDA also need to make money to reduce reliance on grants and become self-sufficient. Khyati Foods primarily generates revenue by purchasing organic produce from farmers at standard market price and selling it under their own brand at an organic premium of 20%. They also offer a variety of value-add services for farmers. 

An organic market in Xiengkhouang, spearheaded by SAEDA

We are evaluating the capability of SAEDA to offer a similar set of services. They not only create opportunities for revenue diversification, but also would improve the economic security of Lao farmers participating in the program. With growing concerns of climate change and adverse weather that may impact rice yields, the farmers need alternatives to guarantee stable livelihoods.

The KKN is looking good this year, but Mother Nature offers no guarantees next year

Little irrigation potential in Xiengkhouang makes natural water availability a pressing concern

Do you think you have what it takes to farm organic Khao Kai Noi, or does the thought of those fertilizer bucket smells make you want to take a shower?

Blog Post #16 - That Luang Festival

You probably are starting to think that I work harder going to festivals than actually getting things done around the office. It would not be a stretch to suppose, but I did not draw up the Buddhist calendar....and I am surely not complaining. But I can assure you that while Buddha may sometimes take center stage, the rice farmers still get most of my attention!

Anyways, festivals are more exciting than rice, so here is an overview of the That Luang festival from this past weekend.

That Luang at night

That Luang is the site of the city's founding pillar. It marks the focal point of the 3-day Buddhist festival which involves processions, monks and candles. People across the city and region will converge on the temple / wat, walk around it three times and chant the ancient words of Buddha. I am not sure what is being said, but I believe they are sending prayers and giving offerings to guardians of the city and Lord Buddha himself.

Make sure to do a few reps in the gym before trying to carry one of those 'wax castles' around the temple

SO MANY COLORS

I watched a few grass fires nearly cause a large bonfire

Even the monks whip out their phones to snap a picture of the impressive Wat

Imagine the Calgary Stampede but with what seems like 3x more people. Not exactly my cup of tea, but a memorable experience to say the least. I joined the crowds and walked around the wat three [two] times....always keeping a close eye on the walking candles ready to singe a hole in my clothing.

The commercial side of the festival....it helps to be a bit taller

Stay tuned for my coverage of the Mekong Festival this upcoming week......JOKING....there isn't a Mekong Festival to my knowledge....at least not in November.....but I am surely going to suggest it. 

Blog Post #15 - Top Activities to RELAX in Vientiane

The American election is finally over, and not sure about you, but I am already over the never ending coverage and social media posts. Blog views are way down around the world so I imagine you have all been preoccupied with it, BUT now tune in here to get away from all that is politics.

It's time to RELAX and put down those phones. There is no shortage of relaxing activities to do in and around Vientiane. While less known than some of its 'tourist friendly' neighbours, the people of Laos sure know how R&R. The common sayings are Bor Pen Nyang ("no worries") or Lao PDR (Lao Please Don't Rush).

Here is a short list of some relaxing activities in Vientiane.

#1 Buddha Park

The garden contains over 200 beautiful Hindu and Buddhist statues. Without much shade coverage, best to find a cloudy day when you can escape the bustle of the city, collect your thoughts and admire the art.

#2 Posting Up at a Cafe

French cafe culture is strong in Vientiane. Nice, air conditioned cafes can be found across the city, catering to FALANG (foreigners) and CON LAOS (Laos people) alike. You may have to fight for a spot Saturday morning.

#3 Chilling out at the Mekong River

While I do not think I would ever want to swim in the river, sitting on the banks makes for a pretty peaceful afternoon. Just make sure you get there before any mosquitoes emerge around dusk.

Although the rainy season is over and the Mekong has retreated, it is still an impressive sight
(Thailand can be seen on the other side)

#4 Getting a Massage (1 hour = $10 CAD!!!!!!!)

I have to make the most of them while here because comparable massages back home easily cost $100. I may age 20 years when I return since I cannot afford to have them 2x per week.

I have never been so flexible....and yet still cannot touch my toes. 

#5 Meditation with the Monks

I am terrible at meditation (hence the picture midway through), but I have been told about the benefits and will continue to practice.

Even the dogs cannot help but relax

As I have hit the 2-month mark of my trip, please let me know if there is anything you want to hear more about!

Blog Post #14 - A Cup of Coffee in Laos

It's the start of a new week! If there is one thing that does not change no matter where your office is around the world, it's a shared love for a beverage that gets you through the day....especially on those Mondays and Tuesdays. In India that may be chai tea, in Thailand maybe mango lasse, in Russia maybe vodka, but in Canada and Laos at least, it is coffee. 

Laos actually has a reputable high-quality coffee industry, but I will provide that overview on another day. Instead, today I will provide some comic relief to help you get through those early work week blues. Enjoy!

The day starts and the first thing on my mind is my first cup.

3-in-1 coffee looks like my best bet....

....6% coffee powder. Are you kidding me?! 

But why drink 3-in-1 coffee when you can drink 4-in-1 coffee....

I wonder if that's the face you get before or after drinking the coffee???

Extra soy milk please

Drink your coffee on this well placed park bench.

It just wouldn't make sense to move the bench a few feet over

Coffee makes everyone go to the restroom

But in case you forget how to sit on the toilet.....

While you sit properly on the toilet, browse through recent Facebook Friend Requests. I think I may turn this next one down....

These guys need some more 4-in-1 coffee to boost their game

Leaving the restroom may also pose a slight challenge....

Would you "risk" opening the door?

Made it safely out of the restroom so now back to work! I will make some real ROSSO coffee with my Aeropresse this afternoon.

Blog Post #13 - Learning English

My friends knows I speak English not good (even worse after a few BeerLao). I speak more Hindi at the office anyways. No needs for English.

So when I was invited to an English cafe to practice, I jumped on the opportunity.

All kidding (and intentional poor English) aside, I thought the event would not only be a great way to meet new friends, but it would be a nice gesture for the people that have welcomed me to their country (and I can practice some Laos when the facilitators are not listening). 

Almost everyone I meet here is eager to learn English. It is the official language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Laos is very happy and proud to be a member. It means to fully participate, they must learn English and they need FALANG (foreigners) like myself to practice.

My mom is a volunteer English instructor for new immigrants in Calgary. I realize how much more difficult it is than I previously thought. Even in a short session you must show so much patience, and by the end of the event I was quite tired (the heat also partially contributing). I now can more appreciate the people that struggle with me through my Laos and French conversations (French is occasionally spoken by the older generations since Laos was once a French colony).

Even the monks are keen to learn!

So if you do bump into someone that struggles with your language, be extra patient and do not give up on them. They will get it eventually. You may just pull out a bit of your hair in the process.

Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more posts next week!

One sow noy!!!! (aka "TGIF" in Laos)

Blog Post #12 - Top Style Picks in Laos

Halloween may have just ended (on my side of the world), but the people of Laos show no signs of slowing down with the fashion and style.....myself included.

Here I am dressed as a Retro Wizard for Halloween....whatever that means

This guy was a wizard making Pho, so I let him try on the outfit as well

But more on the fashion around Laos that gives me my inspiration....

When the city has an 'official' embassy for wellness, hair and nails, you know the city's style must be on another level

Obviously the guys at the Laos hot springs went to the embassy for their passports....tightie whities and track suit

Where can I find this temple?!

Mr. Oven BAKING that hair into perfection

Complement your delicious new hair cut with a legit-looking
Canada Goose jacket at the night market.....

I still lag far behind most international fashion standards....maybe I should just stick to organic certification

My cargo pants unzip at the knee to reveal cargo shorts....WOW

And if my pant shorts were not fashionable enough, I found this meme about fashionable "shoes"

Almost as cool, but just a bit more airflow
Someone is in for a surprise 

To add to the COOL style, I even have a pair of magnetic snap-on sunglasses....

Girls love hearing the sound of the SNAP

Blog Post #11 - Business Planning for Rice Export

As we continue to conduct research and meet with various stakeholders, we have begun drafting a set of questions that we will need to address in our final business plan.

Although a small group of farmers are already part of organic initiatives across five districts of Xieng Khouang Province, the organization is still very grassroots and many decisions must be made. Although a daunting task, this greenfield business planning is extremely exciting!

The organization will face many roadblocks in the months and years to come, but I hope as its Business and Supply Chain Adviser, I can point them in the right direction and prepare them for the challenges and hard decisions to come.

Here is a snapshot of some business plan brainstorming, supported by research and case study success stories:

• What criteria should be used to select farmers for participation in the pilot? (high potential farmers to become early adopters for word-of-mouth village promotion and scalability)

• How should training be facilitated (e.g. ‘train the trainer’ vs. direct to farmer)

• How do we complement training with a productivity enhancing technology?

Initial observations suggest opportunities for technology improvements

• How can we share in-house expertise and simultaneously strengthen relationships with farmers? How can the expertise be tailored to be specific for the unique needs of the farmers (e.g. quality of village infrastructure, irrigation availability, rice paddy plot size, proximity to market, labour availability, etc.)

• How do we build & maintain farmer loyalty to ensure ongoing participation in the organic program?

Happy farmers!

• How do we ensure that we are not proposing farmers commit to a long-term engagement with limited options for reversibility?

• How can materials and technology be standardized to reduce farm input costs, and improve yield quality & growing / harvest efficiency?

Labour availability can be a significant challenge hindering quick harvest

• Will loans need to be provided to farmers to support organic conversion? If so, how can loan structures be established to reduce the likelihood of default?

• How should the team be structured (e.g. FTEs dedicated to innovation / R&D, farmer satisfaction, regular operations, etc.)?

• How do we make the organization less & less reliant on grants for its operations?

• How do we improve the capacity of the organization to vertically integrate and offer more value-add services to farmers (beyond just acting as a middle-man collector)?

• How can the organization achieve revenue diversification (e.g. sale of final KKN product, seed bank, buffalo bank, agriculture expertise / consulting services, equipment sales, etc.)

The farmers also work to diversify revenue.
Here a young lady is making a beautifully embroidered sinh skirt

• Where can the rice be milled if existing mills in Laos do not have the advanced technology for <5% broken rice quality expectations?

• Where is the international market for sticky rice? Could further processing of the rice be an option? (****this is where I want your help****share your thoughts****)

• How do we evaluate available ports for export (Thailand vs. Vietnam)?

• What key performance measures and targets will be used to evaluate initiative success?

• How do we work with the Lao PDR government to make this business a shared success story?

The government is an important stakeholder

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I share some case study success stories. As always connect if you have any questions or insight that can help further develop the business plans.

Never lose sight of the people you are working hard to support