Perspective d'un developpement rural durable: Le cas des Hmongs du Laos
Author(s):
Bouapao, Lytou
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
M.Sc.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Universite de Sherbrooke (Canada), 1994.
Pages:
229
Language:
French
Abstract:
Sustainable development is an evolutionary process in which all ethnic groups live in harmony with a healthy environment. For approximately forty years, Laos has been subjected to many disruptions. Minority groups, like the Hmong, have felt the full impact of the numerous socio-political and economic changes that took place in the country. The Hmong, in particular, who live in mountainous regions and practice slash and burn agriculture, have suffered from economic and social inequality policies practiced by previous governments. The progressive transformation of their methods of land use, their mode of production and their migrant lifestyle must clearly be understood before any attempt at a sedentary lifestyle with a view to a sustainable development be undertaken. The underprivileged Hmong aspire to better living conditions comparable to those of people living in the plains. More precisely, the Hmong, who live in Lakhasipsong and Longsan in the province of Vientiane, adapt to their new conditions of social and economic transformation by fixing into place their mode of production and their lifestyle. We can state that the rural community development taking place allows an effective sedentarisation for the Hmong and, that they are able to adapt themselves to modern life. The survey method by interview and randown sampling on the ground permits us to discover elements of farming development within the socio-economic as well as political life in Vientiane province with a particular application to the Hmong. The survey results in showing that settling down strategies without relocation or with relocation on personal or governmental initiative are truly operational. Changes in the mode of production and lifestyle have not only permitted a better land use, an increased production and a better lifestyle but also, a better conservation of the environment.