Hmong women, opium cultivation and livestock production in lao PDR
Author(s):
Oparaocha, S.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Gender, Technology And Development, Volume 2, Issue 3 (1998). pp. 373-395.
Language:
English
Abstract:
In response to the mounting pressure for the control of illicit drugs, the govemment of Lao PDR has implemented policies to eliminate the production of opium by upland farmers by the year 2000. This study suggests that the substitution of opium as a cash crop is only possible if specific alternative uses to women's labor are found. This study shows that women's almost exclusive participation in small livestock makes it a viable alternative. Unlike the gender-specific market benefits accruing from opium cultivation, women's involvement in livestock production has the potential to restructure gender relations by giving women substantial control over the economic resources generated. However, women's productivity is constrained by their lack of access to extensionsenices, credit and labor-saving techno logy. The delivery of improved technology and management systems directly to women would have far-reaching implications not only for productivity, efficiency and family welfare, but also for the empowerment of women in the Hmong patriarchal household and community.