Case Study

Innovative payment for ecosystem services scheme fosters the adoption of sustainable silvopastoral practices in Northern Laos

author(s)

Jalonen, Riina

themes
  • Multifunctional landscapes
regions
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic
original file download
full citation

Jalonen, R.; Drucker, A.; Vongkhamho, S.; Chalernsouk, B.; Xaypheng, N. (2026) Innovative payment for ecosystem services scheme fosters the adoption of sustainable silvopastoral practices in Northern Laos. Study ASI-2547. Rome (Italy): Bioversity International; Cali (Colombia): International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). 3 p.

A participatory, equity-focused Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model enabled 315 smallholder families in northern Laos to adopt silvopastoral systems in 2024 and 2025. Co-designed with farmers and local authorities, the initiative addressed soil erosion and loss of ecosystem services undermining farm productivity, feed shortages, and investment risks. By combining incentives, research-based decision-support tools, and strengthening native seed systems, the model provides a scalable pathway for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.