Knowledge Hub on Agroecology in Southeast Asia

A Knowledge Hub on Agroecology in the Mekong Region

The ALISEA Knowledge Hub is a digital platform for agroecology and food systems transition in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Explore our technical resources in English and national languages and regional expertise to support agroecology transition, food systems transformation and sustainable agriculture.

Latest Insights

Trichoderma as bio-control agent

This video demonstrates how to use Trichoderma as a bio-control agent to protect banana plants from Fusarium wilt (Panama disease),. The guide explains the different stages of the disease and provides a practical method for prevention,. By soaking banana suckers in a mixture of one packet of Trichoderma and 5 liters of water for 20 minutes before planting, farmers can safeguard their crops from the start,. This biological approach helps prevent the spread of fungus in the plantation and ensures healthier, more resilient banana trees.

Input reduction and recycling

Making rhizobium bio-fertilizer at home

This video guides how to produce Rhizobium bio-fertilizer at home using legume root nodules,. Rhizobium bacteria are essential for capturing atmospheric nitrogen to nourish plants, yet their natural populations in the soil are often depleted by the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers,. By selecting healthy, pink-colored nodules and culturing them in boiled milk for three days, farmers can easily multiply these beneficial bacteria,. Mixing the resulting culture with rice bran provides a cost-effective and sustainable way to restore soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth naturally.

Soil health

Input reduction and recycling

Transitioning to Organic Sesame through Agroecology and Market Linkages in Preah Vihear, Cambodia

This practice brief presents a pilot initiative supporting smallholder farmers in Preah Vihear to transition from conventional to organic sesame production through agroecological practices and cooperative-based market linkages. The model combines technical training, internal control systems, and collective marketing to improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and strengthen farmers’ access to stable and higher-value markets.

Collaboration

Biodiversity

Economy and income

Sustainable food system

Soil health

Input reduction and recycling

Technical Leaflet: Compost Fertilizer Recipe

This compost acts as a superfood for your garden, building rich, living soil that supports healthy plant growth. It gradually releases essential nutrients, improves soil structure for easier root development, and retains moisture reducing the need for frequent watering. Compost also introduces beneficial microbes that can help protect plants from disease and enhance nutrient uptake, resulting in stronger and more resilient plants.

Soil health

Input reduction and recycling

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Latest Library Entries

BRiLSS Technical Training Manual for Agro-ecological Farming_2nd Edition

This manual has broadly explained, in seven sessions, an introduction to agroecological farming, building and maintaining healthy soils, water management, cash and food crop planning and management, seed selection and management, agroforestry tree propagation and nursery management, and integrating animal husbandry into agroecological farming. It serves as a practical guide for farmers and practitioners who wish to adopt diversified and sustainable agroecological farming systems

Local Knowledge about Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees in Coffee Agroforestry Practices in Northwest Vietnam

In recent decades in northwest Vietnam, Arabica coffee has been grown on sloping land in intensive, full sun monocultures that are not sustainable in the long term and have negative environmental impacts. There is an urgent need to reverse this negative trend by promoting good agricultural practices, including agroforestry, to prevent further deforestation and soil erosion on slopes. A survey of 124 farmers from three indigenous groups was conducted in northwest Vietnam to document coffee agroforestry practices and the ecosystem services associated with different tree species used in them. Trees were ranked according to the main ecosystem services and disservices considered to be locally relevant by rural communities. Our results show that tree species richness in agroforestry plots was much higher for coffee compared to non-coffee plots, including those with annual crops and tree plantations. Most farmers were aware of the benefits of trees for soil improvement, shelter (from wind and frost), and the provision of shade and mulch. In contrast, farmers had limited knowledge of the impact of trees on coffee quality and other interactions amongst trees and coffee. Farmers ranked the leguminous tree species Leucaena leucocephala as the best for incorporating in coffee plots because of the services it provides to coffee. Nonetheless, the farmers’ selection of tree species to combine with coffee was highly influenced by economic benefits provided, especially by intercropped fruit trees, which was influenced by market access, determined by the proximity of farms to a main road. The findings from this research will help local extension institutions and farmers select appropriate tree species that suit the local context and that match household needs and constraints, thereby facilitating the transition to a more sustainable and climate-smart coffee production practice.

Circular Economy Models in Agriculture in Vietnam

While the term “circular economy” is relatively new in Vietnam, the principles of this economic model have long been embedded in traditional agricultural practices. Recently, these economic models have experienced significant growth. This research involves a comprehensive review of circular agriculture research and an analysis of various models within Vietnam at different levels. The study categorizes circular economy models in the agricultural sector in Vietnam into four basic groups: reduction model, waste recycling model, ecological chain model, and zero waste design model. Through an exploration of these models, the study identifies eight main features of circular economy models in Vietnam’s agriculture, such as a substantial surge, utilization of agricultural byproducts, waste, and leftovers, prevalence in rural areas, focus on small-scale production models, leadership by big companies, and a shift from merely seeking cost savings to a more market-oriented approach. The study also proposes principles for transitioning to an agricultural circular economy from a linear economy and developing new agricultural circular economy practices in Vietnam.

Impact of participatory guarantee systems on sustainability outcomes: the case of vegetable farming in Vietnam

Sustainable food systems require mechanisms that assure consumers about the sustainability of agricultural production. Building on the existing literature on the impact of sustainability standards, this study is the first to assess the effectiveness of participatory guarantee systems (PGS) for the certification of organic produce. The study uses representative farm-level data on local vegetable value chains in northern Vietnam and uses a broad set of sustainability outcomes as well as counterfactual analysis, including systematic robustness checks. The results show that PGS significantly improves farm profitability (+117%), agroecology performance (+40%), and gives farmers more choice of sales channels (+23%). However, PGS had no significant effect on returns to labour and reduced the average crop yield. Capacity development on nursery practices, transplanting of healthy seedlings rather than direct seeding, reduced tillage, and collective crop planning and management are some of the innovations that can counter adverse effects on crop yields, increase soil health as well as improve returns to labour, and thus attract more youth to farming. Overall, the study shows that organic PGS can make vegetable production more economically viable and more agroecologically sustainable.

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