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

The ‘Do All’ Biochar Wood Vinegar Kiln

This dataset showcases “The ‘Do All’ Biochar Wood Vinegar Kiln”, a practical and efficient design that allows small-scale farmers to produce both biochar and wood vinegar from agricultural waste. Developed at the ECHO Asia Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the kiln supports sustainable farming practices. This initiative is part of the ALiSEA Small Grant Facility 2023, which aims to strengthen biochar producer networks across the region.

Soil health

Knowledge and values

Input reduction and recycling

Engaging Youth in Agroecology through the Youth Agroecology Caravan (YAC) in Cambodia

This practice brief highlights how the Youth Agroecology Caravan (YAC) strengthens youth engagement in agroecology through field visits, peer learning, and knowledge exchange. The initiative helps young farmers, students, and agricultural practitioners develop practical skills, expand professional networks, and apply agroecological innovations in their communities. It demonstrates the important role of experiential learning in promoting sustainable agriculture among young people.

Equity

Collaboration

Economy and income

Sustainable food system

Knowledge and values

Natural Pest Repellent Using Local Resources

This technical leaflet presents a simple method for producing natural pest repellent using locally available materials such as chili, galanga, turmeric, EM and plant leaves. The practice helps reduce chemical pesticide use, lowers production costs, and promotes sustainable agroecological farming.

Biodiversity

Sustainable food system

Soil health

Input reduction and recycling

Youth Agroecology Caravan (YAC): Reducing Chemical Inputs and Enhancing Farm Diversity in Cambodia

This dataset includes two short videos produced under the Youth Agroecology Caravan (YAC) programme in Cambodia, a field-based learning initiative that supports young farmers to explore agroecological practices through farm visits and peer exchange. The videos relate to key topics addressed during the training, including reducing the use of chemical inputs, making use of farm resources, and diversifying production systems to support more sustainable farming and livelihoods.

Knowledge and values

Input reduction and recycling

All Insights

Latest Library Entries

Diversification of Agricultural Production in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia (2019)

This document capitalizes on the experiences from the Agro-ecological Intensification and Diversification of Peri-urban Agriculture project (IADA) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, highlighting two effective income-diversification models: sunflower sprout production and cricket breeding. Sunflower sprout production utilizes a streamlined 7–8 day cycle with low input costs, enabling farmers to supply high-value produce to local hotels and restaurants. Cricket breeding operates on a 50–60 day cycle, offering dual benefits by providing high-protein food sources and valuable organic fertilizer for agricultural use. Ultimately, these diversified agricultural activities optimize small-scale production plots while generating reliable supplemental income for farming families without requiring significant capital investment.

Socio-Economic Assessment of the Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area and Its Peripheral Impact Zone

This report compiles socio-economic studies conducted between January and May 2018 to assess changes in the quality of life of communities living in the Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area (NPA) and its surrounding Peripheral Impact Zone (PIZ) in central Lao PDR. It provides an in-depth analysis of local farming systems, highlighting the gradual transition from traditional shifting cultivation to permanent lowland rice farming as a means of conserving forest resources and biodiversity. Findings from the Food Consumption Score (FCS) assessment confirm that the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), hunting, and inland fisheries remain essential for maintaining nutrition and ensuring food security among local ethnic minority communities. While notable progress has been achieved in primary education enrollment and public health awareness, local infrastructure continues to deteriorate due to limited maintenance funding and the insufficient operational capacity of village management committees. Based on these findings, the expert team proposes integrated strategic directions under the LANN (Linking Agriculture, Natural Resource Management and Nutrition) framework to promote green finance, strengthen value chains, and support sustainable livelihoods for rural producers.

Handbook for the Evaluation of Agroecology

The Handbook for the Evaluation of Agroecology (March 2019 edition) was developed to help development practitioners and researchers systematically assess the agro-environmental, economic, and social impacts of agroecological practices while identifying the enabling factors and constraints affecting their adoption and scaling. The handbook’s methodology is based on comparative analysis and a multi-scale systems approach, structured around two core components: diagnostic analysis of farming systems and the design of appropriate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. Its comprehensive guidance sheets provide detailed criteria and indicators spanning from plot level to value chains, covering soil health, resource-use efficiency, food security, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment. As such, the handbook serves as a foundation for generating robust scientific evidence to support donors, inform nature-positive public policies, and strengthen the long-term self-reliance of farming households.

Management Advising to Very Small Family Farming Enterprises (2019 Edition)

This guidance document consolidates more than 25 years of Agrisud International’s field experience across 24 countries to support extension officers in developing comprehensive farm advisory systems for very small family farming enterprises (VSEs). The methodology is structured into two integrated phases, beginning with socio-economic surveys, plot boundary assessments, and technical performance evaluations to establish an initial farm development plan. It then moves into a long-term advisory phase, enabling farmers to monitor the Leaf Area Index (LAI), analyze cost structures, and implement 29 practical agroecological solutions to optimize productivity. By integrating Excel-based analytical tools, digital mapping, and value chain models that shift from push- to pull-driven approaches, the handbook enhances carbon data transparency and strengthens the long-term self-reliance of agricultural producers.

All Library Entries