Insights

The coffee sector is a key pillar of agricultural development in Son La province, with over 21,400 hectares under cultivation and an annual production of 35,000–45,000 tons of green coffee beans. However, Son La currently lacks specific mechanisms to implement waste management policies in coffee processing. The widely practiced wet processing method generates large volumes of organic-rich wastewater and coffee husk by-products, while most household-scale and cooperative processing facilities do not have appropriate treatment systems. The direct discharge of waste into the environment is causing localized pollution, affecting community health and increasing environmental management pressure at the local level. Son La province has issued Resolution No. 128/2020/NQ-HĐND to encourage investment in agriculture and agro-processing, including support for processing facilities. However, in practice, support mechanisms for wastewater treatment and coffee by-product recycling have not yet been clearly operationalized. Pilot models implemented by the Northern Mountainous Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (NOMAFSI) in Mai Son district demonstrate that low-cost biological treatment solutions and coffee by-product recycling can be effectively applied at cooperative and small-scale processing levels. Based on these results, NOMAFSI proposes integrating coffee waste management solutions into provincial policies through three main actions: (i) developing technical guidelines for processing facilities; (ii)…

This leaflet explains how farmers in northwest Vietnam process coffee husks into organic fertilizer. It details the benefits—improved soil health, reduced environmental pollution, lower fertilizer costs, and support for sustainable farming—and provides step-by-step guidance on composting. The method involves mixing coffee husks with manure, lime, phosphate, urea, and a microbial solution, ensuring proper moisture, and covering the pile to retain nutrients. It was published in June 2025 by NOMAFSI with ALiSEA support, based on a successful farmer experience.

This leaflet describes an ecological system in Son La, Vietnam, for treating wastewater from coffee cherry processing through solid separation, anaerobic and aerobic treatment with yeast, and final storage, enabling safe reuse for irrigation and producing organic fertilizer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This practice focuses on strengthening market access for organic vegetable farmers in Pek District, Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR. Through collaboration between PDDA and POCA, agroecological capacity building was combined with structured buyer engagement to better align production with market demand. The experience highlights how improved market linkages can enhance income stability while supporting the continued development of organic farming systems.

This practice focuses on strengthening market access for organic vegetable farmers in Pek District, Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR. Through collaboration between PDDA and POCA, agroecological capacity building was combined with structured buyer engagement to better align production with market demand. The experience highlights how improved market linkages can enhance income stability while supporting the continued development of organic farming systems.

This policy brief presents the potential of conservation agriculture to overcome soil fertility depletion and land degradation problems due substantially to conventional maize production. It promotes the benefits of conservation agriculture as well as key priorities and options for policy;