Identifying research priorities for the development of the beef industry in Cambodia and Lao PDR with special reference to animal health interventions

A preliminary project proposal, AH/2005/086 Developing best practice cattle and buffalo health and husbandry systems for Cambodia and Laos, is in preparation at ACIAR, but elements of the proposed research need resolution. Before proceeding to Phase 2 of the proposal the following steps are required: confirm that the key concepts and research issues, including economic drivers for enhancing large ruminant productivity, are captured: define the role for ACIAR within the suite of current projects occurring in each country; identify the key partners, personnel and preferred locations, and gain details for budgeting; document ongoing research needs. This small research activity enabled two accompanied visits by the project leader to Cambodia and Laos and a preliminary attitudinal survey in target communities.

The findings of this small research activity were used to strengthen the 'best practice' proposal for both countries, resulting in development of AH/2005/086 for Cambodia that commenced in July 2007and AH/2006/159 for Laos, due to commence in May 2008. Activities included workshops in Cambodia and Lao PDR in September and October 2006, accompanied by staff from CIE (Centre for International Economics), to define the economic drivers and establish a role for ACIAR research. The participants observed that fattening animals for the Vietnamese market is creating significant increases in returns to some Lao producers. This has resulted in increased demand for health and other interventions to improve production and protect increased investments, particularly with scaling out of forage technologies commencing. The role for ACIAR was seen as identifying and testing additional interventions to meet rising demand for risk management by producers, as increasing adoption of improved nutrition for fattening and ultimately improved productivity ensues.

The SRA also determined the capacity to deliver the project in both countries. The infrastructure through the Department of Animal Health & Production (DAHP) was considered appropriate in Cambodia, although improving nutrition will need to be a major focus of the project. Capacity for delivery in Laos through the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) is progressing now that a large ADB extension project has commenced. Additional support for the project through other agencies such as CIAT may be appropriate. The SRA also reviewed existing national animal health needs and determined the activities of other agencies and current projects. Opportunities were identified for engaging potential project participants from government and non-government beef industry stakeholders as well as potential villager research co-operators in the research.

Finally, in mid 2007, farmer attitude surveys were commissioned in both countries, collaborating with DAHP in Cambodia and the DLF in Lao PDR. The surveys involved 90 smallholder households with large ruminants across three key provinces in each country. Information was gathered on production systems, attitudes of farmers and their perceptions of constraints to large ruminant production. Farmers were keen to apply interventions to improve their production and there was evidence that many were willing to invest in these. There was also much interest at central, provincial and district levels in both countries in participating in an applied research program designed to support the emerging 'beef' industry.