Their stock of agricultural land was slashed and their ability to produce crops was cut.

They were limited to 1.6 hectares of land per household. Villagers explain the issues.

As a consequence the people resorted to using chemical fertilizers to generate their required yields. But the use of chemicals, coupled with deforestation and soil erosion further degraded their available farmland.

MMF's work

The objectives of the Sustainable Agriculture project in Upper Mae Yao include:

The objectives are reached through seminars and workshops, each specifically targeted at the unique needs of these communities. For example:

•  42 farmers were trained in the use and benefit of using organic fertilizers;

•  75 villagers were trained on the “Sufficiency Economy” theory;

•  More than 150 participants from six villages were trained in financial planning and management;

•  109 women participated in a human rights training regarding gender-based issues.
In partnership with the Thai-Lahu Foundation, Upland Holistic Development, Khomloi Foundation, the King's Project and TEAR Australia , Mekong Minority Foundation has been able to establish a valuable ‘network' between six villages.

This “network” is made up of 90 people from each of the participating villages.

The ‘network' strategy gives people the chance to solve their own issues and problems within their communities.

Overseeing the project is a committee of 13 members, four of whom are women. The women are able to contribute input to the projects and are valued and acknowledged by the male committee members.
Some of the projects currently overseen by the committee are a rice bank, four savings groups (to provide financial support),