The survey conducted by the Sustainable Agriculture & Environment Development Association (SAEDA) reveals significant insights into the annual household income of farmers in Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR, based on 985 respondents. The data indicates that a small proportion of farmers, 12.6% (124 individuals), earn more than $5,000 annually.
The income brackets between $4,000 and $5,000 include 9.8% (96 individuals), while those earning between $3,000 and $4,000 represent 13.2% (130 individuals). A significant portion, 28.7% (283 individuals), falls within the $2,000 to $3,000 range, and 27.1% (267 individuals) earn between $1,000 and $2,000. Alarmingly, 7.2% (71 individuals) reported an annual income of less than $500, and 1.4% (14 individuals) chose not to disclose their income.
In the context of Laos agriculture, the findings highlight the economic challenges faced by farmers in the region. The majority of farmers earn relatively low incomes, with nearly two-thirds (approximately 55.8%) earning less than $3,000 annually. This low-income level can significantly impact their quality of life, access to resources, and overall economic stability.
The reliance on subsistence farming and the lack of diversification in agricultural practices may contribute to these limited income levels, underscoring the need for initiatives to improve agricultural productivity, market access, and support services for farmers in Lao PDR.