MRLG Innovation Fund, Regional

Agri-business Engagement for Responsible Land Governance in CLMV

Background Expected Outputs (Phase I)

The private sector (including small- and medium-sized enterprises) is widely regarded as the key engine for economic growth in CLMV countries.

December 2015 to December 2017.

Project Duration

Expected OutcomesThis project will: • Dialogue with agri-business and a commitment to responsible business practices and policies in CLMV countries, and • Enhance Capacity and participation of agri-business in responsible business practices and policy improvement in CLMV countries.

Oxfam International

Stakeholders

This project will investigate improved models of agri-business engagement to contribute to responsible land governance in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV).

Unit 11, House No. 262, Ban Saphanthong Kang, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDRPO Box 2973, Vientiane Lao PDR 01000Telefax: +856 21 454807Email: info@mrlg.orgWebsite: www.mrlg.org

Oxfam will deliver the project in 2 phases, the first phase output are to provide : • A scope of services to deliver to agri-businesses. • Agri-businesses and implementing partners engaged in dialogue for Phase II strategies. • Research studies to support engagement and Phase II planning are commissioned, and • Strategic partnerships with five agri-businesses to implement Phase II are established.

Oxfam International will implement the project. The organisation has identified a number of potential partners to support the implementation. The focus of the project is toengage agri-business in dialogues. But, it is expected that, indesigning Phase II, women and ethnic minorities will be given due consideration.

98/8, Sithong RoadBan nongduangtai, Sikhottabong districtPO Box: 4723Vientiane Capital, Lao PDRTel : +85621 264225www.oxfam.org/laos

Funded by

Photo courtesy of Oxfam

MRLG

For more information

Agri-business investments are regarded as a means to modernize agriculture and improve productivity. However, many of the regions recent foreigninvestments have involved controversial land concessions and contract farming agreements. They have also resulted in forced evictions, compensation disputes and environmental degradation.

Small-scale family farmers, especially women from ethnic minorities, are particularly vulnerable to change. They lack secure access to land and productive resources upon which their livelihoodsdepend and are marginalized in decision making.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) have emergedto promotetheir political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. But, frequently, these do not have effective recourse to those making decisions at anylevel, within local or national governments, regional bodies, investors, financiers or developers. This reflects the sensitive nature of land issues within the region.