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Biodiversity and Nutrition in Rice-Based Ecosystems; the Case of Lao PDR

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Abstract

This paper presents results from a year-long household survey in which the aquatic resource collection and consumption activities of 240 households across Lao PDR were studied to assess the diversity of species used, their role in household food security and the overall importance of ricefield habitats in this respect. Results show that aquatic biodiversity, under threat in rice-based ecosystems, plays a larger role in household consumption than previous estimates. More than 90 % of these resources are collected by households themselves and the greatest quantities from ricefield habitats. This seasonal aquatic environment is therefore the principal habitat from which households acquire aquatic animals, both to eat fresh and to process and store for use during nutritionally vulnerable times of year. The importance of these habitats therefore goes far beyond their use for rice production and this multi-functionality needs to be understood and addressed in agricultural, conservation and food security policy.

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Notes

  1. DATASET 1 : Where all data was presumed to be correct and included, as entered; DATASET 2: Where any individual catches greater than 20 Kg (5 cases) were cut back to 20 Kg only; DATASET 3: Where all values greater than 20 Kg (5 cases) are seen as mistakes and removed from the dataset.

  2. Fish is most commonly salted and fermented (‘Padek’) and can be stored at ambient temperatures for extended periods.

  3. χ 2(1) = 46, p < .001

  4. U = 383236; p < .001

  5. χ 2(1) = 93, p < .001

  6. U = 112628; p < .001

  7. χ 2(1) = 10, p < .001

  8. U = 35357; p < .001

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the Lao PDR FNPP National Agricultural Biodiversity Programme in Lao PDR. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the FAO.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCL, London, UK

    Caroline Jane Garaway

  2. LARReC, Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Chantone Photitay, Khampet Roger & Lieng Khamsivilay

  3. FAO, Rome, Italy

    Matthias Halwart

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  1. Caroline Jane Garaway
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  2. Chantone Photitay
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  3. Khampet Roger
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  4. Lieng Khamsivilay
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  5. Matthias Halwart
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Correspondence to Caroline Jane Garaway.

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Garaway, C.J., Photitay, C., Roger, K. et al. Biodiversity and Nutrition in Rice-Based Ecosystems; the Case of Lao PDR. Hum Ecol 41, 547–562 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-013-9602-z

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