Indigenous Peoples Plan

Project Number: 42203-022 Grant Number: 0235-LAO January 2015

Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project

Prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the Asian Development Bank.

This indigenous peoples plan is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the ‘term of use’ section of this website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Annex-10 Ethnic Groups Development Plan Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject

Lanten Ethnic Group in Luang Namtha

Annex 10 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Topics Page

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A10-1 A. Introduction A10-1 B. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject A10-1 C. Ethnic Groups in the Subproject Areas A10-2 D. Socio-Economic Status A10-2 a. Land Issues A10-2 b. Language Issues A10-3 c. Gender Issues A10-3 d. Social Health Issues A10-3 E. Potential Benefits and Negative Impacts of the Subproject A10-4 F. Consultation and Disclosure A10-5 G. Monitoring A10-5 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A10-6 1.1 Objectives of the Ethnic Groups Development Plan A10-6 1.2 The Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project A10-6 (NRIDSP) 1.3 The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject A10-6 2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK A10-7 2.1 Ethnic Groups in Lao PDR A10-7 2.2 Ethnic Groups and Development Policy Context A10-8 2.3 ADB Safeguards for Indigenous Peoples A10-9 2.4 Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) for NRIDSP 2000 A10-9 3. SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT A10-10 3.1 Ethic Groups in the Subproject Areas A10-10 3.2 Socio-Economic Status A10-13 3.2.1 Land A10-13 3.2.2 Language A10-14 3.2.3 Gender A10-14 3.2.4 Health and Hygiene A10-15 3.2.5 Social Impact and Inequality A10-15 3.2.6 Social Benefits A10-16 3.2.7 Expected Sustainable Outcomes A10-18 4. BENEFICIAL AND MITIGATING MEASURES A10-18 5. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION A10-21 6. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM A10-24 A10-i

Annex 10 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

7. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT A10-24 8. BUDGET AND FINANCING PLAN A10-25 9. MONITORING A10-25 9.1 Internal Monitoring A10-25 9.2 External Monitoring A10-25 TABLES Table A10-1. List of Ethnic Groups by Ethno-Linguistic Group in Lao PDR A10-7 Table A10-2. Ethnic Groups in Subproject Areas A10-10 Table A10-3.Ethnic Groups Population in Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject A10-11 Table A10-4. Subproject Intervention Strategies A10-19 Table A10-5. Consultation, Participation and Disclosure A10-22

FIGURES

Figure A10-1. Location Map of NRIDSP Subprojects A10-iii Figure A10-2. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject A10-iv

A10 - ii Annex 10 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

Figure A10-1. Location Map of NRIDSP Subprojects

A10-iii

Annex 10 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

Figure A10-2. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject

A10 - iv Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

List of Abbreviation and Terms

ADB : Asian Development Bank DAFO : District Agriculture and Forestry Office DCO : District Coordination Office DOP : Department of Planning EA : Executing Agency EGDP : Ethnic Group Development Plan EIA : Environmental Impact Assessment EMP : Environmental Management Plan Farmers : In this report, means people or households owning and/or cultivating agricultural lands (irrigated and non-irrigated) FS : Feasibility Study FPG : Farmers’ production Groups GAP : Gender Action Plan GOL : Government of Lao PDR HH : Household IA : Implementing Agency IEE : Initial Environmental Examination IPP : Indigenous Peoples Plan ISF : Irrigation Service Fee Lao PDR : Lao People’s Democratic Republic LACR Land Acquisition and Compensation Report LFNC : Lao Front for National Construction LWU : Lao Women’s Union MAF : Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry MOM : Management, Operation and Maintenance NRI or NRIDSP : Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project NSC : National Steering Committee NPMO : National Project Management Office O&M : Operation and Maintenance PLUP : Participatory Land Use Planning PPO : Provincial Project Office SIA : Social Impact Assessment SIR : Subproject Investment Report Villagers : Refers to people residing in a village in general. “Consulted villagers” in this report means representatives of village authorities, LWU, LFNC, youth, men, women and ethnic groups WUA : Water User Association WUG : Water User Group

A10 - v Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A. Introduction

1. This Ethnic Groups Development Plan (EGDP) is prepared for the Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject located in Long District, Luang Namtha Province under the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project (NRIDSP). The EGDP is prepared in accordance with the Lao PDR Constitution, relevant laws and policies, the ADB’s Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 and the Indigenous People Planning Framework (2000) developed for NRIDSP.

2. The Plan emphasizes a specific action plan for the Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject in order to: (i) address appropriate requirements for, including consultations with, the affected ethnic groups in the subproject areas; (ii) ensure that the benefits are culturally appropriate and equally distributed by the subproject for those ethnic groups; (iii) avoid potentially adverse impacts on ethnic groups; (iv) minimize, mitigate or compensate for such effects when they cannot be avoided; (v) provide implementation measures to strengthen social, legal and technical capabilities of government institutions in addressing ethnic group issues; and (vi) specify monitoring and evaluation of the EGDP implementation.

3. This EGDP highlights how the subproject will bring about positive benefits for the ethnic groups. Actions are specified to ensure that the Executing Agency (EA) and engaged specialists carry out appropriate measures to achieve beneficial results for the ethnic groups and avoid negative impacts. The EGDP will be implemented in synergy with the project’s Gender Action Plan (GAP), which addresses women’s participation in the project to ensure that gender equality measures reach women in ethnic groups in the subproject areas.

4. Consultations and meetings conducted with various stakeholders and ethnic groups within the subproject during the feasibility stage of the subproject revealed that the proposed subproject is supported by the people/ethnic groups within the subproject coverage.

B. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject

5. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject is located in Long District, Luang Namtha Province. The scheme is approximately 15 - 20km from Long District and about 85 - 90 km from Luang Namtha Provincial Capital through Road No. 17b.

6. The subproject will benefit 5 villages namely: Sivilay; Denkang; Jakhamtanh; Houay Mor; and Jakhamping. The villages have a total of 377 households and population of 2,117. The oldest village is Jakhamping which was established in 1973. The other villages were established within 1993 to 2003.

7. The Subproject will involve construction/improvement of 8 Headworks (weirs) and main canals of: 1) Houay Kod 1; 2) Houay Kod 2; 3) Nam Ma; 4) Houay Luang 1; 5) Houay Luang 2; 6) Houay Fai weir; 7) Houay Makmue 1; and 8) Houay Makmue 2. The present irrigated area of the 8 weirs during the wet season is 150.47 hectares. Houay Kod 1 is a stone masonry weir, while the other 7 weirs are non-permanent stone/wooden weirs.

8. Besides the irrigation rehabilitation works, productivity and impact enhancement initiatives will be delivered by the Project. These initiatives will comprise of compulsory and optional initiatives. The compulsory initiatives will include (i) support for WUGs establishment to operate and maintain the rehabilitated facilities; and (ii) WUG management training, Improvement of WUG Executive communities, such as financial management, operation and maintenance, water catchments identification and zoning. Optional initiatives will need to be further discussed with the beneficiaries during detailed design stage and could be selected

A10 - 1 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province from subproject initiatives on agricultural crop production, post-harvest handling, processing and the development of market linkages.

C. Ethnic Groups in the Subproject Areas

9. According to data and information gathered during the RSA in July 2014, there is wide diversity of ethnic groups in the province. The RSA data shows that 29% of the HHs are of the Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group, 29% are of the Mone-Khmer Ethno-Linguistic Group, 8% are Hmong-Iumien Ethno-Linguistic Group and 34% are Tibeto-Chinese Ethno- Linguistic Group. The Lao-Tai composed mainly of Tai ethnic and sub-ethnic groups (11%), Lue ethnic and sub-ethnic groups (14%), Yang (<1%), Gnouane (2%) and Tai Neua (2%). The Mone-Khmer are mainly composed of Khmou (25%) and minority of Bith or Bid (<1%), Lameet or Lamed (2%), Samtao (<1%) and Oedou (<1%). The Hmong-Iumien are composed of Hmong (5%) and Iumien (3%). The Tibeto-Chinese group are composed of Akha or Ko and sub-ethnic groups (27%), Phunoi (3%), Lahou or Lahu and sub-ethnic groups (3%), Seda or Sila (<1%) and Hor and sub-ethnic groups (1%). The different ethnic groups have their own languages but it is reported that most are speaking the Lao national language.

10. There are four distinct ethnic groups living in the Houay Makmue subproject area. Majority (51%) of the ethnic groups are of the Tibeto-Chinese ethno-linguistic group (Akha). The other ethnic groups are: Hmong (24%), Iumien (6%) and Lue (19%).

11. It is necessary that subproject planning, implementation and O&M activities/strategies consider involvement and representation of the different ethnic groups particularly the Iumien group which has the lowest percentage of HHs and population in the area. The establishment of WUGs/WUAs, Farmers’ Production Groups (FPGs) and other subproject committees must consider equal representation of ethnic groups as well as women.

D. Socio-Economic Status

12. The results of the SIA 1 conducted in the late part of 2013 show that poverty, rice deficiency and literacy are concerns. Of the 377 HHs in the 5 villages 39 of HHs are classified as poor having income below 85,000 kips/person/month, 321 HHs are classified as having income between 85,000 to 180,000 kips/person/month and only 17 HHs are having income above 180,000 kips/person/month (2009/2012 poverty line for rural areas). Poverty is more prevalent among the Hmong and Akha ethnic groups. Rice sufficiency situation shows that 223HHs are rice sufficient and/or surplus with rice, while the rest 46% are having deficits

a. Land Issues

13. The subproject will not in any way affect land ownership or the right of land cultivation of people/ethnic groups in the area. Instead, it will encourage increased activities on land cultivation with the expected improvement in water availability due to the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing irrigation system.

14. Land ownership document in the area is generally Land Tax Certificate (LTC) which is reported to be in the name of both spouses in some cases and in the name of only the husband in some cases. The LTC are recognized by the village, district and provincial authorities for the security of tenure for the land being cultivated by a HH. Land titling (ownership) is now recognized and approved by the Lao Government in the name of both spouses.

1 Annex 7 of the Subproject Feasibility Report

A10 - 2 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

15. Of the 377 HHs in the subproject area, 171 HHs are presently beneficiaries of irrigation with a total area of 152.61 hectares. Of the irrigated farmers 51 HHs (30%) are Lue with 60.84 has., 18 HHs (11%) are Iumien with 14.73 has., 48 HHs (28%) are Hmong with 42.24 has., and 54 HHs (32%) are Akha with 34.80 hectares. Potential area for irrigation expansion is 23.45 has. rainfed lowland being owned/cultivated by 30HHs of different ethnic grouping. HHs not cultivating lowland farms are cultivating any or combination of upland farms, home gardens, timber tree land, fruit tree land and rubber tree farm.

b. Language Issues

16. Adult literacy of the Lao national language (reading and writing) is low at only 22%. Literacy among Lue and Iumien is 51%, 22% among the Hmong and only 9% among the Akha ethnic group. The Lue ethnic group basically speak the Lao national language. The other ethnic groups have their own language or dialect. The Akha speak Akha, a language in the branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. The Hmong have their own spoken and written language. The Iumien speak Mien language. However, it was reported that most of the people (particularly the younger generation) in the five villages can speak the Lao national language. However, to ensure efficiency in communication, measures must be undertaken to ensure the presence of project staff who can speak the different ethnic group local languages to help in translation during consultations, discussions, meetings, training and other forum involving the different ethnic groups.

c. Gender

17. Women’s voice and participation has steadily advanced in Lao PDR. Women’s rights are recognized in the legal system, and women’s political representation in the National Assembly has grown nearly 20% since 1990. It is now the highest in the region. However, this has not filtered down to the provincial and local levels where significant gender gaps in representation persist, despite the efforts of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) in reaching out to women at the national to village levels 2.

18. For all ethnic groups, the husband is considered the head of the family. This is prominent among the Hmong ethnic group where males hold dominance over males, thus, the father is always considered the head in a household.

19. The SIA results1 in October 2013 show that women of all ethnic groups within the subproject area perform significant roles at home, in agriculture production and in decision- making. They are represented in village development and management activities by the Lao Women Union (LWU). However, leadership in other village organizations and committees are dominated by men.

d. Social Health Issues

20. The villages have access domestic water supply and dispensary/health clinic. About 70% of the HHs have access to pit latrines, with the lowest at Denkang at 35% and Houay Mor at 56%. There are no reported problems on waste disposal and sanitation.

21. The construction of the subproject may bring about health hazards such as: (i) dust and noise pollution; (ii) danger from construction material storage and construction sites; and (iii) construction and workers’ waste disposal/management. These, however, are temporary in nature, and mitigation measures are included in the Environmental Management Plan

2 Country Gender Assessment for Lao PDR – Reducing Vulnerability and Increasing Opportunity, World Bank, 2012

A10 - 3 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

(EMP) developed for the subproject included in Annex 8 – Initial Environmental Examination of the Feasibility Study Report for the subproject.

22. During the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) stage of the subproject, potential health hazard may result from the effects of intensified use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, these can be minimized, if not eliminated through the timely and correct implementation of the proposed measures contained in the EMP mentioned above.

E. Potential Benefits and Negative Impacts of the Subproject

23. Prominent among the potential positive impacts of the subproject is the increase in income due to increase in yield and production brought about by the irrigation subproject as well as additional source of income (labor) for poor households.

24. The subproject is promoting the enhancement of agricultural production and aims to equitably distribute the benefits within the subproject coverage area while ensuring the active participation of ethnic groups, including women. The subproject will ensure the provision of maximum benefits while avoiding any potential adverse impacts on the environment and ethnic groups. The subproject will exert effort, where potential negative impacts occur, to minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for the adverse impacts on the environment and ethnic groups. This EGDP has therefore been developed to assist the subproject in designing and implementing its activities in a way that fosters full respect for the ethnic groups’ dignity, human rights, livelihood systems and cultural uniqueness as defined by the ethnic groups themselves so that they: (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits; (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of the subproject; and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them.

25. All of the consulted villagers which included the village authorities, men and women focus groups, youths and ethnic group leaders were unanimous in their support of the improvement of the irrigation system as they expect the irrigation system to increase household income and hence, reduce poverty due to: (i) the availability and sufficiency of the water supply for the irrigated areas; (ii) an increase in irrigated areas in both seasons for all four villages will lead to an increase in rice yield and production; (d) the high yields of other crops that can be grown during the dry season; and (e) the resulting increase in income from the sale of this agricultural produce.

26. Besides the rehabilitation of the irrigation system and the enhancement of productivity, there are other benefits that the ethnic groups from these four villages can expect to receive. These will include: (i) the establishment of WUGs to operate and maintain the rehabilitated facilities; and (ii) the capacity building initiatives for the local authorities which will include the targeted villages. These consist of various training programs such as those for WUGs in the areas of operation and maintenance, financial management, identification of water catchments and zoning, as well as other demonstrations of agricultural technology.

27. The rehabilitation works of the Subproject was determined to result in minor loss of portion of agricultural land and trees for two affected households (AHs). Loss of 1,500 m2agricultural land representing 2.2% of total productive land owned by the two AHs. Loss of 105 trees owned by the same 2 AHs representing 2.6% of the total trees owned. No other impact on assets and crops was identified. This is described in detail in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Report (LACR), Annex 9 of the Subproject Feasibility Report. The 2 AHs are of the Lue Ethnic Group, Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group. They are classified as middle and high income level. The AHs were consulted and informed of the available compensation options. The values of the affected assets had been determined. Negotiations and final agreements on compensation will be done during the detailed design stage of the subproject.

A10 - 4 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

F. Consultation and Disclosure

28. The subproject will ensure that consultations with men, women and ethnic groups are conducted at various stages of subproject implementation. Such had been done at feasibility stage and will continue during the detailed engineering stage, construction stage and the operation and maintenance (O&M) stage at subproject completion. Consultations will be done in the local ethnic group’s language using interpreters to translate from Lao to the ethnic group’s language. The subproject will ensure equal participation of men and women, and where information is needed for specific purposes rather than providing general information, separate discussions for women and men will be conducted as women are often reluctant to participate in mixed group settings. Furthermore, the subproject will ensure that training and other capacity building activities are conducted in the ethnic groups’ languages to avoid exclusion/inability to participate in the subproject activities.

29. Important results of consultations, plans and studies/surveys shall be disclosed through meetings in local dialects as well as written excerpts posted in public places in the four villages covered.

G. Monitoring

30. Internal monitoring and collection of information on the subproject’s progress, effectiveness and results will largely be the responsibility of PPO in cooperation with DCO. There will also be an emphasis on the identification of activities to enhance agricultural production whilst recognising constraints so as to provide appropriate remedial actions. Internally the provincial and district officers from the different departments will jointly prepare monitoring reports, which in turn the PPO will use to prepare monthly reports for the NPMO. The NPMO will validate these reports and include in the project’s progress reports progress reports. The project has engaged an external monitoring in charge of social and environmental safeguards, participation, and gender. The external monitoring entity submits quarterly monitoring reports on these aspects.

A10 - 5 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 Objectives of the EGDP

31. This Ethnic Groups Development Plan (EGDP) is prepared for the Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject in Long District, Luang Namtha Province under the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project (NRIDSP). The EGDP is prepared in accordance with the Lao PDR Constitution, relevant laws and policies, the ADB’s Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 and the Indigenous People Planning Framework (2000) developed for NRIDSP.

32. The objectives of the Subproject EGDP are to:

a. address appropriate requirements for, including consultations with, the affected ethnic groups in the subproject areas; b. ensure that the benefits are culturally appropriate and equitably distributed for the ethnic groups within the subproject coverage; c. avoid potentially adverse impacts on ethnic groups; d. minimize, mitigate or compensate for such effects when they cannot be avoided; e. provide implementation measures to strengthen social, legal and technical capabilities of government institutions in addressing ethnic group issues; and f. specify monitoring and evaluation of the EGDP implementation

33. The EGDP will be implemented in synergy with the project’s Gender Action Plan (GAP), which addresses women’s participation in the project to ensure that gender equality measures reach women in ethnic groups in the subproject areas.

1.2 The Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project (NRIDSP)

34. The NRIDSP is operating in four Lao PDR Northern Provinces: i) Bokeo; ii) Oudomxay; iii) Luang Namtha; and iv) Phongsaly. In each of these provinces, 2-3 districts have been selected to be covered by NRIDSP, and in each of these districts, a number of subprojects are identified.

35. The Project will provide rural infrastructure and associated initiatives to support increased commercialization of agriculture. The NRIDSP’s main aim is to provide the rural community with access to, and participation in, the market economy. This is to be realized through increase in incremental production of saleable commodities and the promotion of agricultural productivity.

36. The NRIDSP has the following main outputs:

a. Production and productivity enhancing rural infrastructure constructed and/or rehabilitated. b. Productivity and impact enhancing initiatives adopted. c. Capacities of national, provincial and district agencies strengthened to enable a sector development approach. d. Efficient and effective delivery of subprojects and project management.

1.3 The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject

37. The Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject is located in Long District, Luang Namtha Province (Figure 1). The scheme is approximately 15 - 20km from Long District and about 85 - 90 km from Luang Namtha Provincial Capital through Road No. 17b.

38. The subproject will benefit 5 villages namely: Sivilay; 1) Denkang; 2) Jakhamtanh;3) Houay Mor; and 4) Jakhamping. The villages have a total of 377 households and population of

A10 - 6 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

2,117. The oldest village is Jakhamping which was established in 1973. The other villages were established within 1993 to 2003.

39. The Subproject will involve construction/improvement of 8 Headworks (weirs) and main canals of: 1) Houay Kod 1; 2) Houay Kod 2; 3) Nam Ma; 4) Houay Luang 1; 5) Houay Luang 2; 6) Houay Fai weir; 7) Houay Makmue 1; and 8) Houay Makmue 2 (Figure 2). The present irrigated area of the 8 weirs during the wet season is 150.47 hectares. Houay Kod 1 is a stone masonry weir, while the other 7 weirs are non-permanent stone/wooden weirs.

40. During the Rapid Social Assessment (RSA) done for the Subproject in July 2014, it was found out during Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that the people in the 5 villages are aware of and fully support the proposed Subproject. This had been disseminated during the consultation meetings in the feasibility stage of the subproject.

2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Ethnic Groups in Lao PDR

41. Lao PDR has the most ethnically diverse population on the Southeast Asian mainland, which was officially identified in the 2005 census as consisting of 49 ethnic groups (Table A10- 1). The Ministry of Information and Culture of Laos currently promotes the use of an ethno- linguistic classification system to distinguish the various ethnic groups in the country. The major ethno-linguistic groups in Lao PDR are: i) Lao-Tai; ii) Mone-Khmer; iii) Tibeto-Chinese; and iv) Hmong-Iumien.

42. The Lao-Tai dominate politically, culturally and economically and generally inhabit the river plains, particularly along the Mekong River. According to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the majority of the other ethnic groups inhabit the rugged mountain territory that covers about 79 percent of the country and experience high-levels of marginalization. The lifestyles of these non-Lao-Tai ethnic groups reflect the working definition of Indigenous Peoples used by the ADB’s Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS).

43. Although there are 49 ethnic groups, the National Assembly‘s Official Agreement N˚213 of 24 November 2008 only recognized Lao nationality, and therefore regardless of which ethnic background people come from, they are all Lao citizens. The government promotes equal rights and opportunities among all Lao citizens and has declared that all ethnic groups are equal by law in terms of dignity and rights. For this reason the term ‘ethnic minority’ is not used and instead the term ethnic group has been officially accepted.

44. The government has made efforts to promote equality among Lao citizens, but apart from the lowland Lao-Tai, most of the other ethnic groups, experience perpetual poverty and lack infrastructure and government services. This is partly because they are mostly living in the most remote and least accessible areas of the country. These factors create elements of structural marginalization associated with a lack of education, healthcare, opportunities, political participation and representation. In order to tackle these challenges, the Government is officially committed to embracing a multi-ethnic dimension in development issues and to improving people’s living conditions as well as to continue promoting equality of all Lao people in the country.

Table A10-1. List of Ethnic Groups by Ethno-Linguistic Group in Lao PDR

Hmong- Chinese- Lao-Tai Mon-Khmer Iumien Tibetan 1. Lao 9. Khmou/Khmu 18. Kmer 26. Oey 34. Taoey 41. Hmong 43. Akha or Ko 2. Leu 10. Pray 19. Moy 27. Kadang 35. Katu 42. Iumien 44. Singsily/Sila 3. Xaek 11. Xingmoon 20. Phong 28. Lavy 36. Kriang 45. Hor 4. Tai 12. Katang 21. Thene 29. Toum 37. Suay 46. Phounoy

A10 - 7 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province

Hmong- Chinese- Lao-Tai Mon-Khmer Iumien Tibetan 5. Nhuane 13. Yru 22. Eudou 30. Kree 38. Pako 47. Lahou 6. Tai Neua 14. Yae 23. Makong 31. Bid 39. Nguane 48. Hayi 7. Phutai 15. Hahak 24. Triang 32. Lamed 40. Tri 49. Lolo 8. Yang 16. Jeng 25. Brao 33. Samtao 17. Nhaheun Source: The Ethnic Committee, National Assembly‘s official Agreement N˚213 of 24 November 2008

2.2 Ethnic Groups Development: Policy Context

45. The Constitution of Lao PDR ratified in 1991, uses the term “citizens of all ethnicity”. It specifically recognizes the need to incorporate the concerns of ethnic groups in developing policy in all sectors, and has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the rights of all ethnic groups in various congresses, conferences, decrees, and laws since the 1980s (Articles 8 and 22). Article 75 of the constitution specifically indicates that “the Lao language and script are the official language and script”.

46. Constitutionally, Lao PDR is recognized as a multi-ethnic society, and Article 8 of the 1991 constitution states, “All ethnic groups have the right to preserve their own traditions and culture, and those of the nation. Discrimination between ethnic groups is forbidden.” Furthermore Article 8 declares that:

“The State pursues the policy of promoting unity and equality among all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups have the rights to protect, preserve and promote the fine customs and cultures of their own tribes and of the nation. All acts of creating division and discrimination among ethnic groups are forbidden. The State implements every measure to gradually develop and upgrade the economic and social level of all ethnic groups.”

47. The 1992 Ethnic Group Policy, Resolution of the Party Central Organization Concerning Ethnic Group Affairs in the New Era, focuses on gradually improving the lives of ethnic groups, while promoting their ethnic identity and cultural heritage. It is the cornerstone of current national ethnic group policy. The general policy of the Party concerning ethnic groups can be summarized as follows:

(i) Build national sentiment (national identity). (ii) Realize equality between ethnic groups. (iii) Increase the level of solidarity among ethnic groups as members of the greater Lao family. (iv) Resolve problems of inflexible and vengeful thinking, as well as economic and cultural inequality. (v) Improve the living conditions of the ethnic groups step by step. (vi) Expand, to the greatest extent possible, the good and beautiful heritage and ethnic identity of each group as well as their capacity to participate in the affairs of the nation.

48. The Ethnic Groups Committee under the National Assembly is charged with the responsibility to draft and evaluate proposed legislation concerning ethnic groups, lobby for its implementation as well as the implementation of socio-economic development plans. Ethnic group research is the responsibility of the Institute for Cultural Research under the Ministry of Information and Culture. The lead institution for ethnic affairs is the mass (political) organization, the Lao National Front for Construction (LNFC), which has an Ethnic Affairs Department.

49. In terms of the development of the agricultural sector, the government has for a long- time acknowledged that ethnic groups in rural villages are highly dependent on agriculture. According to the National Agricultural Census and the National Population Census 2012, the

A10 - 8 Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Sector Project Annex 10 Feasibility Study on Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, Long District, Luang Namtha Province sector generated and contributed over 30 percent of the GDP and provided employment for more than 80 percent of the people in rural areas. Most of those employed in agriculture are self-employed or unpaid family workers and almost 66 percent of all the people’s work hours are on their own farms. The sector is dominated by smallholder farming families engaged in mainly subsistence production.

2.3 ADB Safeguards for Indigenous Peoples

50. The ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) affirms that environmental and social sustainability is the cornerstone of economic growth and poverty reduction in Asia and the Pacific. ADB’s goal as outlined in its SPS is to promote the sustainability of project outcomes by protecting the environment and people from the projects’ potential adverse impacts. ADB’s safeguard objectives are to:

(i) avoid adverse impacts of projects on the environment and affected people, where possible; (ii) minimize, mitigate, and/or compensate for adverse project impacts on the environment and affected people when avoidance is not possible; and (iii) help borrowers/clients to strengthen their safeguard systems and develop the capacity to manage environmental and social risks.

51. ADB safeguard objective for indigenous people is to design and implement projects in a way that fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples’ identity, dignity, human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness as defined by the Indigenous Peoples themselves so that they: (i) receive culturally appropriate social and economic benefits; (ii) do not suffer adverse impacts as a result of the projects; and (iii) can participate actively in projects that affect them.

52. ADB’s SPS uses the term indigenous peoples (ethnic groups in the Lao context) to refer to a distinct, social and cultural group who self-identify as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group and recognition of this identity by others; have collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area and to the natural resources in these habitats and territories; have customary cultural, economic, social or political institutions that are separate from those of the dominant society and culture; and a distinct language, often different from the official language of the country or region. These definitions apply directly to some of the populations classified in Lao PDR as ethnic groups.

2.4 Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) for NRIDSP2000

53. The EGDP for Houay Makmue refers to the Indigenous People Planning Framework (IPPF) for NRIDSP. The IPPF was developed in CY2000 as a guideline for developing EGDPs for all subprojects planned to be implemented under the NRIDSP. The IPPF sets out the requirements for pre-screening of subprojects and for processes to be followed in the preparation of each subproject. Analysis of present situations within the NRIDSP covered areas found that ethnic minorities are the majority population in the participating provinces and that certain groups have significantly higher levels of poverty and associated disadvantages. The main concerns are communication difficulties, particularly for women, together with opportunity to access project benefits. Recommended mitigation measures include effective consultation requirements, employment during the construction phase, membership of committees and capacity building for disadvantaged and vulnerable ethnic minorities. All monitoring and evaluation data are required to be disaggregated for the four major ethno-linguistic groups. The IPPF specified potential concerns and recommendations for loss of land, communication and social cohesion. It also provides guidance on conduct of socio-economic surveys for beneficial as well as mitigating measures, capacity building, grievance and redress mechanism, institutional arrangements, consultation and disclosure, monitoring and evaluation, and the budget and financing.

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3. SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

3.1 Ethnic Groups in the Subproject Areas

54. Luang Namtha’s main industries are agriculture, wood processing, lignite and copper mining, handicraft production, transportation and tourism. Most people are engaged in agriculture, planting rice, corn, vegetables, cassava and peanuts. Other important agricultural products are buffaloes, cattle, fish, chickens, rubber, teakwood, watermelons, sugarcane and peppers. Forest products such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, rattan, broom grass, cardamom and ginger are also key sources of income for the rural population.

55. According to data and information gathered during the RSA in July 2014shown in Table A10-2, there is wide diversity of ethnic groups in the province. The RSA data shows that 29% of the HHs are of the Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group; 29% are of the Mone-Khmer Ethno- Linguistic Group; 8% are Hmong-Iumien Ethno-Linguistic Group; and 34% are Tibeto-Chinese Ethno-Linguistic Group. The Lao-Tai group is composed of 11% Tai with sub-ethnic groups of Tai Dam, Tai Deng, Tai Khao and Tao Eth. The Mone-Khmer group is composed of 25% Khmou (sub-ethnic groups of Ou, Youn, Lock and Khoen), Bith or Bid (<1%), Lameet or Lamed (2%), Samtao (<1%) and Oedou (<1%). The Hmong-Iumien are composed of 5% Hmong (sub-ethnic groups of Khao, Lai and Dam) and 3% Iumien (sub-ethnic groups of Lantaen and Yao). The Tibeto-Chinese group are composed of 27% Akha or Ko (sub-ethnic groups of Chicho, Poule, Ko Phe, Panna, Lakho, Ko Phousang and Ko Yoye), 3% Phunoi, 3% Lahou or Lahu (sub-ethnic groups of Mouser Dam, Lahou Na and Khuy Loung), <1% Seda or Sila and 1% Hor (sub-ethnic groups of Hor and Hor Luang). The different ethnic groups have their own languages but most are speaking the Lao national language.

56. Long District has 111 villages, 6,172 HHs, 7,462 families, 34,219 population and 16,755 females. Ethnic groups in Long District are of the Tibeto-Chinese Ethno-Linguistic Group (72%), Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group (19%), Hmong-Iumien Ethno-Linguistic Group (7%) and Mone- Khmer (2%). There are seven ethnic groups, (more if sub-ethnic groups are considered): Lue and sub-ethnic groups (16%); Tai Deng and Tai Dam (3%); Samtao (2%); Hmong (5%); Iumien (2%); Lahu (13%); and Akha (59%).

Table A10-2. Ethnic Groups in Subproject Areas

Ethnic Groups in Luang Namtha Province Hmong-Iumien Lao-Tai (29%) Mone-Khmer (29%) Tibeto-Chinese (34%) (8%) 1. Tai: Dam, Deng, 6. Khmou: Ou, 11. Hmong: Khao, 13. Akha or Ko: Chicho, Poule, Khao & Eth (11%) Youn; Lock, Lai, Dam (5%) Ko Phe, Panna, Lakho, Ko 2. Lue: Kuen, Khoen, 12. Iumien: Lanten, Phousang, Ko Yoye (27%) Taiyou, Taikhum Muchoung (25%) Yao (3%) 14. Phunoi (3%) (14%) 7. Bid (<1%) 15. Lahou (Mouser Dam, Lahou 3. Yang (<1%) 8. Lamed (2%) Na, Khuy Loung (3%) 4. Gnouane (2%) 9. Samtao (<1%) 16. Seda/Sila (<1%) 5. Tai Neua (2%) 10. Oedou (<1%) 17. Hor: Hor, Hor Luang (1%) Ethnic Groups in Long District, Luang Namtha Province Hmong-Iumien Lao-Tai (19%) Mone-Khmer (2%) Tibeto-Chinese (72%) (7%) 1. Lue: Kuen, 3. Samtao (2%) 4. Hmong (5%) 6. Lahu (13%) Taiyou, Taikhum 5. Iumien (2%) 7. Akha (59%) (16%) 2. Tai Deng & Tai Dam (3%)

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Ethnic Groups in Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject Lao-Tai (19%) Hmong-Iumien (30%) Tibeto-Chinese (51%) 1. Lue (19%) 2. Hmong (24%) 4. Akha (51%) 3. Iumien (6%) Source: Rapid Social Assessment, July 2014

57. Based on the results of the Socio-Economic Survey conducted in September to October 2013 and the RSA done in July 2014 in Houay Makmue Irrigation Subproject, there are 377 HHs in the subproject coverage with a population of 2,117 (Table A10-3). The HHs are found to be composed of about 19% Lue, 6%Iumien, 24% Hmong and 51% Akha. (See Table A10-3 below). Three villages are having single ethnic groups: 1) Ban Denkang (100% Hmong); 2) Ban Jakhamtan (100% Akha); and 3) Houay Mor (100% Akha). Two villages are inhabited with mix ethnic groups: 1) Sivilay (76% Lue HHs and 24% Iumien HHs); and 2) Jakhamping (2% Lue HHs and 98% Akha HHs).

58. Since the subproject coverage is dominated by Akha and minority of Iumien, Lue and Hmong, it is necessary that subproject planning, implementation and O&M activities/strategies consider involvement and representation of the minority ethnic groups particularly the Iumien group which has the lowest percentage of HHs and population in the area.

Table A10-3. Ethnic Groups Population Distribution in Houay Makmue Subproject

No. of Population Village and Ethnic Groups Households Male Female Total No. % No. % No. % No. % 1. Ban Sivilay (100% Lao- 92 24.40 209 19.35 228 21.99 437 20.64 Tai Group) a. Lue 70 76.09 164 78.47 178 78.07 342 78.26 b. Iumien 22 23.91 45 21.53 50 21.93 95 21.74 2. Ban Denkang (100% 91 24.14 333 30.83 322 31.05 655 30.94 Hmong) 3. Ban Jakhamtan (100% 62 16.45 167 15.46 145 13.98 312 14.74 Akha) 4. Ban Houay Mor (100% 71 18.83 195 18.06 188 18.13 383 18.09 Akha) 5. Ban Jakhamping 61 16.18 176 16.30 154 14.85 330 15.59 a. Lue 1 1.64 2 0.19 2 0.19 4 0.19 b. Akha 60 98.36 174 16.11 152 14.66 326 15.40 Total per Ethnic Group Lue 70 18.57 164 15.19 178 17.16 342 16.15 Iumien 22 5.84 45 4.17 50 4.82 95 4.49 Hmong 91 24.14 333 30.83 322 31.05 655 30.94 Akha 194 51.46 538 49.81 487 46.96 1,025 48.42 Overall Total 377 100.00 1,080 100.00 1,037 100.00 2,117 100.00

59. The Tai Lue or Lue Ethnic Group belongs to the Tai Language family, which includes the Lao and Tai Dam Peoples. The origin of the Tai Lue can be traced back to Sipsong Panna, which is now southern Yunnan Province in China. In Laos, they reside in the North, from

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Sayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces all the way to Phongsaly. The Tai Lue have preserved much of their traditional way of life as it was before their expansion into Indochina. Most are farmers living in river valleys where they grow irrigated and rainfed rice for both consumption and sale. They still use wooden equipment drawn by buffalo. They are also good fishermen and clever silver smiths. Some men fabricate the famous Tai Lue swords, and the women's specialties include weaving and embroidery. Tai Lue villages are located either on raised ground surrounded by rice fields, or on high ground on either side of a road or pathway. Their houses are often the characteristic Thai "pile" dwellings, with floors made of split bamboo and straw thatched roofs. In the past each village had a shaman who the people visited when they were sick, but now more and more people go to the clinic or hospital when they are sick. The Tai Lue people practice Theravada Buddhism mixed with animism. 60. The Akha are an indigenous hill tribe who live in small villages at higher elevations in the mountains of Thailand, Burma, Laos, and Yunnan Province in China. They made their way from China into Southeast Asia during the early 1900s. The Akha speak Akha, a language in the branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. The Akha language is closely related to Lisu and it is thought that the Akha once belonged to the Lolo hunter tribes people who once ruled the Baoshan and Tengchong plains in Yunnan before the invasion of the Ming Dynasty in 1644.The Akha migrated from China to Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam over the past 200 years. Some of their villages can be found today in the far north of Laos, primarily Phongsaly and Luang Namtha provinces. Traditionally living in more upland areas, some Akha communities can be very remote. While they used to be also called the Ko or Iko, these names are now considered impolite. The traditional form of subsistence for the Akha people has been, and remains, agriculture. The Akha grow a variety of crops including soybeans and vegetables. Rice is the most significant crop and is prominent in much of Akha culture and ritual. Most Akha plant dry-land rice, which depends solely on rainfall for moisture, but in some villages irrigation, has been built to water paddy. Historically, some Akha villages cultivated opium, but production diminished after the Thai and Lao government banned its cultivation. In addition to their agricultural work, the Akha raise livestock including pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, cattle, and water buffalo to supplement their diets and to use for their secondary products. Children usually herd the animals. Akha women gather plants from the surrounding forests as well as eggs and insects the Akha will occasionally eat or use for medicinal purposes. The women and the men will often fish in the local lakes and streams.

61. The Iumien people originated from China, and migrated from Hunnan Province to northern Vietnam, Thailand and northern Lao beginning in the 15th and 16thcenturies. The Mien is also known as Yao, Iumien and Mien. They speak Mien language. The Mien practice Taoism, a philosophy and religion they adopted from China. Women are expert embroiderers. The typical houses of the Yao are rectangular and they have structures made of wood and bamboo. Within the subproject, they now do lowland and upland farming with some doing livestock of buffalo, cattle, goat, pig and chicken.

62. The Hmong is classified under the Hmong-Iumien ethno-linguistic group. The Hmong is an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Hmong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. The Hmong culture usually consists of a dominant hierarchy within the family. Males hold dominance over females and thus, a father is considered the head in each household. The Hmong migrated from southern China sometime during the nineteenth century and established hilltop villages. Hmong are skilled at hunting, mixing herbal medicines and raising animals, particularly horses. Hmong believe in a variety of natural, ancestral and supernatural spirits and their religious practices incorporate elements of ancestor worship. Today, they inhabit the northern and central parts of Laos, including Xieng Khouang, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Xayaboury,

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Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces. The Hmong have their own spoken and written language, and constitute the third largest ethnic group in Laos, with about 8% of the population. In the past, the Hmong used to be called the Miao or Lao Soung. Lao Soung means “Lao of the mountaintops.” The expression refers to where the Hmong traditionally liked to live. However, these names are no longer considered appropriate, and the Hmong prefer to be called by their ethnic group name. The Hmong are a proud ethnic group, maintaining their distinctive culture and traditions. They cannot marry within their clan, or even a person of their own family name. Traditionally after marriage, a woman will then follow her husband and severe ties with her parents. The Hmong practiced the shifting cultivation of unirrigated upland crops; buckwheat, barley, and millet were grown at the highest altitudes, and rice and corn (maize) at lower elevations. Virgin forest was cleared and burnt off for the planting of new fields. When soil fertility decline (usually after several decades), the entire village would relocate. New villages could be a considerable distance away from a group’s previous locale. In the late 19th century the opium poppy was introduced into the highlands by outside traders, and the Hmong began to cultivate it in an integrated cycle together with corn and dry rice. They sold opium to itinerant traders, usually Chinese, in return for silver. By the late 20th century, shifting cultivation had become impracticable except in a few remote areas. In response to government programs in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, the Hmong have now largely abandoned shifting cultivation and opium production. They have instead turned to the permanent-field cultivation of crops such as rice and corn or the gardening of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, which they sell in lowland markets.

3.2 Socio-Economic Status

63. The results of the SIA 3 conducted in the late part of 2013 show that poverty, rice deficiency and literacy are concerns. Of the 377 HHs in the 5 villages 39 of HHs are classified as poor having income below 85,000 kips/person/month, 321 HHs are classified as having income between 85,000 to 180,000 kips/person/month and only 17 HHs are having income above 180,000 kips/person/month (2009/2012 poverty line for rural areas). Poverty is more prevalent among the Hmong (16 HHs) and Akha (20 HHs), compared to Lue (3 HHs) and Iumien (0%). Rice sufficiency situation shows that 223HHs are rice sufficient and/or surplus with rice, while the rest 46% are having deficits, with 13% of household with less than one month deficit; while 154 HHs have rice deficits. Adult literacy is low at only 22%. Literacy among Lue and Iumien is 51%, 22% among the Hmong and only 9% among the Akha ethnic group.

3.2.1 Land

64. Of the 377 HHs in the subproject area, 171 HHs are presently beneficiaries of irrigation with a total of 152.61 hectares. Of the irrigated farmers 51 HHs (30%) are Lue with 60.84 has.,18 HHs (11%) are Iumien with 14.73 has., 48 HHs (28%) are Hmong with 42.24 has., and 54 HHs (32%) are Akha with 34.80 hectares. Potential area for irrigation expansion is 23.45 has. rainfed lowland being cultivated by 30HHs of different ethnic grouping. Other HHs not having developed lowlands to cultivate are involved in cultivating uplands, home gardens, timber lands, fruit tree farms and/or rubber tree lands.

65. The subproject will not in any way affect land ownership or the right of land cultivation of people/ethnic groups in the area. Instead, it will encourage increased activities on land cultivation with the expected improvement in water availability due to the rehabilitation and improvement of the existing irrigation system.

66. Land ownership document in the area is generally Land Tax Certificate (LTC) which is reported to be in the name of both spouses in some cases and in the name of only the husband

3 Annex 7 of the Subproject Feasibility Report

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3.2.2 Language

67. Adult literacy of the Lao national language (reading and writing) is low at only 22% are literates. Literacy among Lue and Iumien is 51%, 22% among the Hmong and only 9% among the Akha ethnic group.

68. The Lue ethnic group basically speak the Lao national language. The other ethnic groups have their own language or dialect. The Akha speak Akha, a language in the branch of the Tibeto-Burman family. The Hmong have their own spoken and written language. The Iumien speak Mien language. It was reported that most of the people in the five villages can speak the Lao national language particularly the younger generation. However, to ensure efficiency in communication, measures must be undertaken to ensure the presence of project staff who can speak the local languages to help in translation during consultations, discussions, meetings, training and other forum involving the different ethnic groups.

3.2.3 Gender

69. A total of 377 Households reside in the five villages, with a total population of 2,117. The total male population is 1,037 and total female population is 1,080. The female to male ratio is about 3: 3, an average of about 6 members per HH.

70. The leadership (heads/chiefs) of the village administration committees/organizations which include, the Lao National Front for Construction (LNFC), the Lao Youth Union (LYU), the Lao Women’s’ Union (LWU), Village Security and Army Units, are all dominated by men except the Lao Women Union being an organization for women. The executive committees of these units as well as of village organizations like the WUG, Domestic Water Supply Group (DWSG) are also dominated by men. Women are represented by the Head of the Lao Women Union in Village Authority meetings. For the ethnic groups, the husband is the dominant figure at home thus, a father is considered the head in each household. This is more prominent among the Hmong ethnic group.

71. The SIA results1 show that women of all ethnic groups perform significant roles at home, in agriculture production and in decision-making. Women perform household responsibilities more than men. They also perform agricultural production works except those that are considered “muscle” works like land preparation and irrigation. Women share decision-making responsibilities with men, but the men are considered to be having the bigger share of these roles. Considering these, the importance and significance of the roles of women at home, in agriculture production and in decision-making must be brought to the awareness of both genders during Gender Awareness Training/Workshop. In support to this, the participation and representation of women in the WUA/WUG will be promoted with the requirement that the Executive Committee should be composed of 30% women. This should be adopted in the establishment of Farmers’ Production groups (FPGs) and other Committees that will be established for the subproject.

72. Another concern on gender is the observation that many females stop schooling and marry at an early age, as young as 14 to 16 years old. In relation to this, government public health officers are conducting sanitation and hygiene awareness campaign and family planning education. The NRI proposes to conduct related campaigns such as primary health care, HIV/AIS/STI prevention and awareness campaign and agricultural chemical awareness campaign.

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73. There are 12 Female Headed Households (FHHs), 3 are Lue, 2 Iumien, 2 Hmong and 5 Akha. The 3 Lue FHHs are of the middle income level and one is having rice deficit. The 2 Iumien FHHs are having rice deficit of more than 4 months and are of the middle income level. The Hmong FHHs are sufficient with rice and of the middle income level. Of the 5 Akha HHs, 3 are having rice deficit and all are of the middle income level. The FHHs seems not to be of concern, since they are found to be all of the middle income level. Those having rice deficit can procure additional rice from their HH income.

3.2.4 Health and Hygiene

74. The villages have access to electricity, domestic water supply, primary and elementary schools, a district dispensary/health clinic is located in Sivilay village, small shops are present in each village, and all have mobile phone signal coverage. About 70% of the HHs have access to pit latrines, with the lowest at Denkang at 35% and Houay Mor at 56%.

75. Five years ago, malaria has slowed down. People at present mostly encounter common seasonal diseases such as cold, flu, cough and diarrhea. Except Ban Sivilay, sanitation is an issue. The other four villages do not have good sanitation and hygiene systems in their villages. Animals are seen to share places adjacent to houses.

76. The nearest hospital is in Long District which is 15 km away. There is a dispensary in Sivilay and health volunteers in Ban Denkang and Houay Mor. Most of the people in the five villages go to Long District Hospital for serious illness. Some people resort to herbal and traditional medicines or buy medicines at the village pharmacy in Sivilay for common and seasonal diseases such as cold, headaches, cough, flu and fever.

77. The villages have access domestic water supply and dispensary/health clinic. About 70% of the HHs have access to pit latrines, with the lowest at Denkang at 35% and Houay Mor at 56%. There are no reported problems on waste disposal and sanitation.

78. The construction of the subproject may bring about health hazards such as: (i) dust and noise pollution; (ii) danger from construction material storage and construction sites; and (iii) construction and workers’ waste disposal/management. These, however, are temporary in nature, and mitigation measures are included in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) developed for the subproject included in Annex 8 – Initial Environmental Examination of the Feasibility Study Report for the subproject.

79. The use of chemical fertilizer and pest control is increasingly becoming popular due to the rubber tree, banana plantations and contract farming by Chinese businessmen and poses hazard to health of people in the area as well as environmental pollution and degradation. In response to this, organic farming, safety measures in handling and use of chemicals for agriculture production, and control on the sales and use of banned chemicals will be promoted under NRI. These will be considered during subproject implementation stage.

3.2.5 Social Impact and Inequality

80. During the consultation conducted in July 2014, the participants represented by village authorities, women, men, youth, LWU, LFNC and different ethnic groups in the 5 villages, informed that they are aware of the project and that they are fully supporting its implementation. Before the consultation in July, three meetings had been conducted in the villages during the Subproject Orientation, Village Consultation Meeting and Social impact Assessment in 2013.

81. They are also aware that the subproject may affect some lands during construction, however, they expressed willingness to contribute portions of lands affected is such is unavoidable. They also expressed willingness to contribute labor during construction and to maintain the system after completion as what they are doing at present.

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82. The Subproject was requested by the farmers particularly those with irrigated lands through the Village, District and Provincial Authorities. It is accepted that not all households will directly benefit the irrigation subproject. Others may indirectly benefit from the productivity and impact enhancement initiatives that will be delivered for the Subproject. The compulsory initiatives will include: (i) support for WUGs established to operate and maintain the rehabilitated facilities; and (ii) water catchments identification and zoning. Optional initiatives will be further discussed with the beneficiaries during detailed design stage and could be selected from agriculture production, post-harvest handling, processing and the development of market linkage initiatives. The enhanced crop production due to irrigation will also generate agriculture labor demand and a more active economy.

83. The direct beneficiaries of the subproject are the currently irrigated farmers (171 HHs with 152.61 has.) and 30 HHs who own 23.45 has. rainfed lowlands which are potential for irrigation expansion. The ethnic group distribution of the 171 (45%) irrigated HHs is : 51 Lue HHs (30%) with 60.84 has., 18 Iumien HHs (11%) with 14.73 has., 48 Hmong HHs (28%) with 42.24 has., and 54 Akha HHs (32%) with 34.80 hectares.

84. Besides the rehabilitation of the irrigation system and the enhancement of productivity, there are other benefits that the ethnic groups from these four villages can expect to receive. These will include: (i) the establishment of WUGs to operate and maintain the rehabilitated facilities; and (ii) the capacity building initiatives for the local authorities which will include the targeted villages. These consist of various training programs such as those for WUGs in the areas of operation and maintenance, financial management, identification of water catchment and crop zoning, as well as agricultural production technology.

85. At feasibility study stage, the rehabilitation works of the Subproject was determined to result in minor loss of portion of agricultural land and trees for two affected households (AHs). Loss of 1,500 m2agricultural land representing 2.2% of total productive land owned by the two AHs. Loss of 105 trees owned by the same 2 AHs representing 2.6% of the total trees owned. No other impact on assets and crops was identified. This is described in detail in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Report (LACR), Annex 9 of the Subproject Feasibility Report. The 2 AHs are of the Lue Ethnic Group, Lao-Tai Ethno-Linguistic Group. They are classified as middle and high income level. The AHs were consulted and informed of the available compensation options. The values of the affected assets had been determined. Negotiations and final agreements on compensation will be done during the detailed design stage of the subproject.

3.2.6 Social Benefits

86. The proposed subproject has the following potential benefits:

(i) Increase household income and food security and hence, reduce poverty;

(ii) Improvement of the economic conditions of beneficiary households due to: a) improved irrigation water availability in irrigated areas; b) increase in irrigated area in both season; c) increase rice yield and production; d) promote production of high value crops during the dry season; and e) increase in income;

(iii) Generate additional demand for hired labor due to increase in agricultural activities in the area for two seasons;

(iv) Promote a more active economy for the villages due to increased production of rice and other crops, increased household income, potential commercialization of rice surplus and high value crops, and demand for production inputs;

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(v) Savings in labor, time and local materials for the beneficiary households from the frequent repair of the indigenous weirs particularly during the wet season.

(vi) Increased empowerment of ethnic groups and women through their representation in the WUG/WUA, FPGs and other village committees, and involvement in subproject activities; and

(vii) Improved cooperation and social cohesion among ethnic groups due to equal opportunities in representation and participation in the WUG/WUA, FPGs and other committees that will be established through the subproject, as well as in subproject activities.

87. Besides the benefits from irrigation, benefits from the productivity and impact enhancement initiatives that will be delivered by the project are:

(i) The establishment and capability development of a Water Users’ Association (WUA) that will be responsible for the MOM of the rehabilitated/improved irrigation system.

(ii) Empowerment through representation of women and different ethnic groups in the WUG/WUA, Farmers Production Groups and other committees.

(iii) Introduction of the collection of Irrigation Service Fees (ISF) as source of funds for the MOM of the Irrigation System for sustainability.

(iv) Improved planning of cropping within irrigated as well as in rainfed and upland areas.

(v) Increased technical know-how and improved capability of farmers on crop production and marketing technology.

(vi) Improved management of the water catchment areas.

(vii) Improved awareness on the importance and recognition of the role of women at home, in agriculture and in decision-making responsibilities

(viii) Additional benefits from other optional initiatives that will be identified to be delivered through the subproject.

(ix) An institutionalized and active grievance redress mechanism through the Lao National Front of Reconstruction (LNFC).

88. In respect of capacity building, the subproject will support training in agricultural extension and demonstration activities, especially related to the production of cash crops, marketing and contract farming. Currently, the Department of Agriculture of Bountai district is supporting and promoting individual farmers to form farmers’ production groups for cardamom, bean, maize/corn, pumpkin and rice. The irrigation system will undoubtedly be a significant mechanism to enhance crop production and allow farmers to establish farmers’ production groups.

89. Additionally, the subproject is open to present other initiatives, which will be discussed with the ethnic groups during the detailed design stage. There will be a selection from production, post-harvest handling, processing and the development of market linkage initiatives.

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3.2.7 Expected Sustainable Outcomes

90. The rehabilitation/improvement of the irrigation system will bring about improved water control and availability, increase irrigated area and irrigation water for two crop seasons.

91. To ensure sustainable operation of the irrigation system after completion, a WUA will be established and given capability development training on the management, operation and maintenance (MOM) of the irrigation system. To ensure proper representation of all beneficiaries and stakeholders, different ethnic groups and women will be required to be represented in the WUA management structure. The DAFO and PAFO will have to provide sustained monitoring and evaluation of the MOM of the irrigation system and provide technical assistance to the WUA. To provide advises and mediation, the LWU, the Village Chief and the LNFC Village Head will act as advisers to the WUA.

92. As source of funds for the MOM of the irrigation system, Irrigation Service Fees (ISF) at rates agreed with the beneficiaries through the assistance of the DAFO, PAFO, LWU, Village Chiefs and LNFC shall be collected.

93. For the protection of the water source, water catchment identification and crop zoning is planned as one of the impact enhancement initiatives under the subproject. In addition, technical assistance on crop production and marketing will be provided to Farmers Production Groups.

94. The above had been consulted with the villagers and they expressed their support of the plans.

4. BENEFICIAL AND MITIGATING MEASURES

95. The subproject promotes the enhancement of agricultural production in a culturally appropriate context and aims to equally distribute benefits within the subproject’s coverage while ensuring the active participation of ethnic groups, including women. It is expected to bring about the following positive benefits to ethnic groups:

(i) Potential increase in incomes and food security due to higher agricultural yields (ii) Empowerment through representation in water user groups and farmer production groups (iii) Increase in technical know-how on agriculture and marketing from capacity-building programs (iv) Improved knowledge and skills on the use and handling of chemical fertilizer and pesticides and safer and healthier alternatives such as organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

96. To ensure proper involvement and participation of all ethnic groups in subproject activities, the Subproject Intervention Strategies in Table A10-4 will be applied. The subproject will ensure that consultations that are to be conducted at any stage with each of the ethnic groups will be in the local ethnic group’s language using interpreters to translate from Lao to the ethnic group’s language. Where information is needed for specific purposes rather than providing general information, separate discussions for every ethnic group, women and men will be conducted to encourage greater participation. Furthermore, the subproject will ensure that training and other capacity building activities are conducted in the ethnic groups’ languages to avoid exclusion/inability to participate in the subproject activities.

97. The subproject will pay special attention to avoid discrimination and inequality. The subproject will address adopt measures to ensure the representation of ethnic minority groups on all management committees, especially WUA as well as other working groups. Additionally, the subproject will closely monitor the construction of the irrigation system to ensure that there are equal employment opportunities for ethnic groups, men and women. Furthermore, special

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attention will be given to those who are poor and most in need of help to gain access to work. The project will also closely monitor the performance of the subcontractor and closely collaborate with the related local authorities in order to avoid future conflicts and ensure maximum benefits. The following table sets out the specific intervention strategies to be addressed during the subproject implementation period.

Table A10-4. Subproject Intervention Strategies

Project IPPF Requirements for Irrigation Subproject Intervention Strategies Component Improvement and Development 1. Production • Evidence of consultation with • The subproject has strong support and ethnic groups (women and men) from all the ethnic groups in the four productivity demonstrating their support prior villages. Evidence was recorded enhancing to subproject approval. during the feasibility study, the social rural assessment, village consultations infrastructure and groups’ discussions. constructed • Ensure mutual decision making and and/or that an agreement has been reached rehabilitated. on the design details, including irrigation channels and alignments as well as the location of the water gate to each village by the following three parties: the project, the District Agriculture Departments and the clan representatives from the four villages. • Ensure evidence of a prior agreement regarding the equal distribution of the irrigation system’s water supply to each village by the four villages’ representatives to avoid future conflict between the villages. • Selection criteria for subprojects • The subproject will ensure that the should ensure the use of local selected subcontractor develops a labour and avoidance of labor management plan that consists construction camps. of: (i) criteria for labour selection and • Local contractors will preferentially impose zero tolerance for child employ women and men from labour; (ii) equal access to work and poor ethnic group households in equal pay for the same type of work construction activities. for ethnic men and women; and (iii) • Equal access to work and equal special attention to the poor ethnic pay for women and men for work families in the subproject areas that of equal type. need help. • Safe working conditions for both • Ensure the established WUA has men and women workers. received the following training: (i) • Local contractors will not employ understanding of the nature of the child labor. irrigation system, including the operational function of the irrigation system and its expected life span; (ii) management and maintenance to ensure long-term usage; and (iii) financial management in relation to the collection of water fees. 2. Productivity • Representation of the ethnic • The subproject will ensure that each and impact groups in water user groups. ethnic group will field a enhancing • Representation of the ethnic representative to the WUA using initiatives groups on all subproject their own processes for selection. adopted. management committees The subproject will ensure that (marketing initiatives, producer ethnic group representatives will groups, etc.). have equal status and voice the in decision making regarding the

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Project IPPF Requirements for Irrigation Subproject Intervention Strategies Component Improvement and Development irrigation system. • WUA guidelines will be simplified and/or translated into the languages of the ethnic groups. • Capacity building for ethnic • Ensure the established WUA groups to enable participation in including the ethnic groups have subproject and community received the following training: (i) decision-making delivered in the understanding of the nature of the local language and using an irrigation system, including the appropriate methodology (i.e. operational function of the irrigation participation and negotiation system and its expected life span; training, marketing skills and (ii) management and maintenance to numeracy training). ensure long-term usage; and (iii) • Representation of ethnic groups financial management in relation to in project study tours. the collection of water fees. • Extension services designed for • The training in the enhancement of and delivered to ethnic groups. agricultural production, including agricultural market extension services, soil improvement techniques, introduction of suitable crops and sustainable use of the irrigated water system will be provided for each village including ethnic groups. This training will include marketing skills, agricultural knowledge/information and observation techniques for better negotiation and numeracy skills. • Workshop on agricultural knowledge exchange will be conducted by the subproject to: (i) strengthen the interrelationship between villages and different ethnic groups; (ii) promote the exchange of agricultural production knowledge by the different ethnic groups; (iii) encourage ethnic groups from different ethnic backgrounds to engage in social functions and public meetings with other groups; (iv) promote ethnic women’s groups to expose them to other people outside of their own village; and (v) encourage the ethnic groups’ confidence, especially women, in communicating and negotiating with other people. 3. Capacities of • Safeguards (EGDP) training for • Safeguard (EGDP) training is national, implementing agencies at provided for key responsible persons provincial and national, provincial and district of the project’s implementing district agencies levels (i.e. NPMO, PPOs, DCOs agencies at the central, provincial strengthened to and other stakeholders). and district levels enable a sector • On-going training and mentoring • The project has recruited national development by international and national and international IP safeguards and approach. specialists will be provided to gender specialists to safeguard national and provincial staff to ethnic groups’ rights to development enable effective preparation and and access to equal opportunities in monitoring of individual EGDP for the subproject areas. each subproject. • The project will closely collaborate

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Project IPPF Requirements for Irrigation Subproject Intervention Strategies Component Improvement and Development • Assistance (budgets) provided for with local authorities, including the capacity building of the Village Lao Front for National Construction Mediation Committees where (LFNC) and Village Mediation these have not had the recent Committees if and when ethnic round of training. groups’ villagers express concerns, • Assistance (budgets) provided for provide feedback and suggestions to capacity building of village and the project. It should be done in a district level committees of the Lao timely manner and appropriately take Front for National Construction into account the ethnic groups (LFNC) where this relates to traditional culture when dealing with promoting and meeting the needs any issues that arise. of ethnic minority groups in • The project will provide key staff to subproject areas. closely work and collaborate with the ethnic groups in the four villages and other stakeholders during the construction of the irrigation system. • Safeguards specialists in different fields are engaged during the subproject’s implementation period. 4. Efficient and • Safeguard (gender/indigenous • International and national IP and effective delivery peoples) specialists included in gender safeguards specialists are of subprojects national, provincial and district engaged by the project during the and project levels (NPMO, PPO, DPO) subproject’s implementation period. management. • Focal persons for social safeguards are designated at the NPMO, PPO and DCO to assist in coordinating and ensuring the benefits of ethnic groups as well as overseeing other social safeguards. • Social Impact Analysis and an IPP • Social impact assessment, ethnic will be prepared for each group consultations, focus groups subproject. discussions are conducted and the subproject commits itself to continued consultations with different ethnic groups during the implementation period. • All monitoring and evaluation data • Subproject monitoring and reporting disaggregated by ethnic of EGDP implementation groupings. performance indicators including • NPMO and PPOs responsible for participation, training, and monitoring and reporting of EGDP employment targets will include data performance indicators, including and information disaggregated by ethnic group participation, training ethnic groups and gender. and employment targets. • EGDP implementation performance indicators included in mid-term reviews.

5. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION

98. Several consultations and information disclosures have been conducted with the five villages since 2010 on: (i) the potential irrigation project; and (ii) the potential impacts, including land loss, as well as crop and timber production. Each consultation, minutes of meetings, participants’ lists, photos and official correspondence were recorded by the project. The villagers from all of the four villages confirmed during the assessment that they have received relevant information about the subproject’s initial design and purpose. In each of the consultations, participants were asked to indicate/provide their views on the potential beneficial impacts and risks of the subproject.

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99. Formally, the Lao government sets out a number of specific requirements in respect of consultation with, and participation of, communities and stakeholders, in the EIA/SIA process. Decree 112/PM on Environmental Impact Assessment sets out the rights and duties of project affected people and stakeholders, which include receiving information about a project along with the potential adverse impacts or benefits they may experience if the project goes ahead. Involvement in the EIA/SIA process is required through provision of appropriate and sufficient information to people and communities affected. The instructions state that consultation will take the form of: (i) interviews with village leaders, focus group discussions (FGDs) and household interviews/surveys; (ii) discussions about impacts and mitigation measures, and where impacts are identified, discussions about how a negative impact can be minimized during the project’s implementation; and, (iii) provision of the opportunity to review, respond to, or comment on the safeguards documents.

100. All of the villagers are aware that they may not be engaged as laborers because the district authorities have informed them that the excavation of the irrigation channels will be done by machinery instead of by manual labour. The villagers have proposed a cooperative management and maintenance of the system and not of having each village manage their own section of the irrigation channel. The project strongly supports this view and will address mutual decision making during its implementation.

101. During the implementation period the project is committed to providing sufficient interpreters for non-Lao speaking ethnic groups so that they understand any changes related to the progress or timeframe from the project’s side. The interpreters will consist of both men and women to accurately deliver information and gather feedback, concerns and suggestions from the villagers.

102. Table A10-5 suggests consultation forums within each subproject stage/phase. To ensure involvement, participation and representation of the ethnic groups, and women in these forums, the involvement/participation and/or representation of these groups must be required. The involvement of the end-users must be complemented with the participation and technical assistance of the DAFO, PAFO, LWU, Village Authorities and the LNFC (as the focal person for ethnic affairs). The LNFC will assume critical role in assuring proper representation of ethnic groups and in the grievance redress mechanism.

Table A10-5. Consultation, Participation and Disclosure

Focus and Description of Consultation Subproject Stage Disclosure and Participation (C&P) Feasibility Study Introductory visit to apprise the villagers of Results of studies, surveys, the project and proposed activities in the assessments, etc. were subproject. Consultation with villagers on discussed during subproject current issues and concerns (07 consultations and meetings. September 2011) Excerpts of Feasibility Study, Irrigation Engineering site visits (13-14 May SIA, LACR and EGDP will be 2013) translated into Lao for dissemination. Socio-Economic Survey in October 2013 involving interview of village authorities, For Iumien, Hmong and Akha sample HHs and Focus Group Discussions ethnic groups, consultations with men, women and ethnic groups, and meetings were done with intended for the SIA of the subproject the help of staff who can speak the dialects. Meetings with ethnic groups, men and women held in their own language to gather information for the SIA (July 2014)

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Focus and Description of Consultation Subproject Stage Disclosure and Participation (C&P) Detailed Engineering Consultation meetings where the The Subproject design and Design subproject design and plan is discussed to plan will be finalized and villagers with representation of men, presented to the same women and ethnic groups. During these audience before meetings, the PAFO, DAFO, village implementation. authorities, LWU and LNFC are invited to participate. Before the start of construction, pre-construction meetings with the same audience must be done where the PMU and Contractor will discuss construction works, methodology, schedule and labor requirements. Implementation During subproject implementation, regular Agreed actions should be (monthly or more frequent, if necessary) copied to all stakeholders as Project Coordination Meetings will be basis of monitoring and conducted with the same audience above evaluation. to be facilitated by the PMU and the Contractor. During these meetings, topics For Hmong, Iumien and Akha to be discussed should include among ethnic groups, the meetings others: a) progress of construction; b) must be arranged with the issues, problems and constraints; c) assistance of interpreters. actions to resolve identified issues, problems and constraints.

The WUG/WUA should be allowed to conduct daily monitoring visits of on-going works jointly with project engineers of the PMU and Contractor.

Collect feedback, concerns and recommendations from WUGs, FPG and women. O&M Stage (Women and Ethnic Groups represented in the WUA Structure)

Pre-Cropping Season Meeting to: a) Copies of developed are develop cropping plan for the season posted in public places within (decide what to plant, where to plant, when all villages involved. to plant and when to harvest); b) develop repair and maintenance plan for the The project will facilitate irrigation system; c) develop water dissemination of information allocation and distribution schedules for the in native ethnic groups’ system; and d) develop ISF Collection languages via interpreters. program and budget for the season.

In-Season Meetings to identify issues and concerns/problems and agree on solutions to such.

Post-Season Meetings to assess the past season and develop plans for the next season. (Same as the Pre-Cropping Season Meeting).

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6. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

103. Ethnic Groups in the five villages were informed during the village meetings about their rights related to grievance and the procedures that are in place. In relation to the grievance redress mechanism (GRM), the four ethnic groups share the same view that if any issue arises, regardless of this subproject, they will firstly consider amongst them whether the issue can be resolved internally. This first stage of mediation is preferred by all of them so as not to bring up issues unnecessarily and avoid complications. If the issue cannot be dealt with internally, they will then bring it up verbally with the village authorities. The village authorities often seek the advice of the villager elders and call for a meeting which includes the complainants and the elders as mediators. If the issue cannot be resolved then the next formal step involves the village authority to either assist in drafting a written complaint or the complainant will be asked to draft by the complaint by themselves. It then will go through the village authorities for comments and a referral letter will then be sent to the district authorities. The district authorities will then take up the case, investigate and mediate with the complainants and village authorities. If the issue still cannot be solved then the same steps are taken at the provincial level. If the provincial authorities cannot solve the issue, then they will be referred to the provincial courts. All of the consulted villages share the same view on both informal and formal grievance procedures.

104. The Lao National Front for Construction (LFNC) represents ethnic groups and at village level also leads the Village Mediation Committee. In general, people in the villages respect the LFNC members (“Neo Hom”) and often turn first to them for assistance on both domestic and civil matters. Assistance will be provided for training of the Committees where this has not already occurred through the current program being implemented. An information campaign will be conducted to ensure that all community members understand the revised role and responsibilities of the Mediation Committees.

8. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

105. To ensure inter-agency cooperation at the national level, a National Steering Committee (NSC) has been established. The NSC will meet annually or as required to review overall implementation progress, approve annual work-plans and budgets, and provide overall policy guidance. The National Project Management Office (NPMO) will provide secretariat services to NSC. Provincial Steering Committees (PSCs) have been established to ensure inter-agency coordination at the provincial level. The PSCs are chaired by provincial vice governors with equivalent representation to that for the NSC, including governors from the participating districts. The PSC will meet bi-annually or as required to review implementation progress and to ensure adequate levels of coordination between key agencies for project coordination. Subproject Investment Reports (SIRs) shall be approved by PSCs after obtaining the necessary concurrence of ADB for social and environmental safeguards. The PPO will provide secretariat services to PSCs.

106. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is the executing agency (EA) for the project, with the responsibility for overall project coordination and management transferred to its Department of Planning (DOP) who has established the National Project Management Office (NPMO) for the day-to-day coordination and management of the project. The implementing agencies at the provincial level are the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFOs). Provincial Project Offices (PPOs) have been established in each PAFO to be responsible for financial management at the provincial level, as well as coordination and management of the implementation of subprojects. To assist implementation of the project at the district level, District Coordination Offices (DCOs) have been established within District Agriculture and Forestry Offices (DAFOs) to mainly coordinate and supervise subproject activities.

107. The executing agency for the subproject will be the provincial governor’s office which will delegate responsibility for subproject implementation to its Provincial Agriculture and Forestry

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Office (PAFO). The PAFO will, in turn, designate responsibility for day to day implementation and monitoring of the subproject to the provincial project office (PPO) established within its premises. If external consultants are required for survey and design of the scheme, recruitment of consultants to prepare the detailed subproject design and construction supervision will be managed by the National Project Management Office (NPMO). Works contracts will be procured by the NPMO based on provincially and NPMO certified and approved designs. PAFO, through its PPO, will be involved both in project management of the subproject but also in confirming the technical specifications of the rehabilitated weir and canals for the schemes. The associated investments will be delivered by established district agriculture and forestry offices under a performance based contract to the PPO under the supervision of the NPMO.

108. The DAFO works closely with the following four departments at the district level: (i) the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) to ensure equal engagement of women and members of ethnic groups so that their concerns and feedback are taken into consideration; (ii) the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DoNRE) which mostly deals with the inspection and control of chemicals as well as contract farming licenses; (iii) the National Lao Front for Construction (NLFC) to specifically focus on ethnic groups and development issues; and (iv) the District Cabinet Office to ensure that all activities are coordinated and reported to the district governors and its administration. In order to develop this EGDP, the DAFO invited all of these aforementioned departments to partake in the assessment and therefore they participated in village meetings and the focus groups discussions. These key officials from the various departments are therefore responsible for overseeing the different aspects of the project’s implementation and progress. For instance, DoNRE oversees the social and environmental measures, NLFC looks after the benefits and interests of the ethnic groups, and the LWU ensures women’s engagement and supports their interests. Meanwhile DAFO, through DCO, oversees the project’s overall development, especially related to agricultural extension services.

8. BUDGET AND FINANCING PLAN

109. Estimated EGDP implementation costs are set out and financed from the Grant. Detailed budgets will be included in subproject costing during implementation stage.

9. MONITORING

9.1 Internal Monitoring

110. Internal monitoring and collection of information on the subproject’s progress, effectiveness and results will largely be the responsibility of PPO in cooperation with DCO. There will also be an emphasis on the identification of activities to enhance agricultural production whilst recognising constraints so as to provide appropriate remedial actions. Internally the provincial and district officers from the different departments will jointly prepare monitoring reports, which in turn the PPO will use to prepare monthly reports for the NPMO. The NPMO will validate these reports and include in the project’s progress reports progress reports.

9.2 External Monitoring

111. The project has engaged an external monitoring in charge of social and environmental safeguards, participation, and gender. The external monitoring entity submits quarterly monitoring reports on these aspects.

112. To validate results of internal monitoring, engagement of an external (independent) monitor is required by ADB, which has been carried out for 2013 and 2014 subprojects, and will be continued in the following project years.

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