ABSTRACT

Most people in rural areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion are in subsistence farming households. The farmers’ product group (FPG) might be used to provide help and support to individual households, and thus act as an intermediary when commercial interests calling. An FPG of sufficient size can also act as a market participant through cooperation, which is the case with some organic rice growers in Lao PDR. In any case, an FPG can act as a source of information and a means of communication. The availability and accessibility of various modes of information and communication technology (ICT) seems to quite different between Mandalay and Ayeyarwady, as well. Given rainfall variability, no single plan or strategy can promote connectivity through ICT and market access. Since models of market integration of rural areas and the adoption of new technologies already exist, it was determined that a quantitative methodology would be appropriate.