The Uplands Program (SFB 564) is a long-term research collaboration between Hohenheim University and seven universities and research institutes in Thailand and Vietnam. The program, which started in the year 2000, aims to make a scientific contribution to the conservation of natural resources and the improvement of living conditions of the rural population in mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. These contributions are interdisciplinary in nature and include technical innovations, systems models, and capacity building of local stakeholders.

Fourteen DFG-funded projects concluded their research on 30th June 2012. Three tranferprojects, on the assessment of mango quality using sensor technology, the modeling of land use dynamics and community-based pig breeding, will continue until June 2014

This website gives a concise overview of the research conducted in the Uplands Program. It is also a database for finding publications and data, and for finding people who have done research in the program.

Research results of the DFG-funded SFB research for Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountainous regions of Southeast Asia (2000-2014) demonstrated the great potential of soil protection and water conservation methods, improved irrigation techniques and integrated pest management methods in natural resource management. Community-shared, participatory approaches to fruit drying and post-harvest management of perishable farm produce allow smallholder farmers to integrate themselves into high-value markets and improve income. Similarly, a community-based pig breeding and extension network in Northern Vietnam showed that participatory approaches involving all stakeholders cooperating on equal terms are more effective in sustainably introducing innovation and building durable knowledge systems. Moreover, important policy and institutional research results underline the vital importance of long-term tenure security and effective poverty orientation in rural credit extension for encouraging mountain farmers to invest in soil conservation and natural resource improvements. To trigger innovation distribution, adaptation and adoption, six so called ‘transfer’ projects have been set up to promote the important application of research results. 

more information on SFB 564 (project homepage)