Household Production and Market Engagement among Resettled Hmong and Lao Loum Communities

The building of the Nam Mang 3 (NM3) Hydroelectricity Power Project between 2001 and 2003 caused the resettlement of some 140 local households. Although compensation was promised to those being resettled, no long-term survey of the change in living circumstances of the resettled has been conducted. To address this gap in knowledge, exploratory research was conducted through questionnaire survey and in-depth personal interviews. A total of 69 of the resettled people were interviewed, from January to April, 2013. Data were gathered about land compensation, access to health care, education services and clean water, as well as income opportunities and community and social relations in the new environment. Results indicated a number of problems relating to resettlement compensation and the ability of those affected to re-establish a way of life in their new environment similar to what they had left behind. However, some had prospered because of new income generating opportunities, while new neighbours were characterized as friendly and welcoming. There is a need for better basic services for those resettled, for resources, transportation infrastructure and land allocated for a graveyard.