Effects of Market Integration on Land Use & Welfare in Xayaburi, Laos

This study examines market systems and their characteristics and levels of integration in 7 districts of Xayaburi Province, Lao PDR and interpreting a range of these markets' related characteristics in a spatial manner. It then explores the key factors influencing market development and market access for local households. Data on market, land use and welfare were then geographically analyzed together to assess the relationship between market integration, land use and welfare. The long shape of the study area with the alignments of the districts along a north-south axis enables the consideration of these effects across a latitudinal gradient. While market influence is greater in the south, it is inversely proportional to political influence which is greater in the north. Incorporating this gradient of effects allows for understanding of processes of changes and effects of market accessibility and market access on market integration, and consequently on land use systems and welfare.