HEPA (Human Ecology Practical Area) Farmer Field School (FFS) is a pioneering training dedicated to strengthen indigenous youth. HEPA FFS lies at the heart of the 6 inter-thematic networks action of Mekong Community Network Action for Ecological Trading (MECO-ECOTRA).
Overuse of resources and the lack of a caring attitude towards Human-Nature relationships in many sensitive watershed ecosystems have been the major causes leading to land desertification problems, gradual erosion of social traditions, and the losses of ecological biodiversity.
Avocado is a type of fruit with high nutrients and good for health. In Long Lan village, the farmers have planted this over 10 years which so far has provided a high yield. As observation of FFS staff in the community, the villagers don`t like to eat the fruit, but it is a favorite fruit with good consumption in Luang Prabang city where there is the presence of many foreign visitors. Avocado could be a potential variety for the economic development of the Long Lan community.