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  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan carries a bowl of Arabica coffee cherries harvested for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020493cc_1.jpg
  • With her baby on her back, a Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan harvests Arabica coffee cherries for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020482cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan harvests Arabica coffee cherries for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020476cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan harvests Arabica coffee cherries for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020467cc_1.jpg
  • A Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan carries a sack of Arabica coffee cherries harvested for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020463cc.jpg
  • With her baby on her back, a Hmong ethnic minority woman in Ban Long Lan harvests Arabica coffee cherries for ‘Saffron coffee’, Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR. The coffee is grown in the high mountain peaks and plateaus in Luang Prabang over 800 meters above sea level. In November, December and January Saffron Coffee coffee farmers gather all of their family members to hand pick only the red-ripe cherries. It will take several passes over these few months to harvest all of them. These farmers were once producers of opium, but who have been impoverished by lack of a replacement crop in the wake of opium’s prohibition by the Lao government. Saffron Coffee’s goal in helping these farmers grow coffee is to give them a viable and sustainable cash crop, developing their economy, and thus giving them the ability to buy medicines and send their children to school.
    A0020375cc_1.jpg
  • With her young child asleep on her back, a Tai Lue ethnic minority woman plants out chilli seedlings for export to China, Ban Nawai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0019637cc_1.jpg
  • Portrait of Chinese workers in a truck collecting pumpkins from the Khmu ethnic minority farmers in Ban Nam Khor, Oudomxay, Lao PDR. The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0016793cc_1.jpg
  • Growing chillies for export to China in the Tai Lue ethnic minority village of Ban Nawai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0019635cc_1.jpg
  • Growing chillies for export to China in the Tai Lue ethnic minority village of Ban Nawai, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0019628cc_1.jpg
  • A portrait of a young Khmu ethnic minority girl working on her family farm in Ban Nam Khor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0016777cc_1.jpg
  • A young Khmu ethnic minority girl works on her family farm picking pumpkins in Ban Nam Khor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0016772cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016910cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016906cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016894cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016890cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016872cc_1.jpg
  • A Khmu ethnic minority woman harvests tea leaves, Ban Nam Thuan, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Rural communities are being impelled to move from swidden to sedentary agriculture and many subsistence farmers are turning to the cultivation of cash crops such as tea.
    A0016869cc_1.jpg
  • Rubber plantation, Ban Nam Dang village, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. In the far north of Lao PDR, along the border with China, 'The Corridor of Opportunity' refers specifically to an area where the evolving cash economy influenced by China is gradually replacing subsistence agriculture with vast swathes of the forest being replaced by cash crops such as rubber, banana and sugar cane.
    40-05_1_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority subsistence farmer clears her land by slashing and burning to grow hill rice and coffee as a cash crop in Ban Sinesai; Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee.
    A0016635cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority subsistence farmer accompanied by her young son clears her land by slashing and burning to grow hill rice and coffee as a cash crop in Ban Sinesai; Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. The practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee.
    A0016610cc_1.jpg
  • Clearing of the land for planting cash crops, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  Swidden cultivation or ‘hai’ in Lao consists of cutting the natural vegetation, leaving it to dry and then burning it for temporary cropping of the land, the ash acting as a natural fertiliser. Shifting cultivation practices, although remarkably sustainable and adapted to their environment in the past, have come under increasing stress in recent decades and are now starting to be a major problem in Lao PDR, causing widespread deforestation and watershed degradation. In this area the practise is gradually being taken over by the planting of permanent cash crops such as coffee and tea.
    A0016503cc_1.jpg
  • Banana plantation, Luang Namtha province, Lao PDR. In the far north of Lao PDR, along the border with China, ‘The Corridor of Opportunity’ refers specifically to an area where the evolving cash economy influenced by China is gradually replacing subsistence agriculture.  Vast swathes of the forest are being replaced by cash crops such as rubber, banana and sugar cane.
    35-04_1_1.jpg
  • A Tai Lue ethnic minority woman takes a rest from preparing an irrigation system from the Nam Boun river for watering her pumpkin plants,  the produce of which will be exported to China, Ban Kong, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0029103cc_1.jpg
  • Organic peppers for sale by members of the Women's Rural Improvement Group from Sitio Matinao at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022466cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Organic radishes for sale by members of the Women's Rural Improvement Group at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022476cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Organic carrots for sale by members of the Women's Rural Improvement Group at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022469cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Organic pepper for sale by members of the Women's Rural Improvement Group from Sitio Matinao at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022467cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A woman from the local Women's farmer group in Sitio Matinao holding a home-grown pumpkin she is selling at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The  In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022356cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A woman from the local Women's farmer group in Sitio Matinao holding a bunch of bananas she is selling at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The  In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022353cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A woman holding a fruit at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines.  In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022348cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A woman from the local Women's farmer group in Sitio Matinao holding a fruit she is selling at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022344cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A woman from the local women's farmer group in Sitio Matinao holding red peppers she is selling at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines.  In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022327cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Aladipina Limpoan (42), selling home-grown carrots on the women farmers group communal market stall in Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022318cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Josephine Alad-Ad (47), a member of 'Women's Rural Improvement Group' harvests onions from her farm in Sitio Matinao, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021899cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Josephine Alad-Ad (47), a member of 'Women's Rural Improvement Group' harvests onions from her farm in Sitio Matinao, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021896cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Organic carrot for sale by members of the Women's Rural Improvement Group in Sitio Matinao at Alamada market, Cotabato Province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022468cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • 72 year old Lilia Malinao's small vegetable shop outside her home in Sitio Matinao, Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. Lilia is also President of ‘Women’s Rural Improvement Club’ and has been involved in Oxfam’s BINDS project for 1 year and 8 months. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022262cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • 72 year old Lilia Malinao with her home grown vegetables, Sitio Matinao, Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines.  Lilia is also President of ‘Women’s Rural Improvement Club’ and has been involved in Oxfam’s BINDS project for 1 year and 8 months. 
In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022240cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Josephine Alad-Ad (47), a member of 'Women's Rural Improvement Club' holding aubergines harvested from her farm in Sitio Matinao, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021958cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • A Tai Lue ethnic minority woman waters her pumpkin plants using an irrigation system from the Nam Boun river, the produce of which will be exported to China, Ban Kong village, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  The scarcity of agricultural land in Southern Yunnan province is promoting Chinese farmers and small scale entrepreneurs to cross the international border between China and Lao PDR in order to invest in cash crops. The villagers are supplied with seeds, plastic and fertilisers to grow various crops which are then exported back to China on a vast scale.
    A0029115cc_1.jpg
  • Dried tobacco from Shaxi market, Yunnan province, China. Tobacco is one of the most important cash crops grown in Yunnan province. Infrastructure such as new roads to villages are also provided as an incentive to farmers.
    401-03_1.jpg
  • The heads of opium poppies oozing sap in an upland field in remote Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After the petals fall from the opium poppy, the heads are incised with a 4 bladed tool; the tool is used to score the skin lightly from top to bottom. During the day, the sap oozes out of the cuts and hangs in tears on the poppy head. The next day the sap is then scraped into a metal container. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    DSCF4747cc_1.jpg
  • The head of an opium poppies oozing sap in an upland field in remote Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After the petals fall from the opium poppy, the heads are incised with a 4 bladed tool; the tool is used to score the skin lightly from top to bottom. During the day, the sap oozes out of the cuts and hangs in tears on the poppy head. The next day the sap is then scraped into a metal container. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    DSCF4746cc_1.jpg
  • The heads of opium poppies oozing sap in an upland field in remote Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After the petals fall from the opium poppy, the heads are incised with a 4 bladed tool; the tool is used to score the skin lightly from top to bottom. During the day, the sap oozes out of the cuts and hangs in tears on the poppy head. The next day the sap is then scraped into a metal container. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    A0029073cc_1.jpg
  • Tea plantation in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026121cc_1.jpg
  • Tea plantation in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation Phongsaly province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026107cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025667cc_1.jpg
  • Weeding around the tea bushes in the Phunoi village of Ban Phou Soum, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so tea became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0026108cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025663cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman grading young tea leaves in Ban Cha Phou, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. For a long time, Komaen was the only important tea plantation in the province. However, since the 1990’s when the government decided to put an end to slash and burn rice and opium growing, tea was developed as a commercial crop. The Chinese demand for tea was great, and so it became an important resource for Phongsaly province.
    A0025658cc_1.jpg
  • Helen Jawil, a member of the "Women's Rural Improvement' group with her garden produce in Sitio Matinao, Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022261cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Helen Jawil, a member of the "Women's Rural Improvement' group harvests tomatoes in her garden in Sitio Matinao, Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022256cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Helen Jawil, a member of the "Women's Rural Improvement' group harvests tomatoes in her garden in Sitio Matinao, Alamada, Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0022251cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Agricultural landscape of Cotobato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021999cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Farmer standing in his field in the agricultural landscape of Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021993cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Agricultural landscape of Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021978cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Agricultural landscape of Cotabato province, Mindanao Island, The Philippines. In the Philippines climate change is contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons as well as a general rise in temperatures and rain leading to an increase in droughts, flash floods and landslides. This is having a huge impact on smallholder farmers who depend on one cash crop leaving them vulnerable to any changes in weather patterns. If their crops fail they are left with no other source of income for that year. In central Mindanao Oxfam is working with local partners and governments to increase awareness of climate change in poor communities and reduce the risks it creates to vulnerable farmers by supporting them in crop diversification.
    A0021890cc_1_1_1.jpg
  • Sugar cane (oy) grown in the Tai Dam ethnic minority village of Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. The women of Ban Na Mor sell seasonal local products in their roadside market which they have gathered from the fields and forests or grown in their own gardens/fields – anything from cucumbers to bamboo rats, pineapples to barbequed frogs. Ban Na Mor market is ideally situated on route 13 which goes to the border with China allowing them to take advantage of the many Chinese tour buses and businessmen passing through.
    A0013488_1.jpg
  • Harvested sunflower seeds in the ethnic Kayan village of Daw Thawe, Kayah State, Myanmar on 14th November 2016  photo by Tessa Bunney/In Pictures via Getty Images
    A0035130cc_1.jpg
  • Harvested sunflower seeds in the ethnic Kayan village of Daw Thawe, Kayah State, Myanmar on 14th November 2016
    A0035120cc_1.jpg
  • Harvesting sunflower seeds in the ethnic Kayan village of Daw Thawe, Kayah State, Myanmar on 14th November 2016
    A0035093cc_1.jpg
  • Harvesting sunflower seeds in the ethnic Kayan village of Daw Thawe, Kayah State, Myanmar on 14th November 2016
    A0035075cc_1.jpg
  • '400 year old' tea cigar, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After harvesting the tea leaves, they are heated in a wok, stirring by hand. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. When they cool down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0026148cc_1.jpg
  • '400 year old' tea cigar, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After harvesting the tea leaves, they are heated in a wok, stirring by hand. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. When they cool down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0026147cc_1.jpg
  • '400 year old' tea cigars, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After harvesting the tea leaves, they are heated in a wok, stirring by hand. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. When they cool down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0026146cc_1.jpg
  • '400 year old' tea trees in Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025711cc_1.jpg
  • '400 year old' tea trees in Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025710cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman with freshly picked tea leaves in Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025702cc_1.jpg
  • Chinese worker Ah Ty heats the tea leaves in a wok, stirring by hand, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. After cooling down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0025681cc_1.jpg
  • Chinese worker Ah Ty heats the tea leaves in a wok, stirring by hand, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. After cooling down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0025676cc_1.jpg
  • Chinese worker Ah Ty heats the tea leaves in a wok, stirring by hand, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. The leaves are then spread out on a bamboo platter and crushed by rolling them. They are then left to dry in the fresh air. To make the tea cigars, the dried leaves are steam heated and stuffed into a hollow bamboo stick which is 20 to 30 cm long. After cooling down, the leaves are taken out and are in a cigar shape which is then bound with a bamboo band.
    A0025670cc_1.jpg
  • Tea leaves drying in the sun, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025669cc_1.jpg
  • A Pa-O ethnic minority woman weeds garlic by hand in the vegetable gardens surrounding their village in Kayah State on 18th November 2016
    A0035296cc_1.jpg
  • Tea leaves drying in the sun, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025709cc_1.jpg
  • Tea leaves drying in the sun, Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025708cc_1.jpg
  • A Phunoi ethnic minority woman with freshly picked tea leaves in Ban Komaen, Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. Phongsaly is famous for its tea and the ancient Komaen tea plantations are unique in the region. Its 48,378 trees are spread over 69 hectares, producing organic leaves which are rich in substances that are much appreciated both locally and in China. Tea is the main economic activity in Komaen, every family has its plantations and everyone takes part in the harvest. The famous '400 year old' Komaen tea is made into tea cigars when the leaves have not been sold to local tea manufacturers.
    A0025704cc_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023920cc_1_1.jpg
  • Imilio Cena (54) seaweed farmer cleaning the seaweed of algae by hand, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023858cc_1_1.jpg
  • Drying seaweed after harvesting, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. After drying the seaweed is then sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0024496cc_1_1.jpg
  • Seaweed farmers Zosima Yeliganio (37) and Marissa Gegante (30) cleaning the seaweed of algae by hand, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023972cc_1_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023914cc_1_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023892cc_1_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023886cc_1_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023881cc_1_1.jpg
  • Seaweed farm, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines. The polystyrene floaters are important to keep the seaweed lines at water level to deter fish from eating the seaweed. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023880cc_1_1.jpg
  • Seaweed farm, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines. The polystyrene floaters are important to keep the seaweed lines at water level to deter fish from eating the seaweed. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023878cc_1_1.jpg
  • Gloria Mandawe (56) seaweed farmer, Tamiao, Bantayan Island, The Philippines.  Gloria starts work at 5 am to remove the algae from the seaweed by hand so that it will grow faster. Seaweed is fast growing and can be harvested in 1-2 months. The seaweed is then dried and sold to local buyers and a commercial processing plant in Cebu, where it is turned into powder; a high value product used by many industries including cosmetics and food. Before Typhoon Haiyan, Bantayan Island was the largest seaweed producer in Cebu province. The typhoon destroyed seaweed farms leaving over 2000 farmers without essential equipment and seedlings. Oxfam awarded cash grants to around 700 families to finance the purchase of seaweed seedlings and farming equipment including ropes, poles and floaters.
    A0023872cc_1_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional bamboo basket for carrying her seeds, a Tai Dam ethnic minority woman plants maize, Ban Na Mor, Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Besides rice, Lao subsistence farmers also grow a variety of other food crops to supplement their diet. Maize is usually grown for feeding livestock or as a cash crop.
    A_17363cc_1.jpg
  • Qing Miao (Long Horn Miao) ethnic minority woman splices hemp in Longga village (Ghao Xin), Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is need for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    106-06_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional hemp skirt, a Big Flowery Miao ethnic minority woman harvests hemp, Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    086-12_1.jpg
  • Two Hmong ethnic minority men smoke opium at home in Lao PDR. Opium addicts are usually adult males. By taking opium, they lose the energy to work hard which leaves heavy tasks to women and children which then impoverishes the entire household. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2012 the area under opium poppy cultivation has more than tripled. Although in 2013 the area of poppy fields in the country has again fallen, the number of regular opium users was still estimated at between 14,000 to 15,000 in the 10 northern provinces.
    A0009855cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha subsistence farmer scores opium poppies in an upland field in remote Phongsaly province, Lao PDR. After the petals fall from the opium poppy, the heads are incised with a 4 bladed tool; the tool is used to score the skin lightly from top to bottom. During the day, the sap oozes out of the cuts and hangs in tears on the poppy head. The next day the sap is then scraped into a metal container. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    A0016463cc_1.jpg
  • An Akha subsistence farmer scores opium poppies in an upland field in remote Phongsaly province, Lao PDR.  After the petals fall from the opium poppy, the heads are incised with a 4 bladed tool; the tool is used to score the skin lightly from top to bottom. During the day, the sap oozes out of the cuts and hangs in tears on the poppy head. The next day the sap is then scraped into a metal container. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    A0016455cc_1.jpg
  • An upland field of opium poppies ready for harvesting in remote Phongsaly Province, Lao PDR. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2011 the area under opium poppy cultivation has doubled and continues to rise.
    A0016420cc_1.jpg
  • A skein of spliced hemp from Qie Chong village, Guizhou province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is need for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Provinces.
    A 5006_1.jpg
  • A skein of spliced hemp from Yunnan province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is need for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces.
    A 3776_1.jpg
  • Wearing a traditional hemp skirt, a Big Flowery Miao ethnic minority woman splices hemp, Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    087-03_1.jpg
  • Portrait of an elderly Big Flowery Miao woman wearing a traditional handwoven hemp skirt and woollen, handwoven cloak. Qie Chong village, Guizhou Province, China. Although hemp production is decreasing because land is needed for cash crops and manufactured cotton is readily available, it is still grown, spliced and women in remote mountain villages in Guizhou Province. Almost 35% of Guizhou's population is made up of over 18 different ethnic minorities including the Miao. Each Miao group became isolated in these mountainous regions, hence the present day diversity in their culture, costume and dialects. According to a popular saying, "if you meet 100 Miaos, you will see 100 costumes."
    084-07_1.jpg
  • Two Hmong ethnic minority men smoke opium at home in Lao PDR. Opium addicts are usually adult males. By taking opium, they lose the energy to work hard which leaves heavy tasks to women and children which then impoverishes the entire household. As recently as 1998, Lao PDR was the third largest illicit opium poppy producer in the world.  From 1998 to 2005, opium poppy cultivation in Lao PDR was reduced by 93 per cent.  In more remote areas where cash crops are not viable, surveys from UNODC have shown that between 2008 and 2012 the area under opium poppy cultivation has more than tripled. Although in 2013 the area of poppy fields in the country has again fallen, the number of regular opium users was still estimated at between 14,000 to 15,000 in the 10 northern provinces.
    A0009860cc_1.jpg
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