Prospects and drivers for agricultural change in the Mekong region. The case of sugar, rice and rubber

This paper highlights the most imminent threats to the Mekong eco-region, with a particular focus on likely changes in the production of sugarcane, rice and rubber as well as other key commodities in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. It goes on to identify the main driving forces behind agricultural change in the region, including multilateral, regional and domestic trade, investment and policy trends. Based on this analysis, the paper puts forward a series of recommendations to help minimise environmental threats while maximising opportunities for agricultural development.