Experimental Economics

Monash Business School researchers in partnership with National University of Laos have used a ‘framed’ economic game in Laos to promote cooperation between farmers, reducing damage to rice crops and improving food security.

The project was implemented in 36 villages in the districts of Viengkham and Pakxeng, northern Laos, where farmers had been losing around 20 per cent of rice yields to rodents. The research showed households that participated in the game were significantly more likely to participate in rodent control training and collective rodent control activities, translating into significant reductions in damage to rice plots.

The project was supported with funding by the Federal Government’s Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).