Rural development in the uplands of Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has presented many challenges for farming communities. Government agricultural policy is to reduce the production of upland rice and to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for upland farmers. This book has examines upland agricultural systems and economic and agrarian transitions occurring at individual, community, and regional levels. The effect of land and forest allocation policy and the implementation of swidden cultivation stabilisation measures by governmental and international organisations have been explored. The book contributes to the theory of intensification of land use as low population densities and risk aversion are propelling diversification rather than intensification strategies. Government land use policy appears inappropriate and negatively affecting some farmers' ability to generate sustainable livelihoods now and in the future. The sustainability and longevity of agricultural production changes occurring are contestable. The analysis will be especially useful to international development professionals, researchers and students and interested in policy and agricultural change