The Hmong People
In 2011 I travelled to Laos with Kearrin Sims PhD studying the impact of Chinese aid and investment on poverty alleviation and development. The Chinese government is investing heavily in all sectors of the economy of Laos, from mining, to hydropower, agri-business, roads, hotels, hospitals, airports, tourism, and casinos. However, its growing financial interests in Laos have also led to a large amount of development-induced displacement.
As part of this research we spent time visiting a number of remote Hmong communities,which were linked in various ways to Chinese investment projects.
The Hmong are an ethic minority who live in the mountainous regions. They are farmers who mostly live in small villages and construct their homes from bamboo and wood. Many have no access to electricity, machinery or roads. They are independent and self-sufficient people.
It was a pleasure to spend time amongst these charming people to observe their way of life and document the impact development is having on their culture.