Maize contract farming is increasing rapidly in northeastern Laos due to market opportunities as well as the local authorities response policies on stabilizing shifting cultivation and reducing rural poverty.

Villagers increase household income and assets from maize production, but an increasing maize cultivation area affects the forest extension negatively.

Land use for maize appears to favor neither land sparing nor land sharing; rather, it increases deforestation and closes the window of opportunities for REDD+.