The report presents contextual information about the Lao PDR derived from many sources, incorporating the findings of the first visit. The information was collected over a period of 23 days in Lao PDR, including field visits and discussions with a range of government and NGO officials, extension workers and farmers, plus discussions and reading both before and after the visit. It includes an overview of the environment, social, economic and cultural factors, land, water, agriculture and forestry systems, the farming systems in lowland and upland areas of Savannakhet Province, an outline of communication and extension systems in the province and to some extent the country as a whole, and an assessment of the status and development potential for inland fish production. The report is intended to present not only the information gathered during the visit but also to identify important gaps in our knowledge, which could be filled during the first stage of the project.