However , recent research has found that swidden fires were practiced historically in Laos and were not , in fact , the source of degradation .
This conclusion led the Laos government to discourage farmers from using swidden fires as a farming technique .
Recent research has found that swidden fires were practiced historically in Laos and were not , in fact , the source of degradation .
This conclusion led the Laos government to discourage farmers from using swidden fires as a farming technique .