To improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods, it is important to understand the politico-economic environment surrounding agriculture in a given area. In Myanmar, agricultural law and policy is being transformed, while private sector involvement is increasing at a rapid pace. In such an environment, how does the small farmer protect herself?
LIFT funds the Making Vegetable Markets Work (MVMW) project which aims to increase incomes for smallholder vegetable farmers. MVMW works from the farm level up to national policy level, strengthening the vegetable market, the enabling environment, and supporting markets in financial services and agricultural inputs. It is implemented by partners Mercy Corps, Swiss contact, and East-West Seed International.
On 25 May, LIFT hosted a presentation by Mercy Corps consultant Dr Adam Burke on the findings of his study ‘What holds Farmers Back? Conflict, Governance and Markets Assessment’ which looks at the reasons behind the unwillingness of rural farmers in southern Shan State to take risks.