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Recovery and hope in Myanmar’s crisis

February 28^th, 2024

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Three years on from the military takeover in Myanmar, stories across the country chronicle the danger and desperation that continues to mark each day for many. The deepening conflict and crisis has plunged the country’s economy into turmoil, taking incomes and jobs with it, and collapsing public services. The impact of it all is wearing on millions of people, as they struggle to make it through each day.

The economy has entered a phase where the growth rate has reached rock bottom, showing no signs of recovery. The World Bank has downgraded the growth projection for 2024 from three percent to one percent.

Farm incomes are hardest hit, and states and regions where the conflict has intensified are the worst affected. Migration is rampant, often the only lifeline for people who have exhausted all other options. For development and humanitarian agencies knowing where to focus their efforts, under such precarious circumstances, has become a challenge.

Yet despite incredible hardship, Myanmar’s people are resiliently pursuing ways to make life better for themselves and their neighbours – from starting new businesses to fighting to protect the country’s precious mangroves. UNDP is supporting their efforts, particularly among the most vulnerable.

A joint UNDP and UN Women survey found that in this dire environment, women face a disproportionate share of negative consequences as incomes fall, employment opportunities decline dramatically, unpaid work burdens increase, and insecurity and fear rise.

Daw Tin Mar Win, who even before the present crisis struggled to find enough work as a day labourer, has now branched out into goat farming and is already passing on her skills to her children.

Incomes from farming were hardest hit since the military take over in February 2021. Some like Daw Tin Mar Win have now branched out into goat farming. Photo: UNDP Myanmar

"UNDP's support has been a lifeline, providing me with a reliable job and income," she said.

"I had no experience with goats and lacked confidence. UNDP's training boosted my confidence and taught me how to start my goat farm."

Insecurity is both physical, due to widespread conflict, but it is also about the vulnerability that arises from the lack of social safety nets, money, and livelihoods. Without these, many are eating less, forgoing healthcare, taking on unsustainable debts, and selling assets.

The country’s small farmers have been grappling with additional challenges, particularly in Shan State, where most of Myanmar’s food is produced. Among other things, seed and fertilizer prices have risen and supply chains have been disrupted. UNDP is working with farmers to provide the extra solar-powered irrigation needed for growing rice, garlic, tomatoes and chillies, and techniques to reduce the amount of fertilizer needed for healthy crops.

"Previously, my tomato farm had very low yields, and the cost of fertilizer was overwhelming. My wife and I had to pay labour fees as we worked tirelessly to manage the farm. After selling the tomatoes at the market, there wasn't much money left for my family. I was barely breaking even," said U Kyaw Oo.

Research by UNDP’s Myanmar Development Observatory continues to provide vital data to pinpoint Myanmar's most vulnerable and address their growing needs.

Cyclone Mocha, which devastated large parts of the country in May, made life even harder.

Cyclone Mocha devastated large parts of the country further. Photo: Shutterstock/ Sk Hasan Ali

Ma Mya Win, already displaced by conflict in 2019 had lost her living as tailor in Sittwe when her building was destroyed, was able to fill the income gap with temporary work clearing debris.

“I have become jobless as the tailor shop I used to work in was destroyed by the cyclone. The building collapsed to the ground.I am thankful I found this job while waiting to be back to my tailoring job. I will use this money to buy food for my family,” she said.

While the State Administration Council imposed huge constraints on international assistance, UNDP reached over 700,000 people such as Ma Mya Win, working with them to repair homes, clear roads, and distributing seeds to improve food security. Community water infrastructure was rebuilt providing a sustainable solution, owned and managed by the community. UNDP showed that in emergency conditions, a hand-up was what people looked for, not handouts.

In 29 townships across eight states and regions, a community-driven resilience-building project has reached more than 750,000 people, predominantly in rural areas, restoring and supporting livelihoods, rehabilitating community infrastructure, and building social cohesion.

Women from low-income households in Nyaung Pin Thar, in Nyaung U Township, are working together to raise pigs. Such initiatives are helping hundreds of thousands with an avenue of income to work through the crisis.

"I successfully sold a pig, earning a profit. This money allowed me to purchase another piglet and further invest in our family business," said Daw Khin Cho Win, who also prepares and sells traditional Myanmar food in the village.

Community-driven resilience-building projects such as pig farming have helped more than 750,000 people. Photo: Shutterstock

In the Tanintharyi Region, startup investments for mangrove-friendly businesses and technical support have helped preserve mangroves building livelihoods, such as clam farming and beekeeping, while helping people see the intrinsic value in mangroves, which are critical defences along Myanmar’s coastline, to combat sea level rise.

Along with the rebuilding of infrastructure and livelihoods, UNDP has trained nearly 100 civil society organizations on vital development issues that include human rights, labour rights, gender equality, and the rule of law.

Such knowledge contributes to better leadership, empowers local stakeholders, protects workers, and ensures accountability and transparency. This support has also provided 90,000 people from minority ethnic groups with legal assistance on housing, land, and property rights.

Support also goes beyond communities to the private sector. The Myanmar Sustainable Business Network (MSBN), brings together 770 businesses to contribute to meeting Myanmar’s current challenges, and to improve responsible business practices.

UNDP’s goal is to build on solid foundations and partnerships to reach eight million people across 77 townships by the end of 2025. This is another step in what will be a long journey. But UNDP is well-equipped and committed to facing the challenges the future may bring.