Myanmar Nyaungdon
$65,254 needed of $100,000
Implementing Organization
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Program Summary
The dual challenges of COVID-19 and political unrest ihave made life difficult for farmers in Myanmar. Even before these challenges arose, agricultural extension services were limited. Since February 2021, those services have completely halted. In addition, challenges with linkages between farmers and market actors means that access to key agricultural inputs as well as opportunities to sell crops at harvest have been limited. Farmers have to figure out the market information by themselves, although many lack access to market information.
In order to address this situation, CRS and KMSS Yangon are helping farmers to build their knowledge of improved cultivation methods that reflect changing weather patterns and natural resource management in order to improve resilience and food security. At the village level, farmer producer groups are being established to improve the access to market information and market engagement. The program is also promoting nutrition-sensitive homestead gardening, which is intended to improve dietary diversity and promote gender-equitable behaviors at the household level.
Success Stories
Cultivating Prosperity Through Sustainable Farming
Daw Nwe Lay is an experienced farmer whose results have vastly improved thanks to instruction she has received on sustainable farming practices. Now her organic, nutrient-rich and vibrantly-colored vegetables are so prized that she always sells out of whatever she takes to market.
She’d heard good things about the program led by local partner Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS), and thought she might like to give home vegetable gardening a try in order to boost her income.
She received vegetable seeds and instruction on sustainable farming and how to minimize her reliance on chemical fertilizers. She says she was hesitant at first, but now has a deeper understanding of the benefits of organic fertilizers and pesticides. For starters, she does not have to spend her hard-earned income purchasing chemicals. And local, organically grown vegetables taste great!
Daw Nwe Lay’s efforts have yielded remarkable results, evident in the superior quality of her produce. Recognizing the value of her harvest, she generously shares her fresh produce with her relatives as gifts. The remaining produce is in high demand, attracting new customers as soon as they take a look at her vegetables. Her biggest seller is her winged bean, a sort of a frilly-looking green bean with a sweet flavor and crunchy texture, but her okra and her roselle hibiscus, also known as red sorrel, are also popular. Her sales have improved her economic stability and empowered her to support her family’s needs.
Daw Nwe Lay’s journey has been transformative, and not just for herself. Her commitment to sustainable agriculture practices, her preference for organic fertilizers, and her financial success have made her a role model and a beacon of inspiration for farmers in her community.
Myanmar Nyaungdon Program
Led by Catholic Relief Services and Local Partner Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS)