The project aims to address pressing needs related to the current opium situation, specifically focusing on poverty alleviation by improving food security levels in selected communities in Loilen and Pinlon townships in the Southern Shan State of Myanmar. It will target interventions in the areas of i) food security and increasing legal production of agriculture for food security and income generation; ii) the development of small farmer associations and cooperatives; and iii) the prevention of opium production, consumption and treatment.
Myanmar remains identified as a Least Developed Country (LDC) with over 80% of its people being subsistence farmers and living on US$2 or less per day. Many communities face serious problems of poverty and food deficiency. Recent estimates by the United Nations suggest that over 6 million people in Myanmar alone are in need of food assistance. There is a crucial need for humanitarian assistance to increase food security and generate livelihood opportunities in these communities particularly for ex-opium poppy growers who previously depended on opium poppy cultivation in order to survive. Current baseline assessments estimate that 60-70% of the target population in 4 village tracts of Pinlon and Loilen townships are affected by food insecurity.
Within its scope to address food insecurity, the project will also assist the government of Myanmar in its efforts to progress with the implementation of activities designed to reach the MDGs on poverty eradication. The project will also give special attention to gender promotion by increasing the participation of women in key project activities, especially in farmer organizations and micro-credit schemes.
Objective: Increase food security and agricultural production, small farmer enterprise development and local entrepreneurship capacity-building in order to sustain opium reduction in Myanmar.
Outcome 1: Food security and licit agricultural production in former and current opium growing communities increased.
Outcome 2: Small farmers' associations and cooperatives, enterprise and local entrepreneurship developed.
Outcome 3: Opium production and consumption prevented through intensive awareness campaigns, provision of treatment services and local capacity building for drug prevention and monitoring.
Output 1.1 Data studies, community needs and environmental impact assessments as well as conflict assessment conducted.
Output 1.2 Innovative food production and agricultural practices introduced and implemented in target communities with the non-utilization of Genetically Modified (GM) crops and foods.
Output 1.3 Farmers' knowledge and capacities improved on relevant issues, such as cultivation techniques, fertilizing, harvesting technologies, selection of seedlings and land preparation.
Output 1.4 High-yield, disease-resistant seeds and seedlings identified and provided (not Genetically Modified Organisms - GMO).
Output 1.5 Small rural infrastructure and irrigation systems constructed.
Outputs 2.1 Local community administrations, farmers' associations and cooperatives established and /or strengthened.
Output 2.2 The knowledge and capacities of farmers and members of management associations on rural enterprises, small business management, basic savings, investment and financial management, accounting, sale and marketing techniques developed and improved.
Output 2.3 Micro-credit and rural investment loans provided.
Output 2.4 Exchanges of information and experiences among farmers and cooperatives are taking place.
Outputs 3.1 Community awareness campaigns on problem of opium production and abuse/consumption are designed and delivered.
Gender sensitive community drug treatment and rehabilitation capacity enhanced.