IFPRI-Myanmar and partners are conducting a number of surveys monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on Myanmar’s food security. The following is a summary compiled by the Agriculture and Rural Development Sector Coordination Group (ARDSCG) of the November findings.
Summarized findings
Poverty and food security
- 72 percent of households in the Dry Zone report lower income, with landless households being most affected. The gap between households with and without land is shrinking.
- Poverty remains high in households with young children at 62 percent.
- Communities report that 25 percent of their members are extremely poor.
- Use of savings and loans serve as the main coping strategies, but 25 percent report selling assets to cope.
- Nearly all communities report receiving government cash transfers, but only 14 percent of qualifying mothers report receiving the special cash transfer targeting this group.
- There has been a 20 percent increase in households with reduced income reporting tension and/or conflict.
- 44 percent of households report reduced food expenditures, including 38 percent of households with young children. 69 percent of households also report purchasing less meat or fish.
- Maternal dietary diversity continues to degrade, and 25 percent of households report postponing trips to health care professionals out of fear of contracting COVID-19.
Agricultural production
- 48 percent of farmers report difficulties selling crops due to market closures and few traders.
- 28 percent of farmers in the Dry Zone invested fewer inputs between August and September.
- Farmers are optimistic about a recovery in the next 6 months.
- Only 40 percent of fish producers are able to find buyers.
- Lower demand for fish led to a 28 percent decrease in retail carp price.
- Combine harvesters report servicing a smaller area than usual.
- Machinery service providers are not currently providing credit to farmers, compared to 22 percent doing so in the summer.
Agricultural firms
- 92 percent of agricultural firms report lower sales and 44 percent have applied for government support.
- 29 percent of firms report disruptions in their supply chain.
- 7 percent of firms closed, and 59 percent will fall into arrears in the next 3 months.
Markets
- 40 percent of markets report reduced hours, but there are no limits on customers.
- Food availability remains okay, but there are availability issues with animal products.
Summarized recommendations
Mobility
- Maintain access to markets for farmers and traders.
- Allow for the safe movement of agricultural service providers across townships, states, and regions.
Safety nets
- Consider larger cash transfers during stay-at-home periods to help with compliance.
- Target cash transfers to women in the household.
- Scale-up cash-for-work programs.
- Continue to frequently monitor safety net programs for targeting and impact.
Credit
- Continue supporting microfinance institutions to reschedule loans and consider providing supplemental loans through the Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank for agricultural inputs and services.
- Maintain support to small and medium enterprises with loans and tax deferments. Improve messaging to small and medium enterprises about how to apply for government loans.
Health
- Expand the services of mobile fever clinics.
- Use social media, TV, and radio to encourage households to visit their healthcare providers.
- Work with markets to extend their hours of operation and reduce congestion.
