This blog post highlights the results from a telephone survey with food vendors conducted in rural and urban zones throughout Myanmar and focuses on the results from the latest round completed in December 2021. The purpose of the survey is to provide data and insights to interested stakeholders in order that they better understand the effects of shocks related to COVID-19 and the ongoing political crisis on Myanmar’s food markets. In particular, the note explores COVID-19 prevention measures, changes in shopping behavior, difficulties in food vendor operations due to the COVID-19 and political crises, changes in availability and prices of foods, and perceived changes in consumption.
You can view the full research note in English here.
Changes in food availability and purchases
Major food security concerns among Myanmar households include adverse changes in the availability and prices of products, possibly linked to more limited mobility in the country due to COVID-19 measures and the political crisis. Researchers from the Myanmar Agriculture Policy Support Activity (MAPSA) therefore asked food vendors for their perceptions of changes in the availability of different food products compared to similar periods in previous years. In the December 2021 survey round, there were no major issues with the availability of food products in most markets. Most vendors reported that availability of food products in their village or township was the same as normal.
Changes in prices and price inflation
Food price inflation is widespread throughout Myanmar, increasing by 19 percent nationally compared to a year ago. While the price of rice – the most important staple in the country – increased less than most other food products, fuel prices have almost doubled, and transportation costs have increased by approximately 60 percent in the last year. These larger marketing costs are increasing the wedge between producer and retail prices and emphasize the importance of allowing food transport flows to operate unimpeded domestically and internationally and improving access to banking services for food vendors.
Retail prices of food products in December 2021 compared to normal periods, percentage of food vendors reporting, by food type
To compare price differences between different periods, we present average and median prices for major foods in December 2020, September 2021, and December 2021 (Table 2). This analysis indicates overall significant food price increases in December 2021 compared to the situation one year earlier. Prices of the cheapest available rice and cooking oil increased by 9 percent and 95 percent, respectively, in December 2021 compared to December 2020. On the other hand, onions showed a 15 percent price decrease compared to December 2020.
This blog post highlights one of the many recent surveys and research notes that MAPSA has conducted to assess the emerging constraints that key agricultural actors face and to mitigate the possible impacts of COVID-19 and recent disruptions on rural livelihoods and food security. Additional blog posts are available highlighting MAPSA’s research on the impact of disruptions on key actors in Myanmar’s agri-food system. Surveys are ongoing, and findings and recommendations will be periodically updated.
