Community and Household Shocks and Coping Strategies

Latest Findings from April - October 2025 - Download the Report

Insecurity and lawlessness worsened between April and October 2025, with 21 percent of households feeling insecure and 25 percent reporting low community trust. Rural insecurity exceeded urban levels for the first time, and lawlessness—including gambling, petty crime, and drug use—remained widespread.
Climatic shocks continued to affect farm households, with 19 percent reporting at least one shock. Flooding was the most common, affecting 13 percent of households, especially in Kayin, Shan, Bago, and Magway. Irregular rainfall and strong winds were significant in Chin and Mon.
Service disruptions were severe and persistent, with 70 percent of grid-connected households experiencing daily daytime power cuts and over 30 percent of households in Kayah, Rakhine, and Chin unable to access needed medical services. Internet access was also limited or unavailable for many.
Economic pressures remained high, with 37 percent of households affected by high food prices and 33 percent affected by fuel price shocks. Reductions in non-food spending were common, and cuts to meat and fish consumption reflected ongoing affordability constraints.
Coping capacity remained low, as fewer than 20 percent of households had cash savings. Borrowing was widespread—especially among wage earners—with over half reporting debt, mostly sourced from friends and relatives and used for food, health, and medical expenses.