Sustainable Agricultural Development and Food Quality Initiative

Project description

Title: SAFI – Sustainable Agricultural Development and Food Quality Initiative
Commissioned by: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Myanmar
Lead executing agency: Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI)
Overall term: 2017 to 2020

Context

Since April 2011, following nearly 50 years of military dictatorship and a planned economy, Myanmar has launched a series of political and economic reforms and is striving to become integrated into regional markets in Asian countries and the global market. The framework conditions are challenging due to the inadequate infrastructure, a lack of knowledge about policy instruments in a market economy, outdated laws and the need to adapt the public administration. At macroeconomic level, according to figures provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the agricultural sector accounts for 32 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 20 per cent of its export revenue. Around two thirds of the total workforce live in rural areas. However, as farming techniques are dominated by traditional methods and manual labour, agricultural productivity is low compared with the other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Farmers use fertilisers and pesticides without being fully aware of what they contain and hence of the risks and dangers they pose. In addition, food processing of raw products is usually carried out by small and medium-sized companies that do not place great emphasis on quality standards. Outdated equipment, a lack of knowledge concerning hygiene conditions and fragmentary health standards dominate food processing. As a result, Myanmar's agro-food systems do not yet meet the quality and safety requirements of modern food markets.

Objective

The conditions have been created for Myanmar's agro-food systems to fulfil the quality and safety requirements of modern food markets.

Approach

The project is divided into three areas of activity:

  • Agricultural and nutrition policy 
    Strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture to improve the framework conditions for a food sector geared towards quality and safety.
  • Pilot measures in the field 
    Pilot plans to sustainably improve the quality of agro-food systems; in addition to Shan State, the project is selecting other regions with the partner as required.
  • Strengthening of public education
    Strengthening the capacity of public and private education and training institutions and civil society to improve the agro-food systems on a sustainable basis. The project is implementing measures at national, regional and local level. It cooperates with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI) and with Yezin Agricultural University to implement these measures.

Additional information