In 2016, with significantly increased donor support, implementation of our four large geographic programmes is underway. A new financial inclusion programme has started, and we have opened a window to fund our work in migration. In addition, a pumped irrigation programme is moving ahead in the Dry Zone.

All of this is happening through the lens of LIFT’s strategy. 

In the fast-changing context, LIFT redefined its strategic direction in 2014 to align with new opportunities for smallholders and the rural poor presented by recent government and economic reforms. Developed in consultation with government and partners, the strategy also reflects the Fund's accumulated experience in the sector.

It is available here in English. You can also find our gender strategy here.

The strategy outlines the underlying principles that are shaping LIFT and guiding decisions about funding, its relationships with partners, and its role in learning, capacity development and advocacy.

LIFT- funding is focused to assist:

  1. Rural households with land, labour and/or commercial potential to ‘step up’ the value ladder and out of poverty through increases in labour and land productivity, as well as through enhanced capacity to market production.
  2. Rural households or household members to productively ‘step out’ of agriculture, and into more productive sectors of the economy over time. This could be a local 'step out', finding better-paid employment in local non farm activities. It can also be a 'migration step out' to take advantage of opportunities further afield.
  3. Households who do not have the commercial potential to or the ability to ‘step out’, to ‘hang in’ -  using agriculture as a safety net, and improve their food security and nutrition outcomes during Myanmar’s period of economic transition.

Jo Raisin, DFID's Livelihoods Advisor in Myanmar and LIFT's Donor Consortium Chairperson, has written a blog to explain why LIFT is 'stepping out' this year.  Please read it here.  Jo also explains LIFT's approach to 'hanging in' in this blog. 

Please also read DFID's topic guide on stepping out here.