The agriculture sector contributes approximately 30 per cent to gross domestic product (GDP) and is second only to the services sector in its contribution to economic growth. With 56 per cent of the nation’s labour market positioned in the agriculture sector, it is Myanmar’s largest employer. Nonetheless, profitability and productivity of most major crops is low, and approximately 72 per cent of the population lives in rural areas where 85 per cent of poverty is concentrated.
Agriculture and market development have been central to LIFT’s work since 2012. LIFT’s work on agriculture, inclusive markets and food systems continues to reduce risk and increase the resilience of smallholder farming households and vulnerable/landless entrepreneurs, thereby enabling them to increase their incomes and address their nutritional requirements.
LIFT is explicitly seeking to address women’s empowerment and gender equality through its Agriculture, Markets and Food Systems Programme. Women often face difficulties accessing finance, market information, extension services and entering higher growth markets. The ownership and control of land and property is also a significant challenge for women in rural areas. Evidence indicates that women’s empowerment in agriculture impacts on improved nutrition outcomes.
