Improving the sustainable production capacity and resilience of the rural population

According to the World Food Programme’s 2016 report on food security in Chin State, the situation in Matupi Township is assessed as “severe” and “urgent” in terms of access to food. Households use 70% of their income to buy basic foodstuffs, and their diet consists mainly of rice. This local deficit in agricultural production and diversification is a chronic phenomenon, which was further exacerbated by cyclone Komen in August 2015. The destruction of most of the irrigation infrastructure by major landslides forced a large number of farmers to abandon the cultivation of their food plots.

In response, this project – implemented by Triangle Génération Humanitaire in partnership with its local partner, the Burmese NGO Ar Yone Oo (AYO), which specialises in rural development, natural resource management, access to drinking water and sanitation – concerns 10 villages in Matupi Township.

This project is developing an approach that includes: strengthening the resilience of farmers by securing the means of rice production and developing cash crops. In addition, the project is contributing to the sustainable use and protection of the region’s natural resources by increasing the local population’s knowledge of environmental issues, while involving the local authorities in the management and protection processes, in particular through awareness-raising and training activities.

The 3-year project is designed to improve and secure agricultural production in the Matupi region through a dual integrated approach to resource protection and natural risk management.