Myanmar is at a turning point, as ambitious reforms have yet to show results in rural areas. The challenges are just as great as the opportunities, as decades of isolation; mismanagement and conflict strife have driven 32% of the population below the poverty line, especially ethnic minorities. Initiated before the reforms, LIFT is the only multi-donor fund working to improve livelihoods. LIFT plays a central role to coordinate the increasing development partner presence in the agriculture and rural development sector, and increasingly to engage with government for strategy formulation

To improve the food and livelihood security of poor and vulnerable people in Myanmar, and work towards achievement of Millennium Development Goal 1: the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.

Rural poor, smallholder farmers and landless living in LIFT target areas, including selected sites of the delta, dry zone, coastal zone and the uplands of Myanmar.

To sustainably increase food availability and incomes of 2 million target beneficiaries.

Results from previous phases:  

From 2009 until end 2012, LIFT-funded projects had reached 374,000 households or approx. 1.8m people. Of these, 25,000 households had increased income through agricultural activities; 26,800 households, (including 3,700 female-headed), had increased assets; and 69,000 persons, 86% of whom were women, accessed credit from low-interest village-based schemes. Through a set of targeted studies, including a baseline survey, LIFT has contributed to the (scant) evidence base on the status and drivers of poverty in Myanmar. LIFT generates not only livelihood outcomes and data, but is also a forum that makes information relevant to all stakeholders.

Phase 3 15.12.2013 - 31.12.2014   (Completed)