Responsible Business Fund Plus (RBF+)


Myanmar’s post-coup conflict escalation and economic turmoil has led to financial and economic instability and destabilised the agrifood industry. Also, extreme weather and climate change further impact farmers and agricultural processors. The Responsible Business Fund Plus project aims to support agrifood businesses while reducing their environmental impact and thus deepening Switzerland's commitment to private sector engagement and an inclusive green economy.

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Myanmar
Emploi & développement économique
Changement climatique & environnement
Agriculture et sécurité alimentaire
Développement de petites et moyennes entreprises
Conservation de l'énergie & efficacité
Services agricoles & marché
01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028
CHF  4’000’000
Contexte The escalation of the conflict in Myanmar following the military coup has severely disrupted agricultural value chains, causing economic and financial instability. The agrifood sector is vital for maintaining livelihoods amidst armed conflicts, stagnant economies, and youth emigration as still approx. 70% of the population depend on agriculture for their subsistence. Climate change and extreme weather events further exacerbate the situation, significantly affecting farmers and agricultural processors nationwide. The Responsible Business Fund Plus (RBF+) project aims to assist agrifood businesses accross Myanmar while reducing the sector’s ecological footprint. Building on the successful model and results of RBF Myanmar, the project will award grants to Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agrifood sector to develop improved and greener business models. Thanks to SDC's experience in private sector engagement, this initiative promises significant results in terms of climate change mitigation, adaptation and environmental preservation while generating income in the agrifood sector which is in line with the new cooperation programme. Moreover, RBF+ allows a diversification of (local) partners.
Objectifs The agrifood sector generates greater income and employment with a reduced impact on the climate and environment.
Groupes cibles
  • 375 agri-food MSMEs, businesses and associations (260 receiving direct grant funding, technical supports for new inputs, technology & services, international market development & domestic market linkages)
  • 55’000 primary agriculture producers and agri-food sector employees
Effets à moyen terme

Outcome 1: Enhanced capacity and awareness of agrifood sector MSMEs and producers about environmentally sustainable inputs, clean technologies, and services

Outcome 2: Increased productivity, competitiveness and environmental performance of agrifood sector MSMEs and producers

Outcome 3: Increase sales in domestic and export markets of agrifood sector MSMEs

Résultats

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Output 1.1: Availability of new/improved equipment/inputs, services, and clean technologies

Output 1.2: Functional linkages between providers and MSMEs and producers

Output 2.1: Increased access to and use of new/improved equipment, services, and clean technologies

Output 2.2: Enhanced capacity to meet quality, safety, social and environmental needs

Output 3.1: Better capacity to promote sales of Myanmar agrifood products

Output 3.2: Increased commitment and investment to meet requirements of clients


Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

  • MMK 20 billion (almost 9 mio CHF) disbursed to 692 MSMEs investing in energy, water efficiency, waste treatment & recycling, occupational health & safety, food safety, managerial & supervisory skills, and practical & technical skills
  • 34% reduction in operational cost, 35% improvement in profit by MSMEs
  • Reduction of 35% in electricity usage, 60% in Diesel usage, 94% in coal usage, 53% in water usage, and 78% in food spoilage
  • Increase of 616% in solid and liquid waste handled by MSMEs

(managed by Denmark only)


Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
Organisation suisse à but non lucratif
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Coordination avec d'autres projets et acteurs

Swiss projects in the area of food security and livelihoods (LIFT, FOSTER, VSDP, UNDP) as well as EU and Denmark funded projects (SCORE, SENTRUM, Switch Asia)

There will be no technical and financial support to the military authorities.

Budget Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF    4’000’000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF    1’995’000 Projet total depuis la première phase Budget y compris partenaires de projet CHF   4’000’000
Phases du projet Phase 1 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028   (Phase en cours)