November 2, 2022

Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Pulse Production System in the Myanmar Delta Region – Myanmar

The research report “Towards Sustainable Food Systems: Pulse Production System in the Delta Region of Myanmar” is the result of a pilot research project carried out by ICCO (part of Cordaid), MOSS Consultancy and TunYat. This research applied innovative systems thinking analysis to the context of pulse and bean production systems in Myanmar, focusing on ways to build resilience of the pulse system.

Pulses, rice and fish are the main sources of agricultural income for Myanmar farmers in the delta region. These products are important export markets but also drivers of ecosystem change in the delta region. Climatic conditions in this region are changing, as rainfall becomes more erratic, flooding opportunities increase, and average temperatures increase. Rather than responding to symptoms, it is important that change coalitions address the root causes and key dynamics affecting the pulse system, whether social, economic or environmental. This strategic research focused on identifying leverage points, where targeted interventions can provide a significant boost to support more resilient farming households within a more resilient ecosystem. Three promising levers were explored:

  1. Cash on hand for agricultural households

  2. Access to timely loans

  3. Government support

Based on these findings, ICCO, together with our local partners and key stakeholders in Myanmar, will seek to strengthen collaboration and cross-sectoral collaboration to further develop actions to build resilience in the pulse-based food system.