ADRA-UK News Update

Watford, England - A flock of goats and a series of dams and catchment ponds are among the schemes that will make a difference to one of the poorest and most vulnerable regions of Burma (Myanmar). The Magway Division in the centre of the country will benefit from an improved food security programme started on the 1st of January 2008

Despite the country having recently been in the news due to political unrest and demonstration, ADRA is able to provide 716,257 Euro of aid to an area currently assessed as one of the poorest and most vulnerable regions of the country. The majority of the population live below the poverty line. The average gross income of a small farmer household in the area is about 365 Euro (£250) per year.

In a new project co-funded with the European Commission and implemented by local partner, ADRA Myanmar, ADRA will provide improved food security leading to poverty reduction for vulnerable households in the Pakokku township of the Magway Division. The project will last for three years.

ADRA will provide needed vocational skills training for landless labourers, seasonal migrant workers and women. The courses will include food processing and preservation, basic carpentry/cement construction / bricklaying, basic mechanics/welding, and basic sewing. This will enhance their capacity to earn an improved income rather than just being able to provide low paid unskilled labour.

ADRA will also train small-holder farmers on sustainable dry-land farming techniques and improved livestock husbandry. This will increase productivity. A revolving livestock bank system will be created for extremely poor families based around an investment of 450 goats. Livestock act as a significant buffer in the event of a crop failure, as they can eat crop residues and graze on non-arable land vegetation. Surplus stock can be sold to cover income gaps.

ADRA will also construct rain-fall catchment ponds (4500m3 capacity each - imagine a football field flooded in water a meter high) and “sand dams” for domestic water supply. The 30 units across 15 villages will not only improve the overall health of the community through access to clean water, but will also reduce the amount of work needed to supply the daily household water needs, especially in the dry season, thereby lessening the burden of women.

ADRA-UK will contribute 15% of the total budget.