GRANTS PROGRAMME

In tandem with our technical assistance activities, DaNa supports inclusive growth in Myanmar through a competitive grants programme that awards funds to non-profit organisations and the private sector. To date, DaNa has awarded 17 grants in support of projects that aim to stimulate inclusive growth in three key sectors: agribusiness, textiles, and financial services.

The COVID-19 Challenge Fund

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, DaNa launched the COVID-19 Challenge Fund (CCF) in early May 2020. The CCF comprises a grant window of £500,000 to support 5 to 10 innovative projects that demonstrate innovative, on-the-ground responses to COVID-19-related economic challenges.

GRANT PROJECTS

The Pulses, People, Planet and Profit (P4) project (ICCO Cooperation)

The P4 project aims to increase the incomes of 10,000 smallholder mung bean farmers, 20%of whom are landless female farm labourers, in four townships in Yangon and Magway regions.

The project includes the development of seed multiplication and distribution activities, the introduction of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Climate Smart Agriculture, and collective marketing. ICCO Cooperation is leading the project with support from East-West Seed and the Network Activities Group, and with co-financing from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For more on the P4 project, visit https://www.icco-cooperation.org/en/project/pulses-people-planet-and-profit-p4-icco-co-funding-nag/ 

Microinsurance (Stonestep Myanmar and Vision Fund Myanmar)

Many households in Myanmar are just one unfortunate event away from poverty. Lives can be turned upside down by any number of unexpected events: a failed crop, a sudden illness, or a death in the family. Unforeseen shocks can wipe out hard-earned savings and result in long-term loss of income.

Launched in 2018, the project aims to increase household resilience and financial inclusion by providing access to microinsurance for up to 600,000 people, over 65% of whom are women.

For more information on microinsurance in Myanmar, visit https://stonestep.com.mm/

The Pulses, People, Planet and Profit (P4) project (ICCO Cooperation)

The TVeg project, implemented by East-West Seed, aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder vegetable farmers by increasing output, product quality, and market demand.

The project aims to build the capacity of 250 key farmers to manage approximately 650 demonstration plots in central Rakhine, showcasing profitable and sustainable cultivation techniques. Key farmers, with the support of EWS technical officers, host technical field days and practical field-based training for farmers in their communities.

For more information on East-West Seed, visit https://www.eastwestseed.com/

The Accelerate Inclusiveness in Myanmar (AIM) project (ICCO, One to Watch, Truvalu)

The project focuses on developing inclusive business models by supporting at least 10 enterprises as they pass through the project’s pre-acceleration phase through to connection with investors.

The project is implemented by ICCO, One to Watch and Truvalu, and aims to ensure that at least 10 socially responsible entrepreneurs are able to scale up their business models and leverage additional private investment.

For more on the project, visit https://www.icco-cooperation.org/en/project/accelerating-inclusiveness-in-myanmar/

‘Improving Market Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers, Especially Women, in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone’ project (Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development)

Since its launch in 2017, the project has been improving the livelihoods of smallholder producers in the post-conflict Pa-O self-administered zone.

The introduction of farmer field schools, agribusiness advisory services, and the creation of producer groups has enabled smallholder farmers from the Pa-O ethnic minority community to break out of their isolated position at the bottom of the value chain in a range of agricultural produce.

For more on the project, visit https://www.mmiid.org/projects-research/improving-market-opportunities-for-smallholder-farmers-especially-women-in-the-pa-o-self-administered-zone/

Three Star Chili project (Snacks Mandalay)

The project aims to bring poor farmers into high-value crop supply chains and provide training, information, and advice on modern farming techniques and skills.

The Three Star Chili project buys wet spices directly from farmers at the spot-market price in Yangon, which is 16-23% higher than the price usually received from traders.

The project benefits around 4,000 low-income farming households in the Mandalay region.

For mote information on the Three Star Chili project, visit https://www.snacksmandalay.com/

AGRIBUSINESS

The ‘Economic Empowerment of Highland People through Upgrading of Coffee, Avocado and Elephant Foot Yam Value Chains’ (CAEFY) project is implemented by the Myanmar Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Association (MFVP). The project aims to improve jobs, incomes, and livelihoods for at least 2,000 small agricultural producers in the upland communities of Chin and Shan States.

Kayah Pig Farming: Promoting Inclusive Growth through Swine (PIGS) project, implemented by De Heus Myanmar Co. Ltd., supports pig farmers to increase production and take advantage of the rising demand for pork products.

The Man-Aung Ratana Integrated Coconut Processing Facility project represents the first major manufacturing investment on Man Aung Island, Rakhine State. The project, implemented by Mya Ayer Co. Ltd., is improving livelihoods for coconut farmers and copra makers by improving market conditions, diversifying crops, and creating jobs along the coconut value chain.

Through the Improving Rubber Smallholder Livelihoods Sustainably project, WWF is supporting Dawei Golden Land Co, Ltd, (DGL) to train smallholder suppliers in sustainable/zero deforestation and high yield agricultural practices, and to develop its rubber processing factory to meet sustainability compliance requirements. The project also aims to secure premium international buyers.

TEXTILES

The Building a Sector on Textile Traditions project is implemented by Myanmar Artisans Co. Ltd. and Turquoise Mountain Trust. The project aims to enable Myanmar’s diverse textile producers to compete in international markets and drive economic growth by supporting training and skills development for selected artisans.

Rural Development Through Silk Revitalisation is implemented by Pragma Ventures Myanmar Ltd. and Ar Yone Oo Social Development. The project is working to revitalise the Myanmar silk industry through mulberry farm gate activities in Chin State and the launch of a weaving studio in Yangon.

Towards Sustainable Organic Cotton Value Chains in Myanmar is implemented by Sense Organic Import and Trading GmbH and Armstrong Spinning Mills Private Ltd. The project aims to build up non-GM, certified organic cotton in Myanmar by: (i) importing and distributing better quality seeds from India; (ii) providing selected farmers with better quality seeds; and (iii) developing inter-cropping farming systems and good agricultural practices.

ACCESS TO FINANCE

The project Enabling the Sustainable Economic Growth of People with Disabilities (PwD), especially Women, through Innovative Micrfinance and Agricultural Approaches in Mandalay, Bago and Yangon Regions of Myanmar is implemented by the Leprosy Mission Myanmar. The project provides inclusive employment opportunities for PwDs in Yangon, Bago, and Mandalay through its Job Placement Coaches and links with vocational training centres.

Transforming Financial Service Provision through Digital Inclusion is implemented by Vision Fund Myanmar. The project is developing innovative mobile money solutions to reach more of the unbanked population, particularly disadvantaged groups such as women, migrant workers, smallholder farmers, informal businesses, and small enterprises.

SME Supply Chain Financing, implemented by Thura Swiss (Myanmar) Co., Ltd. and Seedstars World Sa, aims to establish a technological platform targeting SMEs and provide a discounting mechanism to allow users to convert invoices into working capital to support greater production and growth.

INCLUSIVE BUSINESS

The #accelerateMM: Using Technology to Grow Inclusive Businesses in Myanmar project is implemented by Phandeeyar. The project is supporting inclusive businesses/social enterprises through their existing incubation and acceleration programmes and plan to accelerate 10-15 enterprises within the AgTech, FinTech, Health, Education, and Inclusive Business sectors .