Improving Market Opportunities for Women Agricultural Producers

This project aims to increase women agricultural producer’s contribution to Myanmar’s economic growth. It works with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) small and medium-sized enterprises central and state governments and financial institutions to increase access to credit inputs market linkages and new technologies for women. The project also works directly with 25 000 women in Shan and Karen states to increase their income and status as economic actors and leaders in their communities. Project activities include: (1) providing training to women and men on gender equality and women in leadership principles; (2) linking women producers to savings groups; (3) mentoring women in leadership positions; (4) creating a capacity building program for local NGOs enabling them to deliver market services to women producers; (5) providing matching grants to small and medium-sized enterprises for technology upgrades; and (6) designing new and improved financial products for women producers in partnership with financial institutions.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased income and status of women small producers as economic actors and leaders in their communities; and (2) strengthened provision of goods and services to women small producers by Myanmar public and private actors.