This working paper, prepared by CESD and Michigan State University (with support from USAID), examines potential agribusiness models to support economic growth, increase food security, build export markets, and reduce poverty in Myanmar. The paper provides an overview of agribusiness investment in Myanmar, including the market outlook, investment climate, resource base and some of the problems associated with land concessions.

Seven crops were reviewed –  four industrial crops (rubber, oil palm, sugarcane, and cassava), two food staples (maize and sesame) and one livestock sector (poultry). These reviews looked at the existing business models, as well as the constraints and opportunities for securing greater value from production for each of these crops. The paper also identifies potential agribusiness models for enhancing inclusive growth, particularly through partnerships with small and medium-scale farmers. An important premise of the paper is that Myanmar needs to build on its most important asset base of its millions of small and medium-scale farmers to support economic growth, increase food security, capture export markets, and reduce poverty.

As part of the study, diverse stakeholders were interviewed, including representatives from agricultural organisations (the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), Beans and Pulses Association, and Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association (MRPPA)), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, private companies, farmers, and government officials.

Publication name: Agribusiness models for inclusive growth in Myanmar: diagnosis and ways forward

Author(s): Derek Byerless, Dolly Kyaw, U San Thein and L Seng Kham

Supported by: USAID

Publication date: May 2014

Language(s): English

Download the report and related documentation from the following links:

• Agribusiness models for inclusive growth (PDF; English language; 86 pages; 960Kb)
• Press release re “Strategic choices for the future of agriculture in Myanmar”, 20 June 2014 (PDF; Myanmar language; 2 pages; 72Kb)
• Media fact sheet re “Strategic choices for the future of agriculture in Myanmar”, 19 June 2014 (PDF; Myanmar language; 2 pages; 116Kb)
• Invitation to launch, “Strategic choices for the future of agriculture in Myanmar”, 20 June 2014 (PDF; Myanmar language; 2 pages; 72Kb)
• Michigan State University, Improving food security research and analysis capacity in Myanmar website