July 27, 2021

FAO, EU launch aquaculture project in Myanmar's Rakhine State

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union have partnered to launch an aquaculture project that aims to restore livelihoods and improve the food security of vulnerable communities in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The region was chosen after a protracted conflict that has continued to drive displacement and disrupt livelihoods since 2012. This has compounded the impact of floods, cyclones and earthquakes, which hamper rice production in low-lying areas. As a result, 40% of households in Rakhine are food insecure.

FAO said that 60 fish ponds have been rehabilitated and 37 new ones built in Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships, directly benefiting 97 households.

Each beneficiary household received aquaculture training, as well as a package of inputs, including materials for bamboo fencing, nets, 900 fingerlings and three months' supply of rice bran.

FAO conducted the construction and rehabilitation activities of fish ponds through cash for work (CfW) to support the targeted communities in meeting their immediate household needs and reduce their adoption of negative coping mechanisms.

A total of 878 CfW beneficiaries participated in CfW activities.

Each CfW beneficiary worked for an average of nine days and earned US$56.

Due to the intervention, each beneficiary household will harvest up to 450kg of fish per year, according to FAO. This will be used for household consumption, while excess can be supplied in the local market to generate income.

- The Fish Site