In June 2016 the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) has started a 3-year project to improve the nutrition and food security outcomes for rural communities in Chin State. The project was developed based on the results of 5-year Comprehensive Development Plan (2016-2020) for Chin State, produced in 2014 in collaboration with the Chin State Government and civil society. Through the participatory planning process, an unacceptably high rate of malnutrition among children was identified.
To address this issue of malnutrition, MIID will apply an integrated approach that works with a number of stakeholders including men and women farmers, women educators, agricultural education institutions and Government.
Specifically, the project will introduce nutrition education into the curriculum of agricultural students within the Yezin Agricultural University and the newly established State Agricultural Institute in Lungpi, Falam Township. This will build awareness about the importance of nutrition information in agricultural extension services to farmers. The project will also promote nutrition-sensitive agricultural extension and integrated farming practices to farmers and community members across 24 villages in Hakha Township. This will include participatory and hands-on learning experiences such as farmer field schools, small livestock and backyard fish production demonstrations, nutrition training, cooking demonstrations as well as women’s leadership education and trainings in nutrition.
The Project is funded by the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). MIID is the lead implementer, partnering with Cornell University, New York, United States, and also collaborating with Yezin Agricultural University and the State Agricultural Institute, Lungpi, Falam Township. The Project duration is 3 years, from June 2016 until May 2019.