Since our inception in Bangladesh over 50 years ago, we have learned that people living in poverty can be agents of positive change in their own lives. Our experience in understanding poverty and inequality make us uniquely positioned to respond to the diverse challenges that communities in Myanmar face.
BRAC launched operations in Myanmar in 2013. Since then, we have been working on strengthening market linkages, streamlining climate adaptation among small-holder farmers, and enhancing access to financing for those living in hard-to-reach areas.
Social Development
BRAC functions as a solution ecosystem using an integrated model of social development, social enterprise and humanitarian response, in partnership with communities.
BRAC Myanmar prioritises social development by implementing a range of programs meant to enhance the quality of life for individuals, particularly those living in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Key areas of social development include Microfinance, Agriculture, Food Security & Livelihood, Nutrition, Financial and Social Empowerment.
Financial Inclusion
Our mission is to provide inclusive, accessible, and affordable financial services to people living at the bottom of the pyramid. We particularly focus on women living in poverty in rural and hard-to-reach areas, to create self-employment opportunities, build financial resilience, and harness their entrepreneurial spirit by empowering them economically.
OUR IMPACT
Data updated as of August 2024
COUNTRY SITUATION
The agriculture sector is the primary source of livelihood for many households in rural areas of Myanmar and employs 70% of the labour force. Weak market linkages, climate change, production costs, access to adequate financing, access to quality seed, and insufficient knowledge of good agricultural practices are the challenges farmers face that require support from the government and non-government organisations. The pandemic has created further financial difficulties for farmers this year. Myanmar is vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, storm surges, tsunamis, strong winds, earthquakes and fires. While some parts of the country are exposed to landslides and droughts, heavy rainfall induced flooding is a recurring phenomenon across the country.
The coronavirus outbreak has overwhelmed the healthcare system in the country, with many hospitals empty due to work boycotts by pro-democracy medical staff members. On the other hand, BRAC Myanmar’s financial inclusion project is based in Kayin State, which has been ravaged by civil war for over 60 years, leaving large parts of the population unserved and underserved, resulting in a strong demand for financing to break the poverty cycle.
OUR APPROACH
BRAC in Myanmar takes a participatory, community-based, and inclusive approach to designing context-specific, impactful programmes. Our interventions in urban, rural and conflict-affected zones prioritise the equitable participation of all groups, particularly women. We work directly with communities, keeping their voices at the center of our programmes.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Agriculture, Food Security, and Livelihood (AFSL)
Our holistic model in agriculture enables farmers to adapt to climate change, and connect to markets. We create access to quality inputs and tailored finance products,train entrepreneurs to diversify services, promote effective farming techniques and proven technology, and facilitate the development of pro-poor agriculture markets. Our primary focus lies in aquaculture, pond-dike cropping, and nutrition.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme
The purpose of our Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme (EPRP) is to strengthen the culture of resilience and reduce exposure from disasters. At the community level, we support practical actions that enable communities to improve their lives and shape their own future. While the project was active, we collaborated with national and local governments and other stakeholders to build capacity for emergency preparedness and response in communities, schools, and local governments in Yangon and Bago regions. As part of the COVID-19 recovery response, BRAC Myanmar also conducted health talks and mobile health clinics, training on proper agricultural practices for farmers, access to safe drinking water and latrines, and nutritional support in the flood-affected regions. The EPRP project ended in April 2021.
Financial Inclusion Project
Through the Financial Inclusion project, BRAC Myanmar aims to improve the life of conflict-affected people of Kayin and increase their access to financial services. This project is adapting and using BRAC’s “Graduation Model” which builds on key components and gives people with disabilities the skills, preparation, and self-confidence they need to develop sustainable livelihoods.
Microfinance
We have the third largest network of microfinance operations in Myanmar. Our range of services places clients’ wellbeing at the centre of everything we do, with a strong focus on women, especially those living in hard-to-reach areas. Our inclusive and tailored services also prioritise people living in conflict-prone areas, and those living with disabilities, developing their skills and their economic independence. Read More →
OUR PRESENCE
Mandalay
Shan
Sagaing
Nay Pyi Taw
Bago
Yangon
Mon
Kayin
Taungoo
West Bago
LATEST FROM US
OUR STORY
Made Possible by Our Clients: Financial Inclusion Project | BRAC Myanmar
Win Mar Yee, Zin Mar Cho, and Saw Shwe Maung, all persons with disabilities, are driven by a strong commitment to never giving up. As role models for the project, they inspire other people with disabilities within their communities. Our small business owners have been supported and encouraged to take responsibility for their families.
We believe everyone has potential, no matter the challenge. All people need is the opportunity to realise it.
DONORS & PARTNERS
COUNTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM
Zin Mar Hnin
Head of Business Development and Impact
Contact Us
Office Address
No (17), Pyi Thar Yar Housing, Street (1), (15) Ward, Yankin Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Contact Number
T: 01 – 8603578