Rural Poverty in Myanmar
by Riley DeWitt
Poverty in Myanmar is extremely prevalent. As one of the three poorest countries in Asia, something drastic needs to be done to break the cycles of poverty and empower the youth. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the world bank, one in four people in Myanmar are considered below the poverty line. Myanmar has the second highest child mortality rate in the region. Two thirds of Myanmar's population does not have access to electricity. Transportation is scarce with only 12 percent of the roads in the country being paved.
The UN states that rural poverty is twice as high as in urban areas, exasperated by the lack of technology in farming and fishing, despite natural resources being readily available. Considering 60-70 percent of the Myanmar population subside in rural areas, contributors to the country’s poverty issue start to come to light. Although the ripple effects of a poverty stricken population is felt throughout the country, some feel it more than others. In Chin state for example, 6 out of ten people are under the poverty line.
Despite the increasing need for infrastructure and agricultural development, the Government focuses on extractive industries such as gas and oil, work that only benefits the wealthy, stretching the economic gap wider and wider. On top of the government working for themselves rather than for the people, extreme weather poses many issues. Natural disasters make it extremely difficult for many to create economic value for themselves. Despite agriculture being the primary economic driver, Mayanmar’s profit generation from rice is the lowest in the region.
Although poverty levels have been decreasing in Myanmar over the past few years (from 44 to 26 percent from 2004 to 2015 according to the world bank) Myanmar has a lot of work to be done if we want to see equal opportunity and an eliminated cycle of poverty. More inclusive growth is needed to ensure that all people are benefiting. Statistics show that households, and individuals who have diversified or all together moved away from agricultural work have better living conditions. Only 13 percent of people who are completely moved away from agricultural work experience poverty. But with little help from the Government, and an economy that is unforgiving, it is extremely difficult for individuals to move away from agriculture and diversify their incomes.
This is where business funds for these individuals living below the poverty line could be life changing. Educated and calculated funding could help to move these individuals away from agricultural work into more sustainable and more profitable work. In return, if done right, it would lower poverty levels and diversify the overall economy. Just think, by giving individuals the funds to create a new source of income for themselves, a brighter future for Myanmar is within reach.
Notes:
https://borgenproject.org/top-10-facts-about-poverty-in-myanmar/