Promoting food and nutrition security in Rakhine state

Context

Rakhine State, situated in western Myanmar and bordering Bangladesh, remains one of the country's least developed regions, with high poverty rates. Around 50 per cent of children under five years of age suffer from chronic malnutrition, leading to severe, lasting impacts on physical and cognitive development. Food insecurity and malnutrition particularly affect women and children in rural areas, driven by limited dietary diversity, inadequate hygiene practices, lacking access to essential health services.

Additionally, limited income opportunities, market restrictions, frequent natural disasters, and ongoing political instability hinder progress towards food and nutrition security. Good nutrition during early childhood, especially from pregnancy through the child’s second year, is crucial for cognitive development, educational success, future earning potential, and overall health. Improving the nutritional status of adolescent girls, women, and young children is essential for intellectual capacity, economic productivity, and reducing non-communicable diseases in affected communities.

Objective

Women aged 15 to 49 and children from six to 23 months in selected regions of Rakhine State practice improved dietary and hygiene habits, supporting their nutritional and economic well-being, while communities adopt climate-resilient food production and water infrastructure. 

Approach

The project addresses the complex causes of malnutrition in Rakhine State by prioritising women’s needs, promoting climate awareness, and implementing a multi-dimensional approach.

To ensure comprehensive impact, the project combines nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions across important areas, including:

• Nutrition and health
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
• Climate change adaptation

Through these interlinked areas, the project aims to:

• Increase access to safe aquatic proteins, enhancing nutritional outcomes, particularly during the critical early years (the 1,000-day approach).
• Improve food availability and nutrition security by processing and adding value, which also generates higher incomes.

In partnership with national and international organisations as well as local CSOs, the project operates with a network of volunteers in various ethnic villages within the project areas. These volunteers support local efforts and facilitate swift responses to emerging needs.

Last update: November 2024