Adaptive strategies of smallholder farming households for agriculture commercialization and food and nutrition security in Myanmar

Adaptive strategies of smallholder farming households for agriculture commercialization and food and nutrition security in Myanmar

A 2017 study by Gabrielli, Herens, and Peters identified the emergent opportunities that link agricultural commercialization processes to food and nutrition security among smallholder farming households. This link places farmers at the center, particularly because they are both producers and consumers in the food systems.

Focusing on the tales of smallholder farmers and on their agricultural life stories, the study contextualized their understanding of farm household’s sense-making processes in relation to the rapid agricultural transition in Myanmar. It also considered the implication of these processes for food and nutrition security of farming families.

Research revealed a wide and diverse set of adaptive strategies employed by farmers to mobilize resources and build their resilience. Farmers who were involved in commercialization found success when they intentionally diversify their livelihood strategies. This adaptive mechanism enabled them to increase their opportunities as they face various stressors and build their resiliency.

The study also showed that farmers’ sense-making and decision-making processes vary in relation to agriculture engagement and the food and nutrition security of their family.

An important finding in the study revealed that new forms of inclusive community-led organizations are growing, especially because of the process of democratization in the country. This means several elements are being made accessible, allowing for social innovations to take place.

The study provided a number of recommendations for policy and development interventions, and suggestions for further research.

To know more about the study, you can access the full-text here.

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