Improving water management in Myanmar’s dry zone for food security, livelihoods and health

In 2012-2013, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in collaboration with National Engineering and Planning Services (NEPS) and Myanmar Marketing Research and Development (MMRD) Research Services, undertook a rapid assessment on behalf of the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust (LIFT) to: assess the water resources of Myanmar’s Dry Zone; evaluate key issues associated with water availability, access and management; and identify priority areas for investment in water management that would improve livelihoods and food security of the local communities. The study comprised three main components: An assessment of surface water and groundwater resources, considering availability, current uses, patterns, trends and variability at different spatial and temporal scales; A community-level qualitative survey to evaluate issues of water availability, access and management for people with different livelihoods in 24 villages; and Analysis of existing irrigation programs, investment patterns and outcomes, including recommendations on where to prioritize future investments.