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Responsible Business Fund Plus (RBF+)


Myanmar’s post-coup conflict escalation and economic turmoil has led to financial and economic instability and destabilised the agrifood industry. Also, extreme weather and climate change further impact farmers and agricultural processors. The Responsible Business Fund Plus project aims to support agrifood businesses while reducing their environmental impact and thus deepening Switzerland's commitment to private sector engagement and an inclusive green economy.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Myanmar
Employment & economic development
Climate change and environment
Agriculture & food security
SME development
Energy conservation & efficiency
Agricultural services & market
01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028
 CHF  4’000’000
The project in brief
Background The escalation of the conflict in Myanmar following the military coup has severely disrupted agricultural value chains, causing economic and financial instability. The agrifood sector is vital for maintaining livelihoods amidst armed conflicts, stagnant economies, and youth emigration as still approx. 70% of the population depend on agriculture for their subsistence. Climate change and extreme weather events further exacerbate the situation, significantly affecting farmers and agricultural processors nationwide. The Responsible Business Fund Plus (RBF+) project aims to assist agrifood businesses accross Myanmar while reducing the sector’s ecological footprint. Building on the successful model and results of RBF Myanmar, the project will award grants to Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agrifood sector to develop improved and greener business models. Thanks to SDC's experience in private sector engagement, this initiative promises significant results in terms of climate change mitigation, adaptation and environmental preservation while generating income in the agrifood sector which is in line with the new cooperation programme. Moreover, RBF+ allows a diversification of (local) partners.
Objectives The agrifood sector generates greater income and employment with a reduced impact on the climate and environment.
Target groups
  • 375 agri-food MSMEs, businesses and associations (260 receiving direct grant funding, technical supports for new inputs, technology & services, international market development & domestic market linkages)
  • 55’000 primary agriculture producers and agri-food sector employees
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Enhanced capacity and awareness of agrifood sector MSMEs and producers about environmentally sustainable inputs, clean technologies, and services

Outcome 2: Increased productivity, competitiveness and environmental performance of agrifood sector MSMEs and producers

Outcome 3: Increase sales in domestic and export markets of agrifood sector MSMEs
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Availability of new/improved equipment/inputs, services, and clean technologies

Output 1.2: Functional linkages between providers and MSMEs and producers

Output 2.1: Increased access to and use of new/improved equipment, services, and clean technologies

Output 2.2: Enhanced capacity to meet quality, safety, social and environmental needs

Output 3.1: Better capacity to promote sales of Myanmar agrifood products

Output 3.2: Increased commitment and investment to meet requirements of clients


Results from previous phases:  

  • MMK 20 billion (almost 9 mio CHF) disbursed to 692 MSMEs investing in energy, water efficiency, waste treatment & recycling, occupational health & safety, food safety, managerial & supervisory skills, and practical & technical skills
  • 34% reduction in operational cost, 35% improvement in profit by MSMEs
  • Reduction of 35% in electricity usage, 60% in Diesel usage, 94% in coal usage, 53% in water usage, and 78% in food spoilage
  • Increase of 616% in solid and liquid waste handled by MSMEs

(managed by Denmark only)
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Coordination with other projects and actors

Swiss projects in the area of food security and livelihoods (LIFT, FOSTER, VSDP, UNDP) as well as EU and Denmark funded projects (SCORE, SENTRUM, Switch Asia)

There will be no technical and financial support to the military authorities.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    4’000’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    997’500 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   4’000’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation INDUSTRY
    ENERGY
    AGRICULTURE
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
    Energy conservation and demand-side efficiency
    Agricultural services
    Cross-cutting topics The project promotes biodiversity.
    Aid Type Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F11402

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Last update 03.01.2021