UN presents grim picture of flood destruction
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RECENT FLOODING in Myanmar had a devastating impact on agricultural livelihoods and food security, according to a joint government-United Nations report.
More than half a million hectares of rice paddy were affected and almost a quarter of a million livestock were killed, including poultry, cattle, pigs and goats, when Cyclone Komen struck Myanmar in late July and early August.
Rice was the most affected crop, with some parts of the country losing entire paddy plantations. The loss of poultry will have a particular impact on women, who often rely on small animals to support their families.
Flooding was also devastating for the aquaculture and fishing industries in Myanmar, with almost 30,000 hectares of fish and shrimp ponds gone, as well as fishing equipment such as nets, traps, boats and engines.
The figures are from an assessment report just released by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) and the Myanmar government.
The assessment looked at the states and regions of Ayeyarwady, Bago, Chin, Magway, Rakhine and Sagaing. These areas were among the worst affected by the floods and are where families are heavily dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The FAO and WFP have asked for more international support to replace livestock, seeds, fertiliser, tools and equipment for affected farmers, especially those most vulnerable to poverty, such as people living in female-headed households. In addition, affected communities need assistance to rehabilitate land, irrigation systems and access roads.
“Half of all losses were in agriculture, in regions where people rely on crop production and livestock to feed their families,” said Bui Thi Lan, FAO representative in Myanmar.
