Rural Myanmar Women Prosper with Pig Farming

Shanta Foundation implemented 19 different projects with our partner villages in Myanmar in 2023. Pig Farming is just one of these projects. Our Project Officers there provided us with a detailed report on all active programs in 2023. The pig farming report is not solely focused on women, but I want to share the results with you as it has been a tremendously impactful program for its participants. 

Keep in mind that these villages have a population of around 500 residents with an average individual annual income of less than $1,000/year. In 2023: 

• The pig farming project assisted 51 pig farmers in two villages in Southern Shan State, reaching 41% of the families in each participating village.
• The overall project gross revenue was $36,727, with a net profit of $13,203.
• Five farmers are now able to breed pigs on a large scale and collectively earn $14,946 in gross revenue, which results in an average net profit of $1,320 per farmer. Those farmers follow the development of farmer-friendly business plans, raise both breeding and fattening pigs, and farmers comply with a systematic breeding method.
• Pig farmer committees are very consequential. They organize all the farmers and provide basic vet care and peer support. When the project staff's supervision is limited due to security concerns (like military checkpoints making it difficult to visit a village), the organizing skills of pig farm committees become critical.

You can read more about other programs implemented by Shanta Foundation in Myanmar and Zambia on our website or contact us. We love talking about the work! 

Links:

• https://www.shantafoundation.org/