On 19 and 20 February last, the 2nd edition of the Seed and livelihoods fair, organised by the Delta Livelihoods Network (DLN)* with financial support from the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT), took place in Bogale, in Myanmar. The event brought together 1,600 visitors, including various members of the network from government and civil society.
Among the objectives of this meeting: promote initiatives in terms of rural development of the network, create links with farmers and civil society, strengthen coordination and collaboration between the various stakeholders, and facilitate exchange of information and experiences between them. In all, more than 50 stands were put in place for the occasion by development stakeholders working in the Ayeyarwaddy Region, companies from the private sector and some government departments. Farmers were able to present and sell their products and their seeds.
During his opening speech, the minister of Agriculture from the regional government of Ayeyarwaddy encouraged the various stakeholders present to work together to develop and improve the living conditions of rural populations in the region. He also insisted on the important role of NGOs.
The event was held over two days, proposing a variety of activities: technical quizzes, photo competitions, organic vegetables, debates, conferences on various subjects such as climate change, access to land, seed production, actions in the area of nutrition, emancipation and empowerment of entrepreneurs, etc.
* The DNL network, set up in 2016 by GRET, currently has 20 member organisations. It brings together local and international NGOs, civil society organisations, Myanmar government departments and three townships in the Delta region.
