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.

Región/País Tema Período Presupuesto
Myanmar
Empleo y desarrollo económico
Cambio climático y medio ambiente
Agricultura y seguridad alimentaria
Desarrollo de pequeñas y medianas empresas
Conservación de energía y eficacia
Servicios agrícolos & mercado
01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028
CHF  4’000’000
Contexto 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.
Objetivos The agrifood sector generates greater income and employment with a reduced impact on the climate and environment.
Grupos destinarios
  • 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
Efectos a medio plazo

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

Resultados

Resultados previstos:  

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


Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

  • 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)


Dirección / Officina Federal responsable COSUDE
Contrapartes del proyecto Contraparte del contrato
Organización suiza sin fines de lucro
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Coordinación con otros proyectos y actores

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.

Presupuesto Fase en curso Presupuesto suizo CHF    4’000’000 Presupuesto actual suizo ya emitido CHF    1’995’000 Total del proyecto desde la primera fase Presupuesto inclusive contrapartes del proyecto CHF   4’000’000
Fases del proyecto Fase 1 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2028   (Fase en curso)