The disaster and its consequences
On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, with hundreds killed and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. Many families were left in unsafe shelters or overcrowded camps, while seasonal floods that followed worsened the crisis by destroying crops, businesses, and livelihoods—leading to food insecurity and rising malnutrition. The disaster also exposed major gaps in local preparedness, leaving communities vulnerable to future shocks.
From hardship to new hope
The project aims to support the most vulnerable earthquake-affected households by restoring their livelihoods, improving food security, and strengthening resilience to future disasters. This will be implemented in partnership with the Community Development Association (CDA) which has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian and development work in Myanmar.
The rehabilitation project in earthquake and flood-affected areas is special because it goes beyond just rebuilding infrastructure. It focuses on restoring lives, communities, and resilience. This rehabilitation project is uniquely important due to the compounded impact of two major disasters, a flood and an earthquake, that struck within a short period of just five months. These communities endured back-to-back disasters in the same year, causing severe damage to homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and social systems. The overlap of two different types of disasters has created complex recovery needs, which this project specifically addresses.
Aung Hlaing Oo, Project Manager at CDA
Ways out of insecurity
Implementation will follow a multisectoral, participatory, inclusive, and rights-based approach, ensuring active engagement of beneficiaries at all stages. Vulnerable families will receive conditional cash grants to repair their damaged homes, ensuring they have safe and stable living conditions to support further recovery. To improve food security and income, farming households will receive seeds, fertilizers, livestock, and training, while home gardens will be supported to boost access to fresh produce. Families will also receive soft skills training and cash assistance to start small businesses, and mothers and caregivers will attend nutrition sessions to improve household diets. Disaster preparedness will be strengthened by training local disaster committees, conducting community risk assessments, and raising awareness about local hazards and safe practices.
The project's direct beneficiaries are 5,760 people (1,200 households) in 10 villages in Naypyitaw UnionTerritory Area. It will also indirectly benefit an estimated 20,270 people.
The paddy fields in Pyinmanar Township were significantly affected by flooding that occurred after the earthquake. The flood further compounded the damage in the area—submerging farmland, disrupting agricultural activities, and threatening the livelihoods of local farming communities who were already struggling to recover from the earthquake.
Farmers are currently preparing their land for the upcoming winter cropping season. As part of the recovery and livelihood support efforts, smallholder farmers will receive assistance for cultivating seasonal crops throughout the year—including winter, summer, and monsoon seasons. This support aims to help restore their agricultural productivity, improve food security, and strengthen resilience after the recent disasters.
A project orientation session was conducted in Shwe Nyaung Pin Village, Poke Pa Thiri Township, Naypyitaw Union Territory, Myanmar. During the session, key information about the project—including its objectives, planned activities, selection criteria, and expected outcomes—was shared with the community. To ensure inclusivity and broad community participation, representatives from village leadership, women’s groups, elders, ethnic minorities, refugees, and youth were invited to take part.
A three-day Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training of Trainers was conducted for project staff and volunteers. PRA is a community-based approach that empowers local people to share their knowledge, identify challenges, and actively participate in planning solutions that reflect their true needs and priorities.
A three-day Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training of Trainers was conducted for project staff and volunteers. PRA is a community-based approach that empowers local people to share their knowledge, identify challenges, and actively participate in planning solutions that reflect their true needs and priorities.
Projectinfo
| Place/Region | Myanmar / Southeast Asia |
|---|---|
| Partner | Community Development Association (CDA) http://www.cda-myanmar.com |
| Activities |
|
| Duration | 1 August 2025 – 31 July 2027 |
| Budget | 280,000 EUR |
| Sponsor | Aktion Deutschland Hilft |
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