The study focused on selected sample townships Thanatpin, Kawa and Waw in Bago region and Kyaikhto, Bilin, Thaton in Mon state. Townships in Bago region and Mon State were prioritized according to the pre-selected CLCMGoM project target areas.

In accordance with Outcome 2 aim for Vulnerable coastal communities to have increased income and resilience through livelihood diversification and improved access to non-fisheries resources the study focused on assessing current market context and potential value chain development in on and off farm sectors in the coastal Gulf of Mottama region. The study also served to increase understanding and mapping of stakeholders and commodities alongside their specific market functions, capabilities, incentives and constraints and related marketing channel. The report specifically aims to first value and secondly complement existing on and off farm non fishery sector value chain related studies in Myanmar, paying particular attention to those relevant to the southeast and project context.

The study applied the value chain approach in identifying linkages between farmer groups, commercial buyers and private service providers in order to increase profitability throughout the industry. Gender equality and social equity, governance dynamics and environmental risks were integrated into questionnaires, focus group discussions and data collection.

For on farm data, a comprehensive desk review and preliminary data collection related to key actors along at least three key value chains (rice + 2) were carried out. Farmer/ community respondent related questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic characteristics, including crop production, post-harvest handling, selling, marketing, trading and services opportunities and constraints. Public and private stakeholder questionnaires were used to collect data on trading, costs, marketing, pricing, services, opportunities and constraints. The study was done by semi structure interview for input suppliers, millers, wholesalers, and traders, focus group discussion for producers, key informant interview for key market players at village cluster level and township level for the primary data collection.

For off farm data, a desk review of existing reports (both published and unpublished) including the project baseline provided key information. Additional data was collected during on farm interviews and market surveys.