In Myanmar, the livestock sector in particular is a very dynamic one, with demand for livestock products increasing in the context of increasing populations, increasing economic activity, and increased urbanization of the country and region. The full potential of the sector can be reached only with improved government policies and actions.

With the aim to contribute to policy and investment planning in the livestock sector through providing basic data on the current populations and ownership of the livestock in the country, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted the National Livestock Baseline Survey (NLBS) in Myanmar under the LIFT-funded project namely “Improving farmer livelihoods in the dry zone through improved livestock health, productivity and marketing.”

In collaboration with the Department of Livestock Veterinary and Breeding, FAO conducted the NLBS in terms of National Survey, Eight Township Survey, Six Township Survey and Large Chicken Farm Census. The survey process had some advantages in that the lead up surveys could pilot training and data collection and management processes, and train LBVD staff. This had the great advantage of involving LBVD staff who would ultimately be the either main users of the data for policy purposes, and be responsible for communicating information to private sector stakeholders.

Launching of NLBS was organized in Nay Pyi Taw on 10 January. Union Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI), Director Generals and senior officials from MoALI and related stakeholders participated in the ceremony. During the event, it was stressed how the experience of the NLBS, in both process and content, can contribute to the planning of the 2020 census. Perhaps as importantly, the FAO project in collaboration with LBVD has demonstrated the utilization of the data for policy making, and in engaging with the private sector.