About

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is seeking applications for the Digital Ecosystem Agriculture Markets Initiative in Myanmar.

Under this Initiative, UNCDF will provide a grant for the improvement and enhancement of a digital service platform that aims to focus on the Agri-value chain ecosystem development, and expanding Agri-related quality services and financial services to offer better customer experience and attract new customers. This project intends to collaborate with industrial key stakeholders, agri-businesses, and financial services providers to expand different types of digital services for low-income people, farmers, and rural women.

Under this initiative, UNCDF will support in improving the digital service platform(s) that drive the broadening and deepening of Agriculture Value Chain (AVC) system(s) – with a focus on farmers and women.

Objectives

The objectives describe specific goals that can help address the challenges and problem statements faced by the agricultural sector in Myanmar:

• The first objective is to develop or enhance an existing digital ecosystem for agriculture in Myanmar. This can involve the establishment or advancement of a digital platform that connects farmers with financial institutions, markets, and other Agri-actors in the value chain.

• The second objective is to promote transparency and information sharing in the agricultural value chain using digital platforms.

• The third objective is to improve access to finance and credit for farmers and agribusiness through digital service platform services.

Areas of Intervention

• Improving and supporting the digital service platform for the agricultural value-chain(s) and expanding the partnership linkages between Agri-market stakeholders.

• Enhancing the digital system services for agricultural sector and reducing the digital gap for the rural areas and facilitating the growth of digital ecosystem for rural women and farmer groups.

Challenges

• The challenges outlined are significant obstacles to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in Myanmar.

  • Low productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector due to inadequate technology and knowledge can hinder the growth of and development of the sector. The lack of technology knowledge sharing can limit the potential for innovation and efficiency gains.

  • The limited adoption of digital technology in the agricultural sector can hinder the development of a digital ecosystem for agriculture. This can limit the potential for financial inclusion, access to markets, and transparency in the value chain.

  • Limited market access for farmers due to the lack of information and transparency in the agricultural value chain can result in price inefficiencies, limiting the income potential for small-scale farmers. Greater transparency and information sharing can help farmers access better prices and improve their livelihoods.

  • Limited access to finance and credit for small-scale farmers and agribusiness restricts their ability to invest in their operations, improve productivity, and expand their businesses. This can perpetuate poverty and limit the potential for economic growth in rural areas.

  • Inadequate infrastructure for the transportation and storage of agricultural products can lead to post-harvest losses, reducing profitability of agriculture.

Funding Information

• UNCDF contributions may be up to USD 200,000.

• The project activities are expected to be completed no later than 31st December 2023. UNCDF requires two additional six-monthly follow-up reports after the project end date.

Target Segment

• The primary segment of the project are low-income households, women, and farmers. The secondary segment are current and future clients of AgriTech and FSPs, predominantly lowincome, and living in rural areas.

Geographical Scope

• The project has a nationwide scope of delivery. Specialized solutions such as those concerning the digital service platform for agricultural value chains may be restricted to select value chains and locations. Ad-hoc pilots might be tested in certain geographical areas, depending on the needs and the interest of the Agritech and Agribusiness participants.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

• Country of operation

  • Applicant(s) must be a legal entity, either incorporated in Myanmar or abroad, but must have at least two years of operations in Myanmar.

  • Relevant operation licenses (when applicable)

  • The lead applicant must be legally authorized in Myanmar to provide services required to perform the RFA activities.

• Consortiums (when applicable)

  • Applicants may apply only once under this RFA, whether independently or in a consortium.

  • Joint applications between market players in the target country or countries are encouraged if the solution proposed expands delivery networks and promotes rural and/or other last-mile access to beneficiaries.

  • Applications from consortiums of organizations must show that the partnership was established prior to submitting their application to this RFA or for this RFA.

  • The lead applicant must be registered entities as per applicable laws and must have statutory accounts and audited financial statements for at least one operating year.

• Solutions to be supported

  • Applicants must have an existing solution that is either already on the market or have a tested solution or have proof of concept that is ready to go under testing by end of the year.

• Project funding

  • Applicants are encouraged to contribute to part of the project’s in-kind costs. (Costs may include technical infrastructure, resources, and operations).

Post Date: July 28, 2023