LIFT is a multi-donor fund established in Myanmar in 2009, focused on achieving long-term development outcomes for the people of Myanmar.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
The current strategy (2024–2028) underpins LIFT’s ambitious vision to secure food security and livelihood development gains in a rapidly evolving context. Through focused, principled, and evidence-based programming, LIFT prioritises projects based on three core outcomes:
- enable food system actors to increase the production of nutritious food,
- improve physical, social, and financial access to nutritious food, and
- assist people in starting or improving enterprises or employment opportunities.
LIFT also supports interventions in core projects that:
- increase the adoption of optimal nutritional and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices,
- reduce negative coping strategies,
- improve access to protection services, and
- enhance local capacities where there is a substantial link to core priorities.
LIFT’s multi-dimensional approach provides direct support at the community level, strengthening market systems. This includes driving private sector engagement and building an enabling environment for sustainable systemic change.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Myanmar is a complex environment facing multiple crises at the climate, economic, and political levels. The current strategic framework incorporates mechanisms to protect development gains at critical moments. This includes incorporating response and recovery plans into projects that focus on restoring and protecting hard-won gains in food security and livelihoods. This approach ensures that LIFT remains responsive, coordinated, and evidence informed.
PREVIOUS STRATEGIES
The first strategy (2009–2012) focused on medium-term interventions that supported the recovery of rural households affected by Cyclone Nargis in 2008.
The second strategy (2012–2014) shifted work towards development-oriented approaches that prioritised food security through agriculture and non-farming livelihoods.
The third strategy (2015–2018) expanded the development-oriented approach with differentiating household livelihood strategies. Framed as: hanging in, stepping up, and stepping out, it introduced new work streams focused on nutrition interventions, migration, and financial inclusion. It also incorporated increased private sector engagement and systems, and policy-level work.
The fourth strategy (2019–2023) sought to capitalise on prior achievements and was driven by an optimistic outlook on Myanmar’s growth, transitions, and conducive policymaking environment. A central focus called for leaving no one behind by reaching the most vulnerable.
Focus
Where We Work
