Impact of Conservation Agriculture Techniques on Community Livelihoods in the Central Dryzone of Myanmar

Abstract

Within the context of Myanmar, extensive research has been undertaken to examine various facets of agricultural sector advancement, encompassing economic, social, environmental, and diverse viewpoints. However, limited attention has been directed towards investigating the domain of conservation agriculture (CA), indicating a gap in the existing knowledge. The exploration of indigenous wisdom and methodologies related to CA is of utmost significance. This research employs a combination of descriptive and inferential analyses, supplemented by regression analysis. The research cohort comprises 130 agricultural households actively engaged in diverse CA methodologies within the central dryland area of Myanmar. The results of this study reveal a dual-sided influence of CA practices on local livelihoods, contingent upon the nature of the specific practice as well as the livelihood dimensions under consideration. Notably, CA practices yield advantageous outcomes in terms of both economic prosperity and environmental preservation. However, it is noteworthy that these practices tend to exert unfavorable effects on the social dimensions of livelihoods.