Eastern Shan State rural development and inclusion project

The Eastern Shan State (ESS) is an exceptional case of disadvantage in a country struggling with numerous cultural, political, economic and environmental challenges. Based on a thorough problem analysis and needs assessment in the target areas, the overall goal of the project is to promote inclusive, cohesive and sustained groups, communities, institutions and systems for the benefit of the rural population of ESS.

The two specific objectives of the project are:  

• to improve the means and resources for legal livelihood activities of the local communities;  and
• to promote the interaction, interdependence, cooperation and capacity in the community's development of participatory governance.

The deficit in interaction and cooperation can be explained historically, going back as far as to the beginning of the decline of the vast and powerful Shan Kingdom (from Yunnan to Arakan border and containing more than 100 ethnic groups), which already commenced in the mid-17th century. This was followed by more recent colonial and/or war-torn disruptions (1930–2000). This period of 70 years of poverty in Myanmar was reflected by the displacement and isolation of populations from internal and cross-border conflict that has stunted economic growth, including human capital and natural resource development. More recently, since 2000 and until 2021, a period of military restraint provided a pause in the accumulation of damage, grievances and displacement, allowing for development interventions, planned and conducted with local leaders and family heads, negotiated with the political authorities in each domain and ensuring material benefits and development impacts.

Since development prospers through cooperation and interdependence, the Eastern Shan State Rural Development and Inclusion project aims to first and foremost involve and serve villagers who need more food, water, electricity, mobility and communications – all requiring continuous mutual reinforcement – to be gradually formalised in committees at township, tract, village and community levels.

Geographically speaking, the following three clusters/areas are concerned:

• the 5 Tracts of southwest Keng Tung Township with 11 000 people, including ethnic minorities emerging from very insecure conditions;
• the most severely damaged areas of Keng Lap, with approximately 2 000 people of mixed ethnicities along a vital border area of Tachileik District; and
• an additional 2 000 disadvantaged and predominantly Shan people in five villages in the low density midland of the Mong Phyak Township.

Since the Eastern Shan State Rural Development and Inclusion project has a specific geographical and population focus with considerable technology development, innovation and piloting, a direct financing modality via local management structures, technical expertise, and dispersed facilitation in the targeted tracts/districts and among the different villages is being implemented.

Following the military coup of February 1st 2021, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation has decided to temporarily suspend the activities of the Eastern Shan State Rural Development and Inclusion project and is closely monitoring the situation.