Researchers

Gerard McCarthy, Andrea Smurra, Russell Toth, Kyu Khin Gar

Abstract

This project tracks on a monthly basis the impacts of COVID-19 on diverse households across five urban townships and across Magway Region in Myanmar. The core survey instrument will focus on six key areas: employment, food security, migration, access to support and services, lifestyle and behavioral changes (including WASH) and household finances. The surveys aim to inform township and sub-national authorities and other actors about the needs of residents and how best they can support them in the context of COVID-19. This project comprises monthly surveys of 800 respondents per township in five urban contexts – 4000 respondents every month (a total 12,000 respondents over 3 monthly waves) and 800 respondents in Magway Region (2400 respondents over 3 months). The repeated monthly nature of the study provides scope to assess how the pandemic, interventions to contain the spread of the virus and address socio-economic impacts on households are impacting respondents in these contexts over the coming months. The survey's data collection mode is ChatBot surveys targeted via Facebook advertisements.

Partners

The Asia Foundation, WaterAid Myanmar, Opportunities Now Myanmar (ONOW)

Key Findings

Round 1 (Sept/Oct) Briefing:

• 80 percent of households reduced meals (size or number) in 7 days pre-survey, mostly due to reduced income
• Half of households have taken new loans, mostly for survival/purchase of food
• 20 percent of households have received any government support (food or cash)
• Almost 70 percent of SME owners are operating at half or less capacity. 30 percent of SME owners have closed entirely (higher in COVID-19 hotspots)
• More than 90 percent of respondents report using facemasks, washing hands, and reducing gatherings
• 54 percent of respondents have taken on new debts, mostly for survival

Link to Results

Round 1 Briefing Presentation

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Results Status

No Results Yet