EVERY person aspires to live a long and healthy life. While longevity and good health may be attributed to merit and fate, they are also supported by improved socioeconomic conditions, proper living standards, and peace of mind. Social and economic advancement plays a central role but reducing poverty within society.
In Myanmar, socioeconomic development still faces challenges. The country’s life expectancy is 69 years, the lowest among ASEAN and neighbouring countries. To improve health and life expectancy, not only must the national economy grow, but people must also have access to proper nutrition at affordable prices. It is therefore essential to ensure the availability of quality food at reasonable costs.
If the economy strengthens, household incomes will rise, enabling families to consume sufficient and nutritious food. Better nutrition will, in turn, extend life expectancy. According to the 2024 Population and Housing Census, Myanmar’s resident population is more than 54 million, including about 3.4 million citizens working abroad. This brings the total population to over 54 million.
If all able-bodied citizens can engage in productive work, the economy will grow on the strong foundations already in place, and social and economic conditions will improve. Around 70 per cent of the population lives in rural areas, where most people depend on agriculture and livestock activities as their livelihoods. Therefore, uplifting the socioeconomic life of rural communities will boost national economic growth, reduce poverty, and raise life expectancy.
The government is prioritizing rural economic development, and future governments will also need to continue efforts to improve rural socioeconomic conditions. According to World Bank calculations, Myanmar’s poverty rate was 21.6 per cent in 2014, but it is estimated to have risen to 49 per cent in 2024. Regardless, it is essential for all citizens to work diligently and collectively.
To achieve higher life expectancy in practical and sustainable ways, the most effective approach is to promote rural economic development. The current government is already supporting agriculture and livestock, and it is believed that future governments will continue to prioritize these sectors. Livestock farming businesses are suitable for Myanmar’s natural conditions. In agriculture, achieving higher yields in the 10 major crops as targeted will also contribute to overall economic growth.
As such, to reduce poverty and raise life expectancy, it is necessary to strengthen rural agriculture and livestock industries, which form the backbone of the national economy. By working together with collective effort, the nation can achieve socioeconomic progress and improved living standards for the people.
