Did you know Myanmar ranks among the top 5 producers of sesame and top 10 for peanuts globally, but most of these crops leave the country raw, earning farmers almost nothing? Khun Zaw Hein from Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre (SRIc) had the opportunity to explore this question with the Roots Myanmar Team over a Zoom interview. By promoting organic farming, paying premiums for crops, and building a sustainable supply chain, Roots is creating a system that benefits both farmers and the environment. Join me as we dive into their story and discover how this innovative initiative is transforming agriculture, communities, and the future of food in Myanmar.

Khun Zaw Hein: Can you tell us the story behind Roots Myanmar, what inspired its focus on organic foods, and how sustainability shapes its core mission and day-to-day operations?

Roots Myanmar: Although Myanmar ranks among the top global producers of sesame (top 5) and peanuts (top 10), we saw a significant issue: most of these crops are exported as raw seeds, and local processing is minimal. Farmers end up in an unfair situation, selling their crops at prices set by brokers and intermediaries, which leaves them with low income and instability. Many turn to chemical fertilisers and pesticides to boost yields, which harm soil health, raise costs, and compromise food safety over time. The long-term effects on both livelihoods and the land are troubling.

Roots was founded to change this. We promote organic farming, fair pricing, and local processing. By paying farmers a premium for organic production, we help them restore soil health while earning more sustainably.

For us, sustainability also encompasses social aspects. In Magwe, many women, especially mothers, find it hard to secure stable jobs that fit their family responsibilities. We intentionally provide flexible job opportunities in production and packaging, allowing women to earn a dependable income while staying close to home. At the heart of Roots is a simple commitment: to deliver safe, nutritious, and high-quality food that meets international standards, for people who care about what they eat and how it’s made.

Khun Zaw Hein: How does Roots balance promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities with ensuring long-term environmental conservation and resource management?

Roots Myanmar: At Roots, we believe true sustainability must support both people and the planet. That’s why we are building an alternative market that empowers farmers to return to organic practices that protect the soil and reward the effort required to farm sustainably.

Farmers typically earn the same price in today's markets whether their crops are grown organically or with chemical fertilisers. Yet organic farming is more labour-intensive, costlier, and often yields less. To bridge this gap, we pay a premium, typically 25–35% above market rates, so farmers are genuinely incentivized to transition to organic methods. As more farmers see the demand for organic produce and the potential for better income, they are encouraged to change. Over time, this leads to healthier soil, less chemical use, and a lasting positive environmental impact, field by field.

Sustainability for us is also social. We offer meaningful job opportunities for women in our community, supporting them in production, leadership, and management roles. This approach builds an inclusive and resilient supply chain, grounded in the well-being of both the land and the people who rely on it.

Khun Zaw Hein: Could you share some specific examples of how Roots measures its impact, socially, economically, or ecologically, and what lessons have you learned from these efforts?

Roots Myanmar: At Roots, we see measuring impact as crucial for tracking progress and staying accountable to the communities we serve. While we are still learning and improving, here are some ways we’ve been measuring our social, economic, and ecological footprint so far:

Social Impact

We may be small, but we are intentional. We’ve created flexible work opportunities for local women—especially mothers—who often cannot take on full-time roles due to family responsibilities. Beyond employment, we aim to empower women through leadership and decision-making roles within our operations. For us, impact is not just about the number of jobs created, but the quality, flexibility, and dignity those jobs provide.

Economic Impact

We consistently pay farmers 25–35% above the local wholesale market price for organic crops. In today’s environment, where the GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) market has struggled due to the political crisis, many farmers have lost access to the premium prices they once relied on. By continuing to purchase organic seeds at fair rates, we provide a stable and reliable market when others have collapsed. This relieves our partner farmers, many of whom would otherwise be forced to sell at wholesale prices dictated by brokers. Our pricing model protects farmer income and reinforces the value of staying committed to organic methods, even in difficult times.

Ecological Impact

While we don’t yet conduct complete soil testing, many farmers report healthier soil texture and fewer pest issues after just 2-3 seasons of organic farming. We also help our partner farmers enrol in a soil testing program run by Kokkoya Organics, which assists them in understanding and improving soil health. We’ve learned that long-term ecological change takes time, but stories from the field are just as important as the data we collect.

Our Key Lesson

Impact measurement doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Listening closely to farmers and workers, understanding what works for them and what doesn’t, has proven as valuable as any formal data we gather.

Khun Zaw Hein: Myanmar faces significant political and economic uncertainties. What unique risks or opportunities does this context present for running a sustainability-focused business like Roots?

Roots Myanmar: Myanmar’s current crisis has brought considerable challenges, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and strict import restrictions. For instance, we’ve faced difficulties sourcing jars, which are the only packaging item we still import. Everything else, however, we proudly source locally.

Rather than being discouraged, we’ve chosen to adapt. These challenges have also created new opportunities. With imported products becoming more expensive and less accessible, consumers increasingly seek high-quality local alternatives. This is where we see a chance to step in.

We fill a meaningful gap in the market by producing locally, partnering with trusted suppliers, and offering products that match imported quality at a better value. For us, sustainability also entails building economic resilience—turning crises into chances for growth and long-term progress.

Khun Zaw Hein: Looking ahead, what is Roots Myanmar’s vision for deepening its sustainability work, and what role do you see for local communities, young people, or international partners in that vision?

Roots Myanmar: At Organic Roots Myanmar, our sustainability vision is grounded in long-term care for the land, the food we grow, and the people behind it. We aim to create a system where organic farming, fair trade, and community well-being work seamlessly.

Local Communities

They are the foundation of everything we do. We commit to supporting farmers through guidance for organic transitions, guaranteed pricing, and greater leadership roles for women in processing and logistics.

Youth

We view young people as future guardians of sustainable food systems. Through farm visits, content creation, and small-scale entrepreneurship rooted in organic values, we aim to inspire and involve them. The more they connect with food at its source, the stronger our collective future will be.

International Partners

We welcome thoughtful collaboration with those who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical trade. This includes responsibly expanding market access for Myanmar’s organic products and building stronger global value chains.

Now, more than ever, supporting enterprises like Roots is vital. In uncertain times, partnerships help us remain strong as a company and as a community-focused model that sustains rural livelihoods and promotes ecological farming. Supporting Roots means investing directly in grassroots sustainability, rural women’s employment, and ethical food systems in Myanmar. We invite allies who want to create something lasting, meaningful, and impactful.

Khun Zaw Hein is a Research Assistant at the Sustainability Lab of the Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre (SRIc) and recently completed a Diploma in Social and Development Studies.

“Advocating Sustainability, Shaping Our Future”

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One of the most valuable lessons from participating in the inaugural YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program in Society and Governance was understanding the robust framework of Governance, Growth, and Global Connections. This became my guiding thread throughout the fellowship, teaching me the value of inclusive governance, sustainable growth, and the lasting importance of international networks.

A Transformative Five Weeks

Over the past five weeks during Spring 2025, my experience through the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program under the theme of Society and Governance, hosted by Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington State, has been a truly transformative and lifelong learning journey. The primary focus of this exchange program is diving into three key areas: Academic Lectures, Site Visits, and Networking & American Culture.

Academic Immersion and Learning Beyond the Classroom

My academic journey began with engaging in one regular university class alongside current students, particularly the “American Political Joint Courses,” every Monday and Friday. These sessions offered in-depth exploration into foundational topics such as American history, the revolution, and the U.S. census, framing through the lenses of inclusion and exclusion in public narratives. Our study of identity politics was compelling, and it showed how intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity, oppression, and privilege influence policymaking.

American classroom culture values critical thinking and student-led discussion and is committed to preparing ahead, actively engaging, and reflecting deeply. Alongside these university classes, our cohort participated in thematic daily lectures on democracy, conflict resolution, the legal system, U.S. federalism, and our reflection on each Southeast Asia country’s current legislative and non-profit framework. Practical workshops also equipped us with tools such as root cause analysis, stakeholder mapping, civic policy design, and collaborative governance frameworks, supporting our group project work throughout the program.

Field Visits: Governance in Action

Beyond the classroom, we engaged in site visits that brought abstract concepts into a real-world context. These included exploring city halls, non-profits, state departments in the state of Washington, and even the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

A key issue we focused on during our stays was homelessness in the U.S. as an area where and how government agencies, NGOs, and social enterprises work together to address this pressing issue. Additionally, we explored “Light House Mission” in Bellingham, a non-profit, faith-based organization that provides shelter and essential services to unhoused individuals. Exploring innovative housing solutions like the “Tiny Village Project”, and in Philadelphia, we had the opportunity to visit “Broad Street Love”, an organization known for its radical hospitality approach and its creative use of community resources to serve those in need. What truly impressed me were the services explicitly dedicated to unhoused young people. For instance, “Northwest Youth Services” in Bellingham and “Hopworks” in New Jersey offer shared housing, technical skills training, and entrepreneurship support to help transform the lives of young adults.

We also had the honor of meeting inspiring public officials, including U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court Steven González, Washington State Senator Keith Wagoner, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, and City Council President Hollie Huthman. These meetings offered us a nuanced view of the diverse responsibilities and leadership roles at the federal, state, and local levels of governance in the United States.

Equally significant was our engagement with Indigenous communities in Bellingham, including the Lummi Nation and the Northwest Indian College. These encounters shed light on Indigenous resilience, rich history, ongoing struggles, and how they have transformed challenges into opportunities to ensure their voices are heard. We also visited the North Cascades National Park to learn firsthand about natural resource management at the state level and how Washington protects and preserves its natural environment.

Connection and Cultural Exchange

The cultural components of this fellowship were equally meaningful, from weekly networking with local student organizations to friendships formed with Cultural Ambassadors, our host families, and International Student Engagement Clubs. I truthfully say every moment brought new perspectives.

Cultural immersion extended through visits to local schools, giving me insight into the American education system’s focus on including student clubs, recreational spaces like game rooms, and access to free hygiene products in public areas. These visits also provided a meaningful opportunity for mutual cultural exchange, as we shared our traditions and experiences with high school students. One of the most thoughtful parts of the program was the assignment of Cultural Ambassadors, who became our friends and constant support throughout our stay in Bellingham. We formed lasting connections with them and our host families, giving us a meaningful glimpse into American culture and everyday life.

Knowledge That Resonates Beyond Borders

This program didn’t just teach me about the brief academia field of the U.S, it helped me better understand my own country, Myanmar. As I studied the U.S. approach to homelessness, I reflected on the invisible and unaddressed challenges faced by women and youth in Myanmar since 2021. This sparked my interest in further research and action around affordable housing in Myanmar.

Furthermore, I realized how crucial collaboration is in effective governance. In the U.S., partnerships between governments, NGOs, and social enterprises are common. More clearly, inclusive development in Myanmar requires similar multi-sector collaboration.

A Lasting Impact

This program broadened my professional network across Southeast Asia. I now have connections with inspiring fellows working on Rohingya refugee issues in Malaysia, menstrual hygiene management across ASEAN, and Indigenous rights in Indonesia. These connections will help strengthen my work in Myanmar to empower women, youth, and marginalized communities.

Working on our group project deepened my commitment to advocating for minority rights, a challenge that crosses borders. I plan to carry these lessons forward in my academic research and through regional collaboration.

A Broader Vision

Participating in the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program affirmed my dedication to inclusive development and civic engagement. I return home with not just knowledge, but a renewed sense of purpose, lifelong friendships, and a clearer vision of what is possible when people from different cultures come together to learn, share, and lead change.

Naychi Thel Kyaw Tun is a Program Manager at the Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre (SRIc) and a YSEALI Academic Fellow in Society & Governance at Western Washington University, United States. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

“Advocating Sustainability, Shaping Our Future”

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Have you ever wondered how discarded materials can be turned into something valuable and eco-friendly? Swan Yee Pyae from Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre (SRIc) explores this question with Theint Theint Myat, a former researcher from the non-governmental field and founder of Handmade by Theint, a local social enterprise focused on creating handmade crochet items and buttons crafted from Upcycled coconut shells. Through her innovative use of coconut shells, she has created a unique line of handmade crochet buttons that promote sustainability and support a circular economy.

Swan Yee Pyae: How did you develop the idea for your business?

Theint Theint Myat: I often needed buttons when working on handmade crochet projects. Most of the available buttons were made from plastic or plastic compounds, which made me think about creating buttons from natural materials. But I didn’t know how to approach it initially.

One day, I came across coconut shells and realized they were perfect—natural, durable, and sustainable. That’s how I came up with the idea of creating buttons from coconut shells, free of plastic compounds.

I’m also very thankful for my husband’s support. Although he isn’t a professional in this field, he’s passionate about mechanical and electrical work as a hobby. He often helped his friends and families with electrical devices. So when I shared my idea, he loved it and started finding ways. He worked on techniques like drilling holes into coconut shells, smoothing the surfaces, and decorating them.

However, the process wasn’t easy for us. It took us six to eight months of trial and error, countless failed attempts, and even some minor injuries before we successfully produced our first buttons from coconut shells. By October 2021, we could launch our products in the market.

Since then, we’ve been consistently improving. Comparing the products we made three years ago to today, the difference in quality is evident. Our techniques, materials, and overall craftsmanship have evolved significantly. We’re always striving to refine our products and improve quality.

Swan Yee Pyae: As far as I know, you previously worked as a researcher for an NGO. Where did you learn to make handmade products?

Theint Theint Myat: I’ve been sewing and making handmade objects since childhood.

Mommy was a tailor and taught me how to sew and make handmade products. During the summer holidays, I would spend time on the sewing machine, dreaming of becoming a designer. However, I had to abandon that dream since my family wasn’t financially stable.

Additionally, I wanted to travel a lot to learn more about diversity and culture. Thus, I worked hard to earn a career in research since I could not fulfill my primary dream.

My passion for creating handmade products is in my DNA, I guess. And I love handmade products, too. Whenever I traveled, I would look for local handmade items to wear.

After having my child, I saw an opportunity to revisit this passion. While caring for my child, I started creating my products during my free time. It felt like the right moment to turn my love for handmade items into a business.

Swan Yee Pyae: What are the significant obstacles you encounter in this business?

Theint Theint Myat: The main challenge we face is “electricity.” Power outages are very common in our country. This has been the biggest obstacle to running our business efficiently.

Another significant challenge is the shortage of workers. Since this is a handicraft business, only a few people with genuine interest and passion for this kind of work are willing to join us. Finding skilled and enthusiastic workers is extremely difficult.

Additionally, Myanmar's declining economy has made it harder for people to focus on sustainability. As the economy has turned down, most people prioritize putting food on the table rather than adopting eco-friendly practices. This mindset makes promoting sustainable products in the market even more challenging.

Swan Yee Pyae: As you mentioned, in an economy where putting food on the table is a primary focus, do you think sustainable fashion can succeed?

Theint Theint Myat: I aim to promote sustainable fashion within a circular economy, but our community lacks environmental sustainability awareness. Only a small, specific group of people actively engages with sustainable fashion. Developing a strong circular economy in Myanmar will take another five to six years.

Our society faces significant socio-political and economic challenges daily, making resilience essential for businesses like ours. Some people view handmade products, especially those made from waste materials like coconut shells, as trash. It takes time and effort to change this perception.

Another thing is: Fashion designers. They also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fashion, but in Myanmar, very few designers focus on sustainability or zero-waste concepts. Most prefer working with high-end, expensive materials, making mainstream sustainable fashion harder.

Awareness is the most important factor. In our community, superstitions still take place as usual. For example, many see wearing thrifted clothes as shameful. They see it as a very disgraceful habit. That’s how our society is today.

Despite this, the concept of a circular economy has existed here for a long time through practices like sharing and thrift shopping, which are deeply ingrained in our culture. Since the vast majority of people are in poverty, the system of sharing and thrifting has existed long and well since I was a child.

When I launched my products, one of our most complex challenges was to compete with plastic buttons. Many people prefer polished, mass-produced items over eco-friendly alternatives. However, I remain committed to building awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

Swan Yee Pyae: How do you market your business in this society that often overlooks sustainability?

Theint Theint Myat: My marketing approach is very simple. I focus on raising awareness rather than traditional advertising. That means I don’t promote my products by giving them to celebrities or influencers for attention.

Instead, I organize free workshops to share knowledge and create awareness about sustainability.

"Young people are particularly passionate about making handmade products. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire them to explore eco-friendly materials like bamboo or other natural resources. I aim to encourage others to embrace sustainability and make a difference.

My marketing idea is to spread awareness by arranging a workshop or sharing knowledge.

Swan Yee Pyae: How does your business contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability? What steps do you take to minimize the environmental impact of your products?

Theint Theint Myat: Our primary raw material is coconut shells, and our vision is to replace plastic compound buttons with sustainable, nature-based alternatives. In Myanmar, coconut shells are often considered as materials that are often discarded as waste. I believe we’re able to give these resources a second life.

In the past, coconut shells were thrown away and left unused. I started by collecting a few discarded shells and transforming them into handmade buttons and corsets. By doing so, I believe we’ve contributed significantly to reducing waste.

Over the past three years, one thing that stands out is how affordable our raw materials have been due to repurposing waste. This has been a key factor in keeping our business sustainable and thriving. Our efforts minimize environmental impact and demonstrate how waste can be turned into something valuable and beautiful.

Swan Yee Pyae: More and more people today are interested in making handmade products, especially for youths, focusing on sustainability. What advice would you give to them?

Theint Theint Myat: Since my business began with the goal of reducing plastic and promoting sustainability, I want more local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to succeed in this space. But starting a sustainable handmade business is easier said than done. It’s best suited for those deeply passionate about their work and willing to pursue it without immediate financial returns.

My advice is simple: just start!

Turn your ideas into reality and share your results. Begin with small steps. You may encounter many difficulties, but you will also find a way to continue after starting.

The initial challenge is making money, I suppose. When I started, I made no profits for an entire year. Balancing my passion with financial realities was difficult. However, by the time I got halfway, I got the mindset that I could not give up since I got too far. So keep it up and develop resilience.

Money is often a concern, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your goals. We'd lose so much creativity and innovation if everyone held back their ideas for these reasons. That’s very devastating.

So, my message is: Start Now!

Swan Yee Pyae is a Content Writer and Translator at the Shwetaungthagathu Reform Initiative Centre (SRIc). As a scholarship recipient at iCLA, Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan, he is keenly interested in environmental sustainability and works at SRIc.

“Advocating Sustainability, Shaping Our Future”

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To make the most of this enriching experience, we embarked on an educational and insightful tour of the United States organized by the U.S. State Department and ICMA. Our journey began in Washington, D.C., where we participated in a comprehensive briefing and an inspiring opening ceremony. Following this, our group split into two teams, each exploring different regions of the United States. I, Tin Shine Aung, had the opportunity to visit Austin, the capital of Texas, and Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. Meanwhile, my Burmese colleague, Olive, was part of the other team, which visited Rochester, Minnesota, and Dubuque, Iowa.

During our stay in Austin, Texas, we were honored by a special proclamation from the esteemed Mayor H.E. Kirk Preston Watson, who officially declared the week of July 18 to 22 as “YSEALI Week.” This proclamation served to celebrate the arrival of the YSEALI Professional Fellows to Austin and underscored the significance of our visit to the city. The momentous occasion was broadcast live on Austin TV Channel, further amplifying the importance of fostering international collaboration and promoting sustainability.

In Tallahassee, Florida, we were met with a heartwarming gesture from the City Council. They displayed a digital board at the Tallahassee International Airport with a warm message: “The City of Tallahassee Welcome Young Southeast Asian Leaders.” This thoughtful gesture remained visible throughout our visit to Tallahassee, symbolizing the warm reception and hospitality the city and its residents extended to us. Meanwhile, our visit to Dubuque, Iowa, also received recognition in the local media. The Telegraph Herald Newspapers featured an article titled “Southeast Asian Leaders Visit Dubuque,” highlighting our presence in Dubuque and our mission as YSEALI Professional Fellows. This recognition further reinforced the significance of our tour and its impact on fostering cultural exchange and sustainable initiatives.

Throughout the tour, we immersed ourselves in these regions’ diverse landscapes, cultures, and sustainable practices. Engaging in valuable discussions and networking opportunities, we learned from experts, local communities, and organizations dedicated to promoting sustainability and fostering positive change.

We are thrilled to share the numerous moments captured during our journey to convey the essence of our rewarding experience and the importance of fostering international collaboration in sustainable initiatives and the people-to-people relations between ASEAN and the United States.

Concluding the study tour, we reconvened in Washington, D.C., for a final seminar and a memorable closing ceremony. The friendships and knowledge gained will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our personal and professional growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the State Department, the US Mission to ASEAN, ICMA, and the YSEALI Program for providing us with this incredible opportunity.

Tin Shine Aung is a PhD Candidate in Sustainability Science at the University of Lisbon and an Alumni Mentor for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2024 Professional Fellowship Program.

“Advocating Sustainability, Shaping Our Future”

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