From the Classroom to the Field: Soil Defenders Launch Grassroots Research
11 July 2026
After four months of intensive on-campus training, our Twinleaf Arakan participants have officially returned to their communities to launch vital field research initiatives.
Divided into five specialized teams of five, these 25 dedicated trainees have deployed across three key townships in Rakhine State. Their mission is to investigate the pressing socio-economic and environmental crises hitting grassroots communities hardest.
Here is a breakdown of what our research teams are tackling on the ground:
- Team A (Rathedaung Township): Assessing how farmland abandonment impacts farmers’ livelihoods and overall household well-being in Ah Myat Taung village.
- Team B (Rathedaung Township): Analysing the harsh realities of summer water shortages on local vegetable farmers in Kyauk Sai Tai village.
- Team C (Rathedaung Township): Investigating the root causes of low crop prices and their direct economic impact on winter crop farmers in A-Myat Yar village.
- Team D (Maungdaw Township): Studying the financial costs, agribusiness dynamics, and livelihood impacts of hybrid (HYB) seeds on farmers in Laymaw Magey Kone village.
- Team E (Mrauk U Township): Examining the seasonal impacts of rainy-season flooding on crop production and farmer livelihoods in Kyaung Taung village.
We believe that real change starts with grassroots evidence and local voices. We are incredibly proud of our researchers and can’t wait to share their stories and insights when they return. Stay tuned—we will share their final findings right here as soon as the teams return!