The Sociocultural Feasibility of Burma's Edible Oil Production and Distribution Project: Technology Transfer to the Cooperative Sector with Nutritional and Social Impact

Executive Summary: The social soundness analysis of the AID Edible Oil Processing and Distribution Project for Burma was conducted by the author as a part of a six-member design team working with the Office of the AID representative to Burma and a team of professionals from the Ministry of Cooperatives. The analysis took place between September 14, and October 19, 1983 in Rangoon and Magwe, Burma. The report determines that the Project as designed by the team is socially sound, according to guidelines in AID Handbook 3, Appendix F. It is compatible with the socio-cultural environment introducing no culturally abhorrent elements and anticipating through design components potential problems with management, procurement, taste preference, size of purchase, marketing and industrial safety. An assessment of nutritional impact showed that no major negative impact is expected while a potentially positive impact is possible after several years of successful plant operations and introduction of economies of scale due to larger expected production. The analysis of spread effects shows positive social impact on technology transfer, planning, management and support for other development efforts. The assessment of distribution of benefits among groups shows a broad positive impact on the Cooperative sector, and private sector in the Magwe division with benefits also accruing to the government of Burma, the Ministry of Cooperatives and U.S. private manufacturers of equipment.