Effects of Typhoon Yagi-induced Flooding on the Farming and Coping Strategies of Rural Farmers in Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar

Abstract

Aims: The study assessed the effects of Typhoon Yagi-induced flooding on crop production, livestock, household assets, and rural farming livelihoods, as well as the coping mechanisms and resilience strategies adopted by affected farmers. Research Design: A cross-sectional research design was used. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in August 2025 in three villages (Ywar Thit Gyi, Si Pin Tha Yar, and Htein Pin), located in three village tracts of Zeyarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar. Methodology: Both primary and secondary data were used. Ninety farming households were randomly selected from three villages within three purposively selected village tracts. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means, were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. Results: Flooding caused severe agricultural losses, with 68.89% of farmers experiencing a complete loss of monsoon paddy yield and 71.11% reporting damage to black gram. After the flood, cattle ownership declined from 35.56% to 12.22%, while the proportion of households without livestock increased from 32.22% to 57.78%. Housing damage affected 41.11% of households, including 5.56% with 50% damage and 1.11% each with 75% and 100% damage. These effects reduced household income, delayed recovery, and adversely affected food security, health, education, and living conditions. Farmers mainly coped by reducing household expenditure, selling livestock and household assets, borrowing money, and migrating. Although short-term coping strategies predominated immediately after the flood, some farmers also adopted longer-term resilience measures, particularly crop rotation. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that Typhoon Yagi-induced flooding was severe and had multidimensional effects on farming households in the study area.