Proximity Designs

Proximity Designs is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 2004 by Debbie Aung Din and Jim Taylor. It is dedicated to reducing poverty among rural families in Myanmar through innovative agricultural products and services.

History

Initially, Proximity Designs started as a country program under International Development Enterprises (IDE) in 2004. It became an independent organization in 2008 and has since focused on improving the incomes and well-being of rural farmers in Myanmar. The founders' experience working with social entrepreneur John Perkins in the Mississippi Delta influenced their approach, emphasizing proximity to the communities they serve as key to effective problem-solving[3][5].

Mission

The mission of Proximity Designs is to empower smallholder farmers in Myanmar by providing them with affordable, well-designed technologies and services. By increasing farm productivity and income, the organization aims to improve living conditions for these families[3][4].

Products and Services

Proximity Designs markets a range of agricultural products and services under the Yetagon brand. Key products include:

• Foot-powered irrigation pumps: These allow farmers to draw water from wells or streams efficiently.
• Gravity-fed drip irrigation systems: Designed for low-cost extruded plastic tape and micro-tubes connected to elevated water storage tanks.
• Portable water storage tanks: Used as part of drip irrigation systems, available in various sizes.
• Farm advisory services: Offering training in agricultural practices to increase yields and protect against pests and diseases[2][3].

Impact

Since its inception, Proximity Designs has sold over 110,000 products, impacting more than 400,000 people across rural Myanmar by improving their incomes significantly. The organization’s efforts have helped increase typical annual incomes by up to 30%, allowing families to invest in food, education, and farm improvements[2][3].

Response to Challenges

Following Cyclone Nargis in 2008, Proximity Designs shifted its focus to include humanitarian relief, delivering over $17 million in aid to affected communities. This response highlighted the organization's adaptability and commitment to supporting communities through crises[3].

Awards and Recognition

Proximity Designs has received several awards for its innovative approach to social entrepreneurship, including the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, the Curry Stone Design Prize, and the Ashden Award for Energy and Agriculture[3][5]. In 2019, it was ranked among the world’s 50 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company[3].

Model and Partnerships

The organization operates a hybrid model, partly funded through product sales and supplemented by philanthropic capital. Proximity Designs collaborates with institutions like Stanford University and Harvard University to enhance its design and research capabilities[1][2].

Locations

While its main operations are in Myanmar, Proximity Designs also maintains a presence in the United States. Its US office supports the organization's global engagements and partnerships[2].

Staff and Reach

Proximity Designs employs over 800 staff members in Myanmar, with a nationwide distribution network that reaches nearly 75% of Myanmar's farming population[2][3]. The organization continues to expand its impact, focusing on sustainable development through agricultural innovation.