The National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to advance training for youths and women in climate-smart agricultural practices.
The programme is being executed as part of WUSC’s Sustainable Agriculture Caribbean (SAC) project. This initiative promotes climate-resilient agriculture while ensuring equitable economic growth in the Caribbean.
At the signing ceremony, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha noted the significance of the project. He said the entire region has witnessed for decades, the devastating impact of climate change particularly on crops and livestock. Often, the damage runs into billions of dollars for compensation and recovery. In light of this, Mustapha said Guyana was pleased to be a part of the SAC project since it focuses on training farmers, especially youths and women, on environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
The official recalled that the SAC project was launched last September.
He said, “This is very important for us as a country, a country that is now moving its agriculture sector to new heights. Partnerships with advanced countries like Canada auger well for us because today, Guyana is being seen as the leader for agriculture in the CARICOM region.” In such a position, Mustapha said Guyana must demonstrate leadership in identifying sustainable practices to support the region’s goal to expand the agricultural sector.
Mustapha also indicated that the government recognizes the need to integrate more youths into the sector. He said efforts were made in this regard with the launch of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which allows for youths to be involved in the production of high-value crops such as broccoli and cauliflower.
(https://www.guyanastandard.com/2022/01/13/new-agri-youth-programme-to-wipe-out-2b-import-bill-for-broccoli-carrots-cauliflower/)
“With this collaboration and the SAC project, we will be able to boost our agriculture sector and move it forward,” the minister said.
Also present at the event was the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Mark Berman. He said the Canadian Government was pleased to offer support to the Government of Guyana through the SAC project as it works towards achieving the country’s targets outlined in the 2021 – 2025 Agriculture Strategic Development Strategy.
The Canadian envoy said the SAC project will focus on all forms of training, support, and skills development for women’s entrepreneurship. It will also include mentoring and coaching for the development of key competencies.
The WUSC also donated several items to NAREI’s training department to commence the two agencies’ cooperation, including computers, projectors, screens, electric cables, and a loudspeaker.
Guyana Standard previously reported that SAC is a multi-country economic growth project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. It is being implemented in Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Suriname.
