Guyana, along with several other Caribbean nations, is set to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing resilience against climate change while bolstering regional economic growth and food security. The CA$10 million Regional Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean project, launched at the United Nations House in Barbados on June 3, 2024, promises significant advancements in the agricultural sector across the region.
This four-year project, funded by Canada and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), encompasses Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. Announced by the FAO on June 7, 2024, the initiative marks a critical step toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for the Caribbean.
Climate change, coupled with supply chain disruptions and rising food prices, has exacerbated food insecurity in the Caribbean. High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Lilian Chatterjee, emphasized the urgent need to tackle these issues. “Canada recognizes the unique challenges faced by the Caribbean in maintaining food security amidst climate change and economic pressures,” Chatterjee remarked during the launch event. The project aims to mitigate these challenges by fostering climate-smart agriculture practices that are both inclusive and gender-responsive.
The initiative is designed to benefit up to 2,500 individuals directly over a four-and-a-half-year period, with women comprising 50% and youth 20% of the beneficiaries. More than 30 farmers’ organizations, including those led by women and youth, will be actively involved. The project will promote the development of climate-resilient value chains through the adoption of innovative technologies and practices, enabling agricultural stakeholders to make more informed, data-driven decisions.
A notable aspect of the project is its focus on inclusivity and gender responsiveness, ensuring that the benefits of climate-smart agriculture are accessible to all segments of the population, particularly those traditionally marginalized in the agricultural sector. By empowering women and young people, the project aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable agricultural landscape.
Guyana has been at the forefront of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security and reduce dependency on imports. The country has already invested significantly in various projects, including advanced technologies for farm operations, production of high-value crops, hydroponics projects, and honey production. One of the key initiatives is the production of corn and soya, which is set to make Guyana self-sufficient in livestock feed by the end of 2025.
This move is expected to significantly reduce the country’s import dependency and save over US$150 million in annual imports, as highlighted by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali who also serves as CARICOM’s Chairman.
The CA$10 million project aligns seamlessly with Guyana’s ongoing efforts to diversify its agricultural sector. By incorporating climate-smart practices, Guyana is not only addressing immediate food security needs but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture within the region.
The introduction of climate-smart technologies will lead to more efficient and productive agricultural practices, which are crucial for the region’s economic growth and stability.
