The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Jamaica has allocated over US$70,000 to the Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI) to accelerate livelihood recovery for youth farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The UNDP is channelling the grant through the Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited, with the aim of restoring income-generating activities, re-establishing agricultural operations, and strengthening climate-resilient production practices.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green commended the programme for its emphasis on youth, noting the unique challenges faced by young people in agriculture.

“Data show that it is more challenging for youth to get involved in agricultural enterprise. They have less access to capital, less access to land, and overall, it is a very difficult task to balance business with the realities of youth,” he stated at a press briefing on JARRI held on Wednesday (December 3) at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Kingston and St. Andrew office on Duke Street in Kingston.

He cautioned that without targeted intervention, many young people would abandon their agricultural pursuits.

“A lot of them barely reach a stage where they are able to see themselves through. Having gone through multiple programmes, studies, this blow can be almost fatal to their agricultural enterprise,” Minister Green added.

The initiative will benefit 145 individuals, including 110 youth farmers and fisherfolk from the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Thomas, and Clarendon, who received training under the UNDP’s EnGenDer project. In addition, 35 fisherfolk from Gallion Beach in St Elizabeth will benefit.

Among the beneficiaries is youth farmer and former EnGenDer participant Sackeem Leslie, who lost her home, livestock, and business stock due to Hurricane Melissa.

“Starting afresh is like a baby coming up, but with every help and determination we can build again, so I am grateful,” Leslie said.

In light of the increasing frequency of climate shocks such as Hurricane Melissa, Minister Green renewed his call for a protected agriculture programme for youth. He emphasised that indoor farming techniques, including vertical farming and greenhouse systems, have proven globally to withstand the impacts of extreme weather events.