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Through a coordinated programme for skills development, just over 200 participants have completed a series of capacity building trainings designed to improve productivity, entrepreneurship and climate-resilience under the Improving Rural Livelihoods Through Resilient Agrifood Systems Project.

The project, which held a training completion ceremony at the Institute of Vocational & Professional Training – Spring Village campus in St Catherine on February 23, is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica.

The project, funded under a United Nations South-South Cooperation Initiative through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, aims to advance rural development and build climate-resilient agrifood systems. To date, the project has reached some 201 beneficiaries across St. Catherine, equipping farmers, students and technical officers with practical skills in livestock management, entrepreneurship, protected agriculture, food safety management, animal housing construction, photovoltaic installation and training delivery. 

In the main address at the ceremony, FAO representative in Jamaica, Dr. Ana Touza, lauded the participants for their dedication, adaptability and the visible impact of their learning within the Kitson Town community, where the project is based. 

“Your journey has shown that rural development thrives when knowledge becomes action. We at FAO are incredibly proud to witness how all participants have embraced the programme, retaining, transferring, and applying what they have learned to transform their farms, households and community,” said Touza. “This initiative represents the heart of our mission in empowering people, especially women and youth, to work towards a more food-secure future.” 

Touza also underscored the relevance of the project within the context of the United Nations declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. 

“Through this project, women not only participated, [but] they expanded their livelihoods, upskilled across multiple disciplines, accessed technical assistance and became part of wider production, business and support networks. When women farmers are equipped with skills, resources and networks, local economies grow stronger, communities become more resilient, and development outcomes are more sustainable.” 

Partnerships for skills development 

The project’s training delivery drew on the expertise of key national partners. The Spring Village Development Foundation led the livestock production training, equipping participants with skills in poultry, small ruminant, pig and beekeeping management. 

Training participant and pig farmer Nadia McKenzie highlighted the impact of the programme, noting that her exposure to improved pig care and management practices, particularly around preparing sows for birth, has improved how she cares for her animals. 

“I was in the pig area before, but I didn’t know how to care for them [pigs] I have lost a lot. Being in the pig programme has helped me to move forward to know what to when it comes to caring for pigs, how to prepare the sow for birth, I didn’t know I was supposed to use gloves, scissors and other tools,” 

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and Junior Achievement Jamaica (JAJ) conducted entrepreneurship and business development training, supporting farmers and students in financial literacy, business planning, and agri-entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the Agro-Invest Corporation complemented the protected agriculture component, through modules on “Farming as a Business” and “Food Health and Safety.”  The beekeeping component was led by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Bodles Research Station.

In addition to residents, students from St. Catherine High School and Tacius Golding High School benefited from the training in entrepreneurial skills with JAJ. Additionally, 12 students from Tacius Golding were trained in greenhouse installation and crop management following the renovation of a greenhouse facility.  

In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner Mayank Joshi commended the success of the programme and the diverse training components that have contributed to the sustainability and resilience of the Kitson Town community. 

The completion of this training cycle builds on earlier phases, including poultry management, that have strengthened the capacity of small farmers and encouraged inclusive participation of women and youth. To complement training and support participants engaged in livestock subsystems, the project has constructed three poultry demonstration sites and one goat house, renovated one goat house and one pig house, distributed 2,450 broiler chicks, goats and piglets, along with over 300 bags of feed, and beekeeping equipment.   

Current efforts now include the installation of 14 greenhouse models, including a plant nursery, hydroponic units and small-scale irrigation systems for select beneficiaries.