Jamaica is one of eight Caribbean countries that stand to benefit from a US$14.6-million project launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Canada.

Titled ‘Gender Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems’, the project is a four-year initiative that will run until December 2028. It will focus on climate change, youth and gender constraints in value chains, while building the capacity of the players so that all in the value chain can benefit from increased market access and increased incomes.

The project will be implemented by FAO in collaboration with the ministries of agriculture in the eight Caribbean countries. The project aims to promote and encourage the use of climate-smart technologies in viable agricultural value chains in Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We recognise the disproportionate impact of food and input price inflation, supply chain disruptions, and climate change in the Caribbean, which has exacerbated pre-existing food insecurity,” said High Commissioner Chatterjee at the regional launch event on Monday, May 3.

The project was originally announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Canada-CARICOM summit last October.

Chatergee underscored the importance of empowering women, describing them as “powerful agents of change” in achieving sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. According to the high commissioner, the initiative represents a major commitment under Canada’s feminist international assistance policy.

The project aims to develop inclusive, gender-responsive, climate-resilient value chains in the named Caribbean countries. In addition, it addresses challenges faced by producers and farmer organisations, such as weak business planning and limited access to finance.

Renata Clarke, FAO’s sub-regional coordinator for the Caribbean, emphasised that the project is aligned with broader efforts to transform value chains in the sub-region.

Project coordinator Vermaran Extavour outlined that goals for the initiative include the adoption of climate-smart technologies and improving community facilities with renewable energies to enhance food quality and reduce waste. The initiative aims to build the capacity of women and youth producer organisations to run viable businesses within these value chains.