Strengthening Resilience in Jamaica’s Yam Production Sector
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project seeks to strengthen the resilience of Jamaica’s yam sector through the Sweet Yam Pilot Project, focusing on reliable planting materials. With a Can$20 million budget, the project benefits five Caribbean nations and emphasizes sustainability and collaboration among farmers. A multi-stakeholder approach aims to empower all producers, ensuring the longevity and impact of the project’s efforts beyond its completion.
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is dedicated to fortifying the resilience of Jamaica’s yam production sector. A primary initiative, the Sweet Yam Pilot Project, aims to enhance the nation’s capacity to generate reliable planting materials for yam cultivation.
Munish Persaud, the Deputy Project Director of the SAC, highlighted that the project strives to engage a wide array of farmers. He expressed aspirations for participating yam producers to contribute their insights and enthusiasm, stating, “We’re starting to do some innovative work on yam production. At the end of the day, we would want producers of yams in Jamaica to be involved…”
Valued at Can$20 million and spanning five years until March 2026, the project benefits Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Mr. Persaud noted a possible extension of six months to ensure the sustainability of market resilience even after the project’s conclusion.
The project prioritizes the stabilization of the yam sector in the face of climate change and natural disasters like hurricanes. Mr. Persaud elaborated that a crucial objective is to maintain resilience post-initiative, stating, “What we want to do is to make sure that these systems are resilient and they can cope.”
One notable achievement is the establishment of a coalition among various stakeholders, enhancing understanding and commitment towards resilience. Mr. Persaud also remarked on the importance of cooperation among different actors, emphasizing its role in building resilient systems.
Additionally, the SAC project employs a multi-stakeholder approach to confront challenges faced by farmers. He emphasized the significance of empowering all producers, regardless of gender, stating, “Part of the SAC project is all about enhancing the agency of all producers… we use these challenges to see how they can usher us towards solution.”
The SAC project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and aims to improve sweet yam production using innovative methods, ensuring access to disease-free and high-quality planting materials through the Integrated Market Systems approach.
The SAC Project is advancing the resilience of Jamaica’s yam production sector through innovative strategies and a collaborative approach involving farmers. Its initiatives target sustainable practices that will endure beyond the project’s duration, thereby ensuring ongoing support and resilience amidst challenges posed by climate change. The emphasis on stakeholder cooperation and empowerment highlights the project’s commitment to enhancing agricultural capacities in the region.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
