By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
The CARICOM Secretariat has launched a major new regional initiative to boost food security, empower women and youth, and strengthen climate-smart agriculture across member states. The programme—supported by the Government of New Zealand—was unveiled on Tuesday at the Secretariat’s Georgetown headquarters.
Shaun B., Programme Manager for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at CARICOM, said the Women and Youth in Agriculture Project brings together several modern agricultural tools and strategies to help member states reduce their food import bills and improve the sustainability of production.
“The aim is to integrate climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy towards greater food security and to contribute to the 25 by 2025 food import reduction target,” he explained.
The initiative seeks to tackle two long-standing regional challenges: youth unemployment and barriers faced by women entering the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The programme will incorporate technical training, business development support, and hands-on agricultural instruction.
One key component is the distribution of approximately 47 greenhouses across 10 CARICOM member states, benefiting an estimated 188 women and youth. These greenhouses are expected to enhance production, encourage modern farming practices, and strengthen income-generation opportunities.
“What’s exciting is that this project combines all the elements affecting agriculture into one workable solution,” B. said, noting the initiative’s particular focus on agribusiness and entrepreneurship.
Improving supply chain efficiency is also a major feature, with emphasis on better storage, movement of goods, and reducing spoilage—factors that significantly influence consumer prices across the region.
The project’s capacity-building elements are being delivered in partnership with leading regional and international agencies, including:
- CARDI (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute)
- IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture)
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
The initiative forms part of CARICOM’s broader strategy to build climate resilience, strengthen food production systems, and stimulate youth involvement in agriculture.
