The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is enhancing the resilience of Jamaica’s yam production through the Sweet Yam Pilot Project. With a budget of Can$20 million, the initiative focuses on improving access to quality planting materials and emphasizes cooperation among stakeholders. The project addresses farmers’ challenges while ensuring sustainable practices beyond its completion date.
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of yam production in Jamaica. A key initiative within this project is the Sweet Yam Pilot Project, which aims to bolster Jamaica’s ability to produce reliable planting material. Deputy Project Director Munish Persaud emphasized the goal of engaging numerous farmers in innovative yam production efforts through their passion and insights.
Spanning five years and valued at Can$20 million, this project benefits five countries: Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Mr. Persaud noted that there may be a six-month extension to solidify resilience in market systems, ensuring that successful outcomes do not diminish following the project’s conclusion.
Given the region’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, maintaining sector resilience is crucial. Mr. Persaud outlined the objective of sustaining progress beyond the project’s duration, aiming to fortify systems against potential disruptions and ensuring ongoing support for yam producers.
He emphasized the significance of cooperation among various stakeholders as a cornerstone for building system resilience. The SAC project employs a multi-stakeholder approach, encouraging the empowerment of all producers, irrespective of gender or age, and transforming challenges into opportunities for effective solutions.
The SAC project, supported by Global Affairs Canada, aims to enhance the production of sweet yam through innovative practices, ensuring a steady supply of disease-free, high-quality planting materials by utilizing the Integrated Market Systems (IMS) approach.
The SAC Project is pivotal in reinforcing the resilience of Jamaica’s yam production sector through innovative initiatives like the Sweet Yam Pilot Project. By focusing on producer engagement, fostering cooperation among stakeholders, and addressing challenges collaboratively, the project safeguards the future of yam production against climate-related disruptions. With ongoing support and adaptive strategies, the project aims to create lasting impacts for farmers across the region.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
