BNTF, NAREI, UoG and IICA Partering for a resilient Agriculture sector in a changing Climate

The vulnerability of the agricultural sector within Guyana to both climate change and variability is well established, not only in the literature, but more so, farmers and consumers realisation and experience. The general consensus is that changes in temperature and precipitation will and has to some degree, resulted in changes in land and water regimes that will subsequently affect agricultural productivity. The impacts on agricultural productivity are expected to be particularly harmful in Guyana. As a result, the vulnerability is also especially likely to be acute, in light of technological, resource and institutional constraints. Although estimates suggest that global food production is likely to be robust, it is predicted that tropical regions will see both a reduction in agricultural yields and a rise in poverty levels as livelihood opportunities for many engaged in the agricultural sector become increasingly susceptible to expected climate pressures, if proven measures are not adapted to these changing conditions.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund – Implementation Agency (BNTF-IA) Guyana, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry (UoGFoA&F) through the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) have noted the concerns of farmers in this changing climate and have taken the initiative to design and collectively implement a project geared towards the promotion of proven measures to adapt to climate change. The project titled “Building Climate Resilience through Climate Smart Agriculture – Shadehouse Technology to Ensure Food Security and Create Rural Wealth” which will be executed within Regions #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana (GOG), through the Basic Needs Trust Fund Ninth Programme (BNTF 9) and its main objective is to aid in the alleviation of poverty and to enhance rural livelihoods.

The project focuses on production development, livelihood enhancement of youths and women, capacity building in basic Shadehouse construction and management, climate change adaptation measures, cost of production exercises and training in good agricultural practises. The project will also facilitate peer to peer exchanges among farmers and participating farmers will receive certification of training in Shadehouse management.  

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture has for many years advocated and supported innovative Shadehouse initiatives that help farmers to adapt to climate change. Therefore, such collaboration with key stakeholders with the expertise secures the success of this project and consequently it will make a positive impact on Guyana’s food security and the most vulnerable within the farming societies.