Suriname advances climate-smart agriculture through greenhouse and digital technologies

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the Gender-responsive Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean (GCAF) project, completed a technical mission in Suriname from 27 to 31 July 2026 to strengthen practical climate-smart agriculture, with a focus on greenhouse construction, protected cultivation and digital sensor technology.

The mission was implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV), with support from LVV technical, regional and extension staff across the different districts. The GCAF project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by FAO in the Caribbean.

The mission reached more than 130 participants and stakeholders across Wanica, Brokopondo, Powakka and Nickerie. Participants included farmers, women, youth, LVV technical and extension officers, regional agricultural services, cooperatives, private growers and community representatives. Based on attendance records, approximately 58 percent of those reached were women, while around 21 percent were youth under the age of 36.

These results are in line with the GCAF project’s focus on making climate-smart agriculture more inclusive and accessible to women and youth. The mission also exceeded the original direct reach target of up to 110 persons and met the mobilization targets of at least 50 percent women and 20 percent youth.

The technical sessions were led by Mr. Jervis Rowe, FAO Protected Agriculture Specialist, together with the FAO-GCAF Suriname team and LVV counterparts. The sessions focused on practical aspects of greenhouse construction and management under tropical conditions, including structure design, ventilation, covering materials, crop protection and maintenance.

In addition to the training sessions, the mission included field assessments of selected greenhouse structures in Lelydorp/Wanica and Brokopondo. These assessments looked at practical options for improving greenhouse performance under Surinamese conditions, including possible future use of improved covering materials, insect screens, roof ventilation and shade or thermal screens.

The mission also included a local market assessment with selected suppliers and market actors to better understand the availability of greenhouse construction materials, fertilizers, seedlings, irrigation inputs and related agricultural supplies in Suriname. This was important to ensure that future technical recommendations are practical, realistic and locally available.

In Powakka, the mission team engaged with village leadership and the Indigenous women’s group to assess the proposed site for a possible greenhouse and nursery initiative. The visit looked at practical issues such as site suitability, water availability, access, layout, infrastructure needs and technical feasibility.

In Nickerie, the mission included technical supervision and practical coaching during the installation and testing of one digital sensor by the MoA/LVV ICT and technical team at the KVGP Cooperative. The activity supported the use of data and monitoring tools for better crop management in greenhouse production.

Prithvi K. Jairam, National Project Coordinator for GCAF Suriname, said: “This mission was not only about training. It was about looking together at what is practical and realistic for Suriname: better greenhouse construction, better use of materials, stronger technical support, and more opportunities for farmers, women and youth.”

The mission also highlighted the importance of agricultural diversification. While Nickerie remains one of Suriname’s most important agricultural districts, protected cultivation and greenhouse-based vegetable production can provide additional opportunities for farmers, producer groups and local agribusinesses.

Through GCAF, FAO and LVV will continue working together to support practical, inclusive and climate-smart agricultural solutions in Suriname. The results and observations from the mission will support further planning for greenhouse development, technical follow-up and future support to farmers and producer groups.

About GCAF

The Gender-responsive Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean (GCAF) project is a regional initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by FAO in the Caribbean. The project supports eight countries, including Suriname, to strengthen climate resilience, promote gender equality and improve agricultural value chains through inclusive governance, capacity development and practical innovations.