FAO and Stakeholders Explore Priorities for Gender-Responsive Agriculture in Jamaica

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Canada are advancing efforts to transform agricultural value chains in Jamaica through the ‘Gender-responsive Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems in the Caribbean’ (GCAF) project. From December 9 to 13, 2024, the project facilitated key technical sessions with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and affiliated agencies to identify priority areas for support in Jamaica’s agriculture sector.

This initiative, which launched regionally in June 2024, spans eight Caribbean countries and aims to promote climate-smart technologies and practices. Its focus on gender, youth, and climate change highlights the critical importance of inclusivity in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

Value Chain Expert and Project Coordinator, Vermaran Extavour,  emphasized the unique learning opportunities presented by the Jamaica sessions. “For Jamaica, it has been a truly informative learning space. Moreso to understand what they are treating with in relation to the agricultural sector linked to their current disaster risk response that is ongoing. While the rainy season is coming to an end, we are still feeling the impacts of ongoing rains and the sector itself is still in recovery,” she shared.

She also noted the project’s alignment with government priorities, particularly in addressing key issues and constraints within agricultural value chains. “Recognizing that climate change does play a relevant role, but we need to also take a step back and understand the actual needs of the beneficiaries and their capacities and willingness to use those new technologies, even in the face of climate change, also came out as an important area,” Extavour added.

The GCAF project not only provides capacity-building opportunities and introduces climate-smart tools but also fosters market linkages to connect farmers and agro-processors with buyers at local and regional levels. Special attention is being given to ensuring equal access for women and youth producer groups.

Through its innovative approach, the project is poised to strengthen agricultural resilience, empower vulnerable groups, and enhance market opportunities, contributing to Jamaica’s sustainable agricultural development.