SAIB Project Offers $4,000 Grants to Boost Sustainable Farming in Belize

On February 23, 2026, viewers of Open Your Eyes were introduced to an important initiative aimed at transforming Belize’s agricultural landscape. Representatives from the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize (SAIB) Project appeared on the morning program to discuss how the initiative is directly supporting small farmers across the country.

Levi Shol, Supervisory Coordinator for SAIB, and Debbie Alfaro, Project Manager, outlined the project’s mission to promote sustainable farming practices while ensuring that opportunities remain inclusive and accessible, particularly for small and individual farmers who often face financial and technical barriers.

A major highlight of the discussion was the availability of small individual farmer grants of up to BZ $4,000. These grants are designed to help farmers strengthen and expand their operations, through purchasing equipment, improving infrastructure, increasing crop production, or adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. The initiative focuses not only on boosting productivity but also on building long-term resilience within Belize’s agricultural sector. Shol and Alfaro emphasized that the SAIB Project is about more than financial assistance. It aims to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate sustainably, improve food security, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Recognizing that not every application may be approved on the first submission, the representatives also addressed what farmers can do if their grant proposal is rejected.

Rather than viewing rejection as a setback, they encouraged applicants to see it as an opportunity for improvement. During the segment, they shared five practical steps to help strengthen a resubmitted proposal. First, applicants should check their purpose to ensure their project clearly aligns with SAIB’s goals of sustainability and inclusivity. Second, they should carefully review the guidelines to confirm that all requirements and supporting documents are properly addressed. Third, applicants are encouraged to be specific in outlining how the funds will be used and what outcomes are expected.

Fourth, strengthening the explanation of the project’s impact—particularly how it benefits the wider community or enhances food production—can make a proposal more competitive. Finally, farmers are advised to seek guidance from the SAIB team for clarification or technical support before resubmitting. The segment served as both an informational resource and a call to action for Belizean farmers. By offering accessible grant funding and clear guidance on improving applications, the SAIB Project is positioning itself as a key driver of sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Belize. For many viewers, the message was clear: support is available, and with preparation and persistence, small farmers can access the resources needed to grow stronger and more resilient in an evolving agricultural landscape.