More Farmers to Benefit as Agriculture Grant Program Expands

Small farmers across Belize are getting a helping hand and it’s already making a difference. Through the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Project, grants of up to four thousand dollars are giving farmers the chance to boost production, invest in climate-smart systems, and build more sustainable livelihoods. Early results from the first group have been promising, and now the program is opening the door to even more growers. Project Manager Debbie Alfaro explains how farmers can get involved and what it takes to qualify.

 

Debbie Alfaro, Project Manager, Sustainable and Inclusive Belize (SAIB) Project

“So we had the applications processed that we did outreach countrywide then they had to apply through a – we had it some application online. We also had access through our help number so that then they can apply. We had our evaluation committee where we look at those that were met the criteria and then they after did a training. Right now we already had the first cohort of individual farmers. We had six hundred and sixty-six individual farmers that had benefits of small grants. And then the same thing, they’re investing in their farm, being more productive in irrigation systems, solar pumps, the same thing water catchment, investing in hybrid seeds that are more resistant to climate change. So and then we also will have a group of MSMEs in agriculture and farmer groups that will be able to benefit as grant recipients.”

 

The Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Project is financed through the Inter-American Development Bank and also provides grants to tourism related businesses. 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the Full Newscast Here: