The SAC Project aims to strengthen Jamaica’s yam sector’s resilience through the Sweet Yam Pilot, focusing on reliable planting material production. The five-year initiative will benefit five Caribbean nations and includes a multi-stakeholder approach while emphasizing the importance of maintaining gains after project completion, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges.
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is committed to enhancing the resilience of Jamaica’s yam producing sector. This initiative includes the Sweet Yam Pilot Project, which focuses on improving the country’s capacity to generate dependable planting materials for yam farmers. Munish Persaud, Deputy Project Director for the SAC, emphasized the project’s commitment to engaging as many farmers as possible in these advancements, encouraging their involvement based on their passion and insights.
Value at Can$20 million, the five-year project, which concludes in March 2026, involves five Caribbean nations: Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Mr. Persaud noted that an extension of six months may occur to assess the resilience of the market system, ensuring successful initiatives endure beyond the project’s termination.
With the Caribbean susceptible to climate change and extreme weather events, sustaining the yam sector’s resilience is paramount. Mr. Persaud highlights the goal of maintaining project progress, focusing on resilience so that gains are not lost after the initiative ends, especially during significant natural disasters.
He expressed pride in the project’s success in fostering cooperation among diverse stakeholders to enhance system resilience. Furthermore, he stated, “If I’m to talk about a single success, it is about how we see cooperation, collaboration and complementarity, as a means to enhancing system coordination and building systems resilience.”
The SAC project adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the challenges faced by farmers. It aims to enhance producers’ agency regardless of gender. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, the project utilizes them as opportunities to find constructive solutions, according to Mr. Persaud. The SAC project, backed by Global Affairs Canada, seeks to ensure the production of sweet yam through innovative techniques, focusing on disease-free, high-quality planting material.
In conclusion, the SAC Project strives to fortify Jamaica’s yam producing sector through innovative practices and strong stakeholder collaboration. With its commitment to resilience, the project seeks to ensure sustainable yam production even post-implementation. This initiative not only empowers farmers but also addresses regional vulnerabilities, fostering a cooperative environment for all stakeholders involved.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
