The SAC Project is strengthening Jamaica’s yam sector by enhancing the production of reliable planting material through the Sweet Yam Pilot Project. Valued at Can$20 million, this five-year initiative involves multiple Caribbean nations and focuses on resilience against climate change by fostering farmer engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project is enhancing the resilience of Jamaica’s yam sector, with a particular focus on improving the production of reliable planting material through the Sweet Yam Pilot Project. Munish Persaud, Deputy Project Director, stated that the initiative is designed to engage as many farmers as possible, emphasizing their input in the future of yam production.
Valued at Can$20 million, the five-year project, which concludes in March 2026, benefits Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Dominica. Mr. Persaud noted the intention to extend the project by an additional six months to ensure market system resilience, particularly in light of potential climate change impacts.
Given the Caribbean’s vulnerability to natural disasters, maintaining a resilient yam-producing sector is essential. The aim is to sustain progress even after project completion, ensuring that the gains achieved are not lost to significant disruptions.
Mr. Persaud highlighted the success in creating a collaborative network of stakeholders dedicated to system resilience. He also emphasized that cooperation and complementarity enhance coordination within the yam production system.
Additionally, the SAC project employs a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the challenges faced by farmers. It aims to empower all producers, regardless of gender or age, transforming challenges into opportunities for solutions.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the Sweet Yam Pilot Project seeks to improve sweet yam production through innovative techniques, ensuring reliable access to disease-resistant, high-quality planting materials using the Integrated Market Systems (IMS) approach.
The SAC Project is significantly contributing to the resilience of Jamaica’s yam-producing sector by focusing on innovative farming techniques and stakeholder collaboration. Through sustained efforts and empowerment of farmers, the project aims to create a robust system that withstands climate impacts and natural disasters. Ultimately, this initiative not only targets production efficiency but also promotes long-term resilience for the region’s agricultural landscape.
Original Source: jis.gov.jm
