Extension of Sheep and Goat Project seeks to promote industry in Northern Belize

Published by [email protected] at February 1, 2024

Posted: Thursday, February 1, 2024. 6:29 pm CST.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep and Goat Project Phase II), funded by Governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize, which has been extended by one year until March 2025 will seek to promote the growth of the industry in Northern Belize, among other key goals.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) said that the main goal will seek to improve the sheep facility in the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in Orange Walk to provide breeding sheep and goat for Belize’s Northern region.

The project will also provide training and technical assistance to technicians and sheep and goat producers in the country, including the use of sheep and goat traceability system, and will also seek to enhance the breeding system and sustainable management of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm.

The extension of the Sheep and Goat Project Phase II, which is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF), was announced by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai and Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize Lily Li-Wen Hsu at the Yo Creek Station in the Orange Walk District on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Jose Abelardo Mai and Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize Lily Li-Wen Hsu – Photo Credit: MAFSE

MAFSE said the project extension has a budget of USD $750,000, of which USD $625,000 is contributed by the Republic of China (Taiwan) and USD $125,000 by Belize.

“The extension will complement the ongoing effort of Sheep and Goat Project Phase II to improve the sheep and goat industry in the country,” said MAFSE which implements the project along with the Taiwan Technical Mission in Belize.

MAFSE added that the governments of Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to collaborate closely to strengthen Belize’s agricultural sector.

The Sheep and Goat Project started with Phase I in 2015 to address Belize’s low sheep and goat productivity. Phase II was launched in March 2021.

The Ministry of Agriculture said that sheep and goat meats are healthy dietary alternatives that are low maintenance and grow well in our climate, but added that an analysis prior to the project’s implementation in 2015 found that the quality of breeding sheep was poor. The paddock at Central Farm, which supplies sheep to farmers, was very small and lacked basic facilities, equipment, and training, which contributed to the poor efficiency of breeding activities. Production at the paddock back then couldn’t meet the needs of farmers.

Recently introduced Barbados Blackbelly sheep – (Photo Credit: MAFSE)

Since its establishment, the Taiwan-funded programme has introduced major infrastructure improvements to the sheep and goat industry with the establishment of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center which now houses more than 650 sheep and goats, and has five sets of manure conveyors and a lift, increasing operational efficiency.

“Importation of 104 breeding stocks, featuring Dorper, Black Belly, Katahdin, Nubian, and Boer breeds, has resulted in 731 offspring of improved genetic quality, benefiting local farmers,” MAFSE said in a report.

“The sheep population in Belize has soared to approximately 17,264 in 2022, cared for by 474 dedicated sheep farmers. This growth is a testament to the positive impact of the Taiwanese Government’s intervention.”

The project also set up a working traceability system which has enhanced global competitiveness and is enabling higher prices for sheep and goat products.

The Ministry of Agriculture said Sheep and Goat Project has provided advancements in marketing and value addition, and continues to empower local farmers, adding that it is determined to move the sector along the value chain, ensuring sustainability and profitability.”

Sheep at National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center in Central Farm – (Photo Credit: MAFSE)

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