Ministry of Agriculture, Japan International Cooperation Agency launch SHEP Program to boost farmers’ income in Belize

Published by [email protected] at December 4, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 3:52 pm CST.

Farmers consulting with market vendors finding out more about products most wanted by consumers. Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) program in Belize. This initiative aims to increase farmers’ income by shifting focus from merely growing crops to understanding and meeting market demands.

MAFSE said in a statement that SHEP was introduced to Belize in March 2024, helps farmers align their production with buyer needs, improving earnings and reducing waste. Originally created by JICA over a decade ago, the program has benefited farmers in 57 countries.

In July 2024, MAFSE trained agriculture officers in the SHEP method to guide farmers across all districts. Farmers in Toledo and Stann Creek are already seeing positive results, such as market survey skills and improved business planning.

“In Toledo, agriculture officers taught the United Producers Cooperative (UPC) how to do market surveys and see what products are in demand,” MAFSE said. “

“Group members will now use this knowledge to sell products like honey. In Stann Creek, the Hopkins Farmer Group is learning skills like planning their planting schedule and keeping farm records to improve their business.”

The SHEP program is also being integrated into agribusiness classes at the University of Belize starting in 2025, preparing future farmers and agriculture professionals.

As a result of the progress made and to celebrate it, MAFSE and JICA will host a seminar on December 11, 2024, in the Cayo District to discuss SHEP’s progress and future in enhancing Belize’s agricultural value chain.

Farmers attending SHEP workshop. – Photo Credit: MAFS

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