Belize’s Agricultural Value Chain Initiative for coconut, pitahaya, and potato concludes with successful seminar

Published by [email protected] at December 11, 2024

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Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 7:39 pm CST.

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted the closing seminar for the ‘Advisory Services on With/Post COVID-19 Agricultural Value Chain Improvement in Belize’ project on Wednesday at Dream Valley Resort, Cayo District.

According to the MAFSE, this initiative, launched in February 2023, aimed to enhance agricultural value chains and stimulate rural economic transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project focused on three key crops: coconut, pitahaya, and potato, benefiting farmers across all six districts of Belize through extensive training programs and tangible outcomes, such as:

Distribution of 2,000+ coconut seedlings and pitahaya cuttings.
Three potato demonstration plots, offering training on good agricultural practices and post-harvest management.
Action plans by Toledo District coconut farmers to collectively sell coconut water.
Promotion of dragon fruit (pitahaya) value addition through collaboration with the University of Belize, BMDC, and BTB.

“BMDC worked with small farmers to enhance value addition, while BTB facilitated connections with hoteliers in San Pedro and other key tourism destinations,” MAFSE said.

To support these activities, equipment like rototillers, freezers, and vacuum sealers were provided. The project also integrated the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach to better align farmers’ production with market demands.

MAFSE extension officers were trained in the SHEP approach, and MAFSE technical officer Catherine Hob participated in SHEP training in Japan and Bolivia, sharing valuable insights upon her return. In early 2025, three additional technical officers will attend a global SHEP conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to further enhance their expertise and share Belize’s experiences.

Despite challenges from natural events, the seminar highlighted the project’s resilience and adaptability. MAFSE expressed appreciation to JICA, particularly Kenichi Machida, Leader of JICA Agricultural Value Chain Advisors, for their unwavering support. They also recognized the farmers, extension officers, and technical staff, “whose dedication and commitment have been critical to the project’s success”.

MAFSE anticipates continued partnership with JICA, remaining “committed to finding innovative ways to promote activities and programs that empower rural communities and provide economic opportunities through sustainable agricultural practices”.

Photographs of Belize’s Agricultural Value Chain Initiative seminar courtesy of MAFSE:

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