GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—New Zealand is providing US$1.6 million to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), targeting women and youth in agriculture, as the Region moves towards reducing its food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and the new Plenipotentiary Representative of New Zealand to CARICOM, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, signed the grant funding agreement
The regional food security project “CARICOM BOOST: Women and Youth in Agriculture” is part of New Zealand’s commitment to further deepen development cooperation with CARICOM and seeks to enhance the sustainable production, climate change resilience, and profitability of 47 CARICOM women and youth farmer groups in 10 member states.
The project aims to promote climate-smart agriculture through sustainable agriculture production. Barnett noted that the project reflects a collaborative approach that will positively impact the Region’s food security system and benefit the most vulnerable.
Te Puni said New Zealand could provide additional support in food security, renewable energy, transportation, and regional connectivity, disaster risk reduction, management of sargassum invasive species, and facilitating closer collaboration between the Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Additionally, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme provides opportunities for Caribbean nationals to expand their related knowledge and develop their skills.
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