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Agricultural Sector Impacted By Ja REEACH Project

By: , November 9, 2016

The Key Point:

The Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change (Ja REEACH) Project has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector since it began in 2012.
Agricultural Sector Impacted By Ja REEACH Project
Photo: Michael Sloley
Deputy Chief of Party, Ja REEACH II Project, Dianne Dormer, speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on November 8.

The Facts

  • Deputy Chief of Party, Ja REEACH II Project, Dianne Downer, said the project, which is now in its second phase, has implemented a number of initiatives across the country.
  • Ja REEACH II is an expansion of the Ja REEACH project which ended in 2015, which promoted the protection of rural lives, livelihoods and ecosystems through interventions that increased and strengthened climate-change resilience.

The Full Story

The Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change (Ja REEACH) Project has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector since it began in 2012.

Deputy Chief of Party, Ja REEACH II Project, Dianne Dormer , said the project, which is now in its second phase, has implemented a number of initiatives across the country.

“Over the 2012 to 2015 period, we piloted the Climate Smart Agricultural Practices [programme]. This is about being able to survive given the vagaries of the weather or the climate situation. That is adaptation, mitigation and reducing your carbon footprint, and about food security,” she informed.

Ms. Dormer was speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on November 8.

Ja REEACH has also partnered with the Government on its Strengthening a National Beet Armyworm Programme, which saw some 22 farmers and eight extension officers from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) being trained in pest management procedures.

In addition, an estimated 1,800 Jamaican youths have benefited from the project through a Youth Climate Change Conference. Water harvesting solution activities and a Disaster Risk Community Management Programme were also implemented.

“The [Disaster Risk Community Management] programme focused on communities to strengthen their capacity to assess their vulnerability and build adaptive actions. That programme is being scaled up,” Ms. Dormer said.

For the second phase which began in 2016, Ja REEACH will focus on the Swift River Watershed in Portland as part of its Strengthening the Natural Resource Base component. Focus will also be placed on its Climate Smart Investment approach.

A call for expression of interest has also been made for its Programme to Support Climate Smart Agricultural Value Chains in Jamaica.

Ja REEACH II is an expansion of the Ja REEACH project which ended in 2015, which promoted the protection of rural lives, livelihoods and ecosystems through interventions that increased and strengthened climate-change resilience.

It is being funded by USAID and implemented by ACDI/VOCA and local partners. ACDI/VOCA is a private, non-profit organisation that promotes broad-based economic growth, higher living standards, and vibrant communities in developing countries.

Ja REEACH II will continue to collaborate with a wide range of partners and utilise volunteer technical assistance to engage in climate-change adaptation and mitigation solutions. It is expected to end in 2019.

Last Updated: November 9, 2016

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