Food Security Project Gets $18 Million

The Government is to spend some $18 million on a project aimed at protecting the livelihoods and food security of residents of vulnerable communities.

The sum is allocated to the Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector and Coastal Areas project, as contained in the 2013/2014 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

Formerly launched in November 2012, the project seeks to improve land and water management for the agricultural sector; strengthen coastal protection; and build institutional capacity against climate change risks.

The Government is to spend some $18 million on a project aimed at protecting the livelihoods and food security of residents of vulnerable communities.

The sum is allocated to the Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector and Coastal Areas project, as contained in the 2013/2014 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

Formerly launched in November 2012, the project seeks to improve land and water management for the agricultural sector; strengthen coastal protection; and build institutional capacity against climate change risks.

It will target fisherfolk, farmers, tourism interests, including hoteliers and tour operators, and select government entities in eight parishes ‑ Westmoreland, specifically Negril; St. Thomas; St. Ann; Trelawny; St. Catherine; Clarendon, particularly the Bull Head region of the Rio Minho watershed; St. Mary; and Manchester.

Up to February 2013, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), which is the implementing agency for the project, was accredited as a National Implementing Entity, while a programme management unit was established and a project steering committee put in place.

In addition, the programme proposal was finalised, including an engineering study for the installation of submerged breakwaters in Negril; an inception workshop was held and an inception report submitted.

Anticipated targets for the new fiscal year include: completion of work plans and budgets for all executing agencies; coordinating the implementation of programme activities and monitoring the process; conducting an annual audit; and preparing and submitting monthly progress reports.

The project is being undertaken through funding from the Venezuela Adaptation Fund and is scheduled to be completed by March 2016.

By Latonya Linton, JIS Reporter