JSIF to Invest in Climate Resilient Greenhouses for Farmers

The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is to establish 100 climate-resilient greenhouses across four select parishes as part of its ongoing Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Tuesday (June 16), Managing Director of the JSIF, Omar Sweeney, said the initiative is designed to help farmers better withstand the impacts of climate-related events.

Mr. Sweeney informed that the programme falls under a wider agriculture recovery portfolio valued at approximately $2 billion for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.

“These greenhouses will include water reservoirs that store one to two million gallons of water, solar pumping, rainwater harvesting, drip fertigation technology, water-storage tanks, all of the infrastructure that’s required to build the resilience of the farmers,” he said.

The programme is intended to improve farmers access to reliable water supplies, while increasing agricultural productivity and reducing vulnerability to drought and other climate-related challenges.

Mr. Sweeney said the initiative forms part of a broader package of Hurricane Melissa recovery measures, aimed at restoring livelihoods and supporting vulnerable communities.

He noted that additional support for the sector is expected through the Green Climate Fund, under which JSIF is accredited, and a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“That agreement is now about to be signed and that will support and build our agriculture infrastructure portfolio,” he said.

The Managing Director emphasised that the investments are intended to build long-term resilience within Jamaica’s agricultural sector, while supporting recovery efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.