The Caribbean Agriculture Productivity Improvement Activity Project (CAPA) aims to empower farmers with market-driven technologies. The initiative is set to strengthen livelihoods, enhance food security, and foster sustainable agricultural growth. Launched earlier this year, CAPA heralds a new era for Dominican farmers.
Under the support of the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), this initiative introduces a three-year USAID-funded programme in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. The initiative aims to positively impact on food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
USAID Funding for Agricultural Growth
A substantial investment places emphasis on CAPA’s commitment to supporting farmers and stakeholders.
This financial muscle will promote market-driven agricultural practices and technologies, facilitating seamless connections with domestic and regional markets.
Focused Crop Initiatives for Initial Seven Months
CAPA’s initial focus on key crops for the first seven months includes dasheen, sweet potatoes, passionfruit, and cassava.
This concentrated effort is a precursor to a subsequent shift towards vegetable production. This ensures a comprehensive approach to crop diversification and sustainable farming practices.
CAPA’s Three Major Objectives
CAPA’s strategic objectives revolve around boosting smallholder market-led production of fruits and vegetables.
This will enhance domestic and regional market linkages for smallholders and agro-processors and transferring best practices to smallholder farmers.
As CAPA takes its first steps, the anticipation is high for the transformation it will bring to Dominica’s agricultural landscape.
The Caribbean Agriculture project signifies a collaborative effort towards sustainable farming practices, increased market access, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
Local Market Production Specialist Joins CAPA
The International Executive Service Corps (IESC) commitment to fostering sustainable development is evident in its recruitment of a local Market-led Production Specialist for the CAPA in Dominica.
This specialist will play a pivotal role in executing on-the-ground interventions to build production-level capacity.
Collaborating with local partners, including private sector agribusinesses, farmers, farmer groups and public sector extension service providers, the specialist will support three farmer-led demonstration sites.
These sites are pivotal in delivering essential training and technical assistance to empower farmers in adopting improved practices and technologies.
Strategic Collaborations
Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry consulted with numerous stakeholders, including AID Bank, Extension Services, Dominica State College, Dominica Hucksters Association.
Additional key partners included Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), alongside other collaborations to ensure an inclusive approach to the success of the Caribbean Agriculture project.
IESC’s Impactful Role in Agriculture Development
The IESC is a distinguished U.S. non-profit organisation, has been a catalyst for private sector development in economically developing nations since its establishment in 1964.
Over the years, IESC’s initiatives have contributed to the creation of more than 1.5 million jobs across 137 countries.
The organisation collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the public sector, to implement sustainable solutions that enhance capacity, productivity, job creation, and enterprise growth.
Facilitating Farmer-led Demonstration Sites
The IESC’s responsibilities extend to closely collaborating with stakeholders in the field.
This collaboration aims to establish farmer-led demonstration sites that serve as hubs for delivering essential training and technical assistance.
The overarching goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills required to implement improved practices and technologies.
These enhancements are vital for meeting the quality and quantity specifications demanded by buyers in the agricultural market.
Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme – Empowering Farmers
Investing in Agricultural Excellence
CAPA represents a pivotal investment towards fostering agricultural excellence in Dominica. By leveraging funds obtained through the Citizenship by Investment Programme, the project can modernise farming practices, enhance crop yields, and promote agribusiness sustainability across the island.
Empowering Local Farmers
One of the primary objectives of the project is to empower local farmers in Dominica. Through targeted interventions, such as training programmes, access to advanced farming technologies, and financial support, the project provides farmers with the tools and resources needed to thrive in a competitive agricultural landscape.
Sustainable Development and Economic Growth
By supporting the agricultural sector, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme is driving sustainable development and economic growth on the island. The $5.3 million investment not only benefits individual farmers but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing food security, creating employment opportunities, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Strengthening Community Resilience
In a world increasingly impacted by climate change and external challenges, investing in agriculture is a critical step towards strengthening community resilience. CAPA equips farmers in Dominica with the knowledge and resources to adapt to changing conditions, mitigate risks, and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
