FAO projects in Jamaica

National projects

FAO projects in Jamaica focus on the following key areas:

  national irrigation and water management capacity
  IPM and seed improvement for hot pepper production
  setting up a dairy processing cooperative
  support to women's agro-processing activities
  sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management
  agro-forestry
  prevention of soil erosion
  strengthening agricultural research
  support for rural youth and young farmers
  emergency assistance following hurricanes and flooding

There have also been several initiatives to develop agricultural information and marketing systems and policy analysis, especially in relation to structural adjustment and market reform programmes. These include projects to diversify export crops and introduce certification schemes, as well as to improve farm management and reduce dependence on chemical pest control.

Regional projects

An important regional programme supported by FAO was the Caribbean Amblyomma Programme, or CAP, which was responsible for the eradication of the tropical bont tick. This enabled nations in the region to move forward in the development of their beef and dairy sectors. Other initiatives included support to regional agricultural information, communication and marketing programmes, regional environment and fisheries management and emergency assistance following hurricanes and flooding.