Programmes and Projects

The Government and people of Guyana have enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), working together to advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen food security, improve rural livelihoods, and promote the sustainable management of natural resources. FAO’s support in Guyana is guided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2022-2026, which identifies national priorities and areas of collaboration between FAO and the Government of Guyana.

The CPF focuses on four strategic priority areas:

• Transformation of sustainable agrifood systems
• Resilient value chains and agricultural communities with enhanced disaster risk management
• Increased digitalization and ICT in agriculture
• Agriculture de-risking and climate resilience

Through a portfolio of national, regional and global projects, FAO supports Guyana’s efforts to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems while contributing to economic development, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods for rural and Indigenous communities.

Notable projects in Guyana include:

Digital Solutions for Protected Agriculture

FAO is supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to improve the efficiency and productivity of greenhouse and shade-house vegetable production. The project introduces digital sensor technologies that enable real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, soil moisture and other environmental factors, while strengthening the capacity of farmers, extension officers and technical stakeholders nationwide.

Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains

FAO is assisting Guyana in developing innovative, climate-smart value chains through initiatives such as integrated rice-duck farming systems and dragon fruit production. These interventions aim to improve smallholder productivity, strengthen market opportunities, enhance women's economic empowerment, and promote sustainable rural livelihoods.

Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme (SWM)

Implemented in the Rupununi, the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme supports Indigenous and rural communities through sustainable and legal wildlife use, improved natural resource governance, and community-led management of fish and wildlife resources. The programme contributes to biodiversity conservation while strengthening food security and local livelihoods.

Small Grants Programme (SGP)

FAO serves as the implementing agency for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme in Guyana. The programme supports community-based organizations and civil society groups in designing and implementing locally driven initiatives that enhance resilience, strengthen livelihoods, conserve biodiversity, and deliver global environmental benefits.

Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM)

FAO works with national partners to strengthen land-use planning, improve land governance systems, and build technical capacity for sustainable land management. The initiative promotes climate-resilient land use practices, digital mapping technologies, and improved access to land-related services across Guyana.

Agricultural Statistics and Policy Development

FAO continues to support the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening agricultural data systems and evidence-based planning. This includes capacity building for agricultural surveys, rural statistics, and national strategies that contribute to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable agricultural development.

Current projects and initiatives being implemented in Guyana are reflected under the Project List section.