FAO Projects
Project Objectives: Increased and sustained production of Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae by the Aquaculture Department of the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana, in compliance with biosecurity and sanitary quality standards. This project commenced in March 2026. Activities to support the initiation and operationalization of the project are being undertaken at this stage. |
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Project Code: TCP/GUY/4101
Duration: March 9, 2026 - September 31, 2027
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Agriculture
| This project is helping countries to strengthen their capacities to design and implement Small Grants interventions within the framework of GEF-8 Small Grant Programme (SGP 2.0). The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) OP8 is a flagship initiative of the (GEF) which provides community-based grants to deliver global environmental benefits and socio-economic co-benefits and is being implemented across 15 countries including Guyana. FAO is the implementing agency for SGP OP8 in Guyana and will manage the SGP portfolio in Guyana, in close collaboration with the National Steering Committee (NSC) and the EPA. In Guyana, the SGP OP8 is in the operationalization stage. Thus far, the NSC has been established and is now providing strategic oversight for the programme. Scoping consultations were conducted with key national stakeholders to inform the development of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS), which will guide the programme’s priorities and funding focus in Guyana. Current efforts are focused on advancing the preparatory processes required for implementation, with CPS development as the immediate priority. The next key step is the engagement of the entity that will support this process. Once the CPS is finalized and validated, the programme will move into the proposal launch and grant-making stage. |
| GCP /GLO/11698/GFF |
Duration: January 31, 2026 - January 31, 2029
Implementing Partners: EPA
Investment Notes leveraged for six Caribbean countries
This project is supporting six Caribbean countries with the preparation and presentation of their Investment Notes to the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in 2026 to potential investors/donors. The Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative is a mechanism to prioritize investments in countries and territories where poverty and hunger are highest, national capacities are limited, or operational difficulties are greatest due to natural or man-made crises.
At this stage, with the support of FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture has agreed to participate in the preparation of an “Irrigation Investment Profile” for Guyana to be presented at the Fifth FAO HiH Investment Forum (October 2026) and/or to potential investors/donors
Pproject Code: TCP/SLC/4004/C1
Duration: August 15, 2024 - July 31, 2026
To Strengthen Caribbean SIDS with the necessary tools for adopting policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve climate-resilient LDN.
FAO is supporting Guyana to increase capacity for soil analysis and provide capacity development through the establishment of model farms with restored soil productivity through climate-smart agriculture.
In Guyana, achievements thus far included the completion of the National Soil Survey, with samples being prepared for analysis.
Further, the project has improved farming technologies in Little Biaboo with the installation of Climate Smart farming technologies, including solar powered irrigation systems, a water trestle and sump, and shade houses, based on previous measurements of soil properties, and land degradation and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Vulnerability assessments. A plan will be prepared to scale the tested approaches to 660 ha in the same region.
In 2026, implementation is expected to start on land restoration activities of gold mining affected areas in Arakaka, and on improved livelihood activities focusing on dragon fruit production in Kimbia.
Project Code: GCP /SLC/214/GFF
Duration: 21 November, 2021 - December 31, 2027
Implementing Partners: GEF
To contribute to the sustainable management of forests.
This project continues to support the implementation of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the EU and Guyana under the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. The FAO-hosted VPA Africa and Latin America Facility (VPA-ALA Facility) provides advisory support, monitoring, and information sharing on the VPA’s progress. Following its ratification in June 2023, Guyana has moved into the formal implementation phase. A key focus is the development and implementation of the Timber Legality Assurance System, with checks and balances to ensure the legal production and trade of timber. FAO is supporting the work of the VPA.
Project Code: GCP /GLO/1240/EC
Duration: May 24, 2024 - December 31, 2025
| Project Objective: To demonstrate the use of climate smart technologies and promote their adoption in by producers and processors in agriculture value chains. To influence the institutional governance of agriculture development programmes at regional and national levels. To develop knowledge products including policy briefs on inclusive, gender-response for climate resilient value chains in selected Caribbean countries. |
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| This project is ongoing. In collaboration with the MoA, key value chains to be supported under the project have been identified and include: Vegetables under protected structures, Integrated Duck–Rice Value Chain and Dragon fruit. At this stage, a National Coordinator has been appointed and a draft work plan developed. A national gender specialist will be engaged to support the gender responsive activities under the project. An LoA was signed between GRDB and FAO in 2026 to support the “Establishment of an Integrated Farming System for High Quality Rice and Duck in Guyana” where activities will support the “Establishment of Rice-Duck pilots in 4 regions and at the Demonstration site in Burma”. A duck production specialist is being recruited to work with GRDB and the GLDA to develop production guides. The specialist will be working remotely, with field visits to Guyana starting in April 2026. An FPIC process has been completed and signed by the St Cuthbert’s Mission. The FPIC is pending signature by the Ministry of Agriculture. A Dragon fruit production specialist will be fully engaged from May 2026 and will be based in Guyana until August 31, 2026. LoAs to be discussed with NAREI (to support vegetable production) and Ministry of Human Services (to support the development of an online course). |
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Project Code: GCP /SLC/224/CAN
Duration: March 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028
Implementing partner: Ministry of Agriculture
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To contribute to poverty reduction, jobs creation, food and nutrition security by improving the economic, social and environmental sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains in ACP countries.
| The FISH4ACP project in Guyana focuses on enhancing the Seabob shrimp value chain, encompassing both industrial and artisanal fishing sectors. The project aims to address these issues through a multifaceted approach. This includes promoting sustainable fisheries management across both sectors, enhancing export value for industrial actors by targeting higher-value products in key markets and improving quality and food safety standards for artisanal fishers. Additionally, the project seeks to facilitate connections between artisanal producers and higher-value domestic markets, while also focusing on improving working conditions and economic opportunities for women throughout the value chain. This project is ongoing with key initiatives to be undertaken 2026 including: supporting an improved Fisheries Management and Information System in Guyana; building the professional capacities of the Seabob Working Group (SWG) and the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation (GNFO); training on safe and healthy handling of seabob products and improved working conditions for fishers, processors and vendors in the Guyana seabob value chain; implementation of the FAO and ILO partnership to strengthen Guyana’s artisanal fisheries cooperatives; and reducing by-catch in the Artisanal Chinese Seine Fishery. |
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Project Code: GCP /GLO/028/EC
Duration: March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2027
Implemneting partner: EU, EDF, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Dept.
| Project Objective : Sustainable and legal exploitation of wild animal populations by rural stakeholders in priority conservation landscapes and adjustment of the supply of alternative proteins of domestic origin for the benefit of rural and urban populations jointly contribute to reconciling security issues food and wildlife conservation in ACP countries. |
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| The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme aims to protect ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous populations that rely on wildlife for food and income. The project focuses on the in the Rupununi Region working in 24 communities. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the initiative promotes legal and participatory wildlife use and has provided tailored support to strengthen national legislation on sustainable wildlife management in Guyana. The project has helped to strengthen community-led adaptive fish and wildlife management systems, including training communities in natural resource governance and supporting land-use and hunting management plans. The project directly supported income generation and protein production (e.g. poultry, goats, livestock and insect farming) as a substitute or alternative for wild meat consumption, helping to reduce demand for bushmeat by promoting alternative protein sources. The project supported One Health measures including raising awareness of wildlife-related health risks Key achievements in 2025: 1) the project supported a biodiversity monitoring, initiative piloted in seven Indigenous communities in Rupununi to test and compare 6 biodiversity monitoring methods and community members were trained in monitoring techniques; 2) a simplified version of the "Rupununi Freshwater Turtle Management Plan and a Guide to Turtle Nest Monitoring" published and the SWM project supported Yupukari’s 13th Annual Turtle Festival, engaging over 200 participants including 12 Wildlife Clubs; and 3) to guide data collection for 3 co-management areas, a Protocol for “Community-based Monitoring for terrestrial, wildlife, turtles and inland fisheries in the Rupununi” was implemented across 7 local indigenous communities. At this stage, project finalization activities are being undertaken. |
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Project Code: GCP /GLO/682/EC
Duration: July 20, 2023 - July 19, 2026
Project Objectives: 1. To improve fishing practices to manage bycatch and reduce discards and the negative impacts of fishing gears in CLME+ fisheries, supporting countries implementation of CLME+ SAP priorities with a focus on the ecosystem approach to fisheries. |
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| This project focuses on managing bycatch and reducing discards in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+) thereby promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries that provide economic opportunities while ensuring the conservation of marine living resources, and in doing so support country implementation of the CLME+ Strategic Action Plan. The project is being implemented in Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean. This project is currently ongoing. A key activity targeted is the strengthening of the monitoring frameworks to manage bycatch and reduce discards. |
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Project Code: GCP /SLC/221/GFF
Duration: August 1, 2023 - September 30, 2027
Implementing Partners: GEF
Project Objective: To promote the development and implementation of EAF through national and sub-regional fisheries management plans for shared shrimp and groundfish fisheries resources. |
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| Since its inception, key activities undertaken included: a review of fisheries data collection and management needs; a New Seabob stock assessment for Guyana completed with recommendations proposed for Guyana , capacity building and training activities undertaken. |
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Project Code: GCP /SLC/220/GFF
Duration: January 28, 2023 - July 30, 2027
Implementing Partners: GEF
| Objective: To promote blue economy development in the CLME+ through marine spatial planning and marine protected areas (MPAs), ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), and sustainable seafood value chains |
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Project Code: GCP /RLA/902/GFF
Duration: June 27, 2023 - June 27, 2027
Project Objectives: Contribute to the greening of global forest value chains. |
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1. Sawmilling project: A comprehensive sawmill sector assessment was conducted in collaboration with the Forestry Training Centre Inc. (FTCI) identifying key training needs. In response, a Sawmilling training programme was developed to strengthen capacity in the forest value chain. The project is supporting the FTCI in obtaining TVET accreditation for this training programme. A model sawmill was procured by the project and will be installed at a location (Yarrowkabra Forestry Station) currently being prepared by the Guyana Forestry Commission. Once installed, the project will complete the training of approx. 200 sawmill operators and FTCI trainers.
2. An SME accelerator programme was launched in November 2025 to improve access to finance for wood-based SMEs (loggers, sawmillers, furniture & NTFP makers). MoUs will be signed with financial institutions and stakeholders to support an integrated approach for the sustainable development of the value chain. This project comprises 4 phases ranging from capacity strengthening in areas such as business and regulatory compliance, to investment readiness. It increases access to finance via a catalytic grants component and matching businesses with financial institutions. Finally, the project will support investment opportunities within the scope of the 2026 EU trade mission and investor match-making.
3. Furniture Market Assessment: This assessment was launched in 2025 and completed in January 2026. It presents a detailed overview of the Guyanese furniture sector and its challenges, risks and opportunities. The assessment makes recommendations to address weaknesses identified and capitalise on existing opportunities to boost the sector.
Project Code: GCP /GLO/1155/EC
Duration: August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2028
Implementing Partners: Ministry of Natural Resources
| FAO supported the Government in drafting a Food Security and Nutrition (FSN) Bill which was submitted to the Government of Guyana for review and adoption. It is "An Act to provide for the progressive realization of the right to adequate food for all people in Guyana without discrimination; to establish the Food Security and Nutrition Authority to oversee and coordinate the activities of governmental authorities for the realisation of the right to adequate food; and to provide for related matters." The Bill has not been adopted at this stage. |
Project Objectives: Project Document signed in August 2025 between FAO and EPA and Operational Partnership Agreement signed between EPA and FAO in December 2025. This project has been initiated at this stage. |
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Project Code: GCP /GUY/11338/GFF
Duration: November 25, 2025 - November 25, 2029
Implementing Partner: GEF
| Project Objectives/Impact: Efficiency of greenhouse farming systems in Guyana improved. |
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| This project will introduce optimization of protected cultivation systems (shade houses) with improved covering materials (shade net and plastic) and digital sensors to enhance vegetable production across Guyana. A project inception Workshop and Initial Needs Assessment and Findings for the project was conducted in November 2024. Over 135 greenhouses at 15 different sites were visited and assessed. The project is being piloted at NAREI's/AIEP demonstration farms (MonRepos, Fort Wellington Region 5, Tarlogie Region 6, Anna Regina Region 2, Linden Region 10), University of Guyana (Region 4) and a selected farmers' greenhouses in Guyana. The project is ongoing. Improved covering materials and digital sensors were procured to modify shadehouses with the commencement of the installation of covering materials. Once installation of digital sensors is completed, training and technical assistance will be provided to farmers, extension services and value chain actors on the use of digital solutions to improve efficiency of greenhouse farming systems. |
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Project Code: TCP/GUY/4001
Duration: October 1, 2024 - November 30, 2026
Implementing Partners: NAREI, Ministry of Agriculture
Project Objective: To improve rural livelihoods by fostering informed, sustainable, diversified, and climate-resilient agriculture in the duck-rice and dragon fruit value chains in Guyana.
| This project aims to close productivity gaps, enhance women’s economic empowerment, and foster inclusive rural development, through empowering farmers and strengthening of services to transform these value chains and for livelihoods to become more market oriented, resilient, and sustainable. Integrated rice-duck farming system leverages ecological interactions between rice paddies and ducks to reduce input costs, improve soil fertility, and control pests naturally as well as offer increased farmer incomes in the multiple products that can come from the integrated system (e.g. rice, seed, ducklings/live duck, duck meat and eggs). Development of a robust dragon fruit value chain introduces a high-value and climate tolerable crop that is highly suitable for climate-smart agriculture and uses water efficiently. Expected Project Outputs: · Rapid Gender-Sensitive Value Chain Assessment Reports for Dragon Fruit and the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System · Industry Upgrading Strategic Plan developed and validated to strengthen the performance of the Dragon Fruit and Integrated Rice-Duck Production Systems · Business Cases based on optimized production models for Dragon Fruit and Integrated Rice-Duck Production Systems · Provision of Tools and Training such as with Data Workbook Tool, Cost of Production Survey Instrument, Value Chain Assessment, Agribusiness Training, and Business Case/Model · Stakeholders’ capacity strengthened in agribusiness and small-scale agri-enterprise development Under this project, National Value Chain Teams (NVCTs)/Coordinating Committees have been formed and established for both dragon fruit and integrated rice-duck system. NVCTs have been introduced to value chain approaches and data collection tools,, as well as participated in an Agribusiness/COP training. Rapid Value Chain Assessment Working Sessions were held in early March. Draft Industry Upgrading Strategic Plans have been completed and will be reviewed during Stakeholder Validation Workshops planned for the end of March 2026. Strategic plans are being developed specifically to respond to diagnostics and assessment of the value chains. Business cases will be designed based on modelling best practices and value chain assessment reports will incorporate the validated upgrading strategic plans. |
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Project Code: TCP/GUY/4002/C1
Duration: December 1, 2025 - October 31, 2026
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Agriculture, NAREI, GRDB