CANROP and FAO conclude workshop to develop a strategic agenda for the empowerment of rural women in the Caribbean

Bridgetown, Barbados - After an intense week of collaboration, the Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers (CANROP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concluded a strategic planning workshop. Organized as part of the Farmers' Organization for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (FO4ACP) program, women leaders from 11 Caribbean countries met to develop a strategic roadmap that will guide CANROP's work in empowering rural women producers and advancing sustainable development in the region.

Throughout the week, CANROP chapter representatives shared ideas and best practices from their respective countries and exchanged lessons from market challenges to advocacy efforts. The collaborative sessions facilitated a deeper understanding of each chapter's unique contributions, fostering a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

Carmen Nurse, CANROP President, explained that CANROP “is strong if our chapters are strong. Even if things aren't working well today, we have all the ingredients we need to make a change.”

Creating synergies and strategic priorities

One of the focal points of the co-creation week was the review of CANROP's core functions and the establishment of strategic priorities for the coming years. The FAO technical team worked with the group in a series of structured roundtable discussions that resulted in a roadmap emphasizing the importance of developing tools for improved governance, advocacy and partnerships. The sessions also included a comprehensive review of CANROP's organizational structure, identifying avenues for sustainable growth.

On the final day, representatives from FAO and CANROP formalized an action plan, establishing concrete timelines and outlining the resources needed to implement the new strategies. This session highlighted the collective commitment to translate ideas into tangible results that will support CANROP chapters throughout the region.

Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Juan Cheaz, FAO Representative in Barbados, stressed, “In today's complex policy and stakeholder landscape, we cannot achieve gender equity objectives working alone.”

Alister Glean, IICA Representative in Barbados, also explained the importance of strengthening this network, “Through its national pillars, CANROP is an essential organization that connects producers and buyers, so we must work on its sustainability and active role in competition.”

Among the workshop participants, Rosamund Benn, from the Guyana chapter, reflected, “Being exposed by CANROP through various workshops has helped me to be a confident and successful woman today.”  In the same vein, Marva Allen-Simms, of the Jamaica chapter, concludes, “We must create visibility. If you have a strong voice, they (governments) will call us and listen.”

Moving forward with determination

At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The outcomes of the co-creation week, including a strategic advocacy document and a clear roadmap, are set to shape CANROP's trajectory from 2025 onward. The commitment to action and collaboration promises to strengthen CANROP's role as a key advocate for rural women, ensuring they have the resources, networks, and political support they need to thrive.

CANROP and FAO's collaboration in the region marks a pivotal moment for the empowerment of rural women in the Caribbean, reflecting the enduring power of unity, shared knowledge, and strategic planning to bring about meaningful change.

About the FO4ACP Program

This initiative is part of the Farmers' Organizations for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (FO4ACP) program, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union in support of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).  Its objective is to increase incomes and improve the livelihoods, food and nutrition security and safety of smallholder and organized family farmers in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries by strengthening regional, national and local farmers' organizations.