Belize: Partners in Agricultural Development · BAPS Belize Agro-Productive Sector CSDI...

FAO andBelize:

Partners inAgricultural

Development2009

On the FAO

The ultimate goal of the organization is toimprove the quality of life enjoyed by the in-habitants of its member nations, by helpingto ensure food security for all. For the FAO,food security exists when all people, at alltimes, have access to sufficient, safe andnutritious food to meet their dietary needsand food preferences for an active andhealthy life.

For food security to be sustainable, theremust be a reliable supply of adequate foodavailable from properly functioning markets.

Additionally, families must be in a position toproduce some foods themselves, as well asto generate enough cash income to affordtheir basic needs. Any national food andagricultural programme, therefore, mustfocus on activities that enhance their citi-zensʼ potential for productivity and self-suffi-ciency. FAO partners with member countriesto achieve this important goal by providingexpertise in many areas, including agricul-ture, nutrition, economics, planning andlegislation.

2 FAO and Belize: Partners in Agricultural Development 2009

Contents2 On The FAO3 From the FAO Representative4 Technical Cooperation Programme

• Hurricane-related Disaster MitigationPreparedness and Response

• Support for Special Programme for Food Security(SSPFS)

• Input Supply to Vulnerable Populations Under theInitiative for Soaring Food Prices (ISPF)

6 Technical Cooperation Programme Facility• Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services• National Strategy and Action Plan for the

Development of Freshwater Aquaculture• Revision of the National Medium Term Plan• Preparation of the Agriculture Census 2010

9 Regional Projects• FAO/CARICOM/CARIFORUM Food Security Project• Fisheries Research for Responsible Fisheries in

Central America• FAO/IAEA Programme• National Forest Programme Facility

11 Telefood Projects15 Capacity Building

The Way Forward

AACCRROONNYYMMSSBAHA Belize Agricultural Health AuthorityBAPS Belize Agro-Productive SectorCSDI Communication for Sustainable Development InitiativeFAO Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United NationsFIINPESCA Interdisciplinary Fisheries Research for Responsible Fisheries in Central AmericaIAEA International Atomic Energy AgencyISFP Initiative on Soaring Food PricesNMTPF National Medium Term Priority FrameworkSSPFS Support of the Special Programme for Food SecurityTCP Technical Cooperation ProgrammeTCPF Technical Cooperation Programme FacilityTSF Telefood Special Fund

he Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations (FAO) is charged with the challenging mandateof supporting the agricultural programmes of developing countries all around the world.T

Bumper crops in basicgrains have been somuch a feature of thislast cycle that Belizehas been able to sell2.5 million lbs of yel-low corn to neighbour-ing countries.Significant as well,was the signing of anagreement for the ex-port of cattle andprocessed beef prod-ucts to Mexico. It isanticipated that the

partial scope agreementbetween Belize andGuatemala, recently rat-

ified by the Congress of that country, will bring more market op-portunities. The successes achieved were, in large part, due togovernmentʼs incentive and support measures, the absence ofsevere weather conditions and the support of international de-velopment partners.

FAO took the lead in developing the National Medium Term Pri-ority Frameworks (NMTPF) for countries in the region. Belizeparticipated in this exercise and now has a NMPTF documentfor the period 2009–2010. This instrument established strategicobjectives of the Ministry and provided the framework for inter-vention of developing partners. The document will be used byFAO as a guide for developing appropriate programmes of as-sistance to Belizeʼs agricultural sector.

FAOʼs support, which is mainly provided through programmesof technical cooperation, continues to focus on the plight offarmers affected by the food, fuel and financial crisis. The Di-rector Generalʻs Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISPF) toprovide seeds, fertilizer, small implements has had a positiveimpact on farming communities within the region. The effort isbeing complemented by the Technical Cooperation Programme

project to build resilience in the agricultural sector to with-stand the effects of disasters on the agricultural sector. Inaddition, there is the Telefood Special Fund that supportssmall projects targeting groups, especially women, youthand schools.

Another pillar of FAOʼs support is the Technical Coopera-tion Programme Facility which provides USD 200,000per biennium to member countries to address urgenttechnical needs.

Belize continues to benefit under this Facility. Duringthe year in review the Facility was used to support astudy in aquaculture and a TCP proposal tostrengthen the extension services.

Regardless of the progress being made, Belize stillfaces an uphill struggle. The recent discovery ofcitrus greening in several parts of the country iscause for great concern. To date, no sympto-matic signs have been identified in orchards,but growers will need to increase their fieldmanagement.

No account of FAOʼs achievement in Belizewould be complete without mentioning thestalwart contribution of its national corre-spondent, Mr Ricardo Thompson, thesupport staff in FAO Jamaica and themany strategic partners.

B elize continues to cope with the effects of the global food and financialcrisis; but in spite of the difficulties, the agricultural sector performedcreditably in 2009.

Dr Dunstan CampbellFAO Representative for

Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize

From the FAO Representative

FAO and Belize: Partners in Agricultural Development 2009 3

his two-year project repre-sents the FAOʼs efforts tobuild the resilience of the Belizean agricultural sector inthe face of natural disasters.Its main objective is to design

and implement disaster risk mitigation measures,capacity building interventions, recovery assis-tance for farmers, as well as to provide training inimproved agricultural methods to reduce vulnera-bility and increase income.

The project was launched in March 2009 and in-volved the work of local field consultants as well asa national project coordinator and three extensionofficers from the Ministry of Agriculture and

Fisheries (MAF). As part of the capacity buildingcomponent of the project, two of these officers par-ticipated in a Disaster Risk Management (DRM)training course in Turin, Italy.

Consultations have been carried out with numer-ous stakeholders, including the direct beneficiariesof Corozal, Orange Walk and Cayo Districts. Acomprehensive plan of work characterized by theuse of good agricultural practices was developed,and preparations are underway for field implemen-tation of model small farming systems. Two trainingsessions were carried out with the assistance of in-ternational and local consultants. Procurement offield materials is underway and for more demon-stration plots and other field activities.

Technical CooperationProgramme (TCP)

T This two-year projectrepresents the FAO’sefforts to build theresilience of the Belizean agriculturalsector in the face ofnatural disasters.


Improved National and Local Capacities for HurricaneRelated Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness and Responsein the Agriculture Sector.

Support of the Special Programme for Food Security (SSPFS) at the Country LevelThrough this technical assistance project, the FAO has contributed significantly to the de-velopment of an organic agriculture industry in Belize. FAO supports the project by facili-tating the sharing of the expertise of a Cuban organic agriculturist, who worked directlywith Belizean farmers for 18 months.

The project provided a number of inputs to farmers and agricultural schools, includingCalifornia earthworms, composting materials and organic fertilizer (humus). Seven or-ganic demonstrations were held throughout the country and over 500 persons, mostlywomen and youths, received training in organic vegetable and fruit crop production. Infor-mation on vermiculture, composting, bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides was also dissemi-nated.

As a result of these initiatives, there are now 60 new producers in organic farming in thecountry. The Central Farm Research and Development Station, Cayo District, is also establishing an organic training centre to develop further techniques in bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and provide hands-on training for interested farmers and gardeners. Throughthis project, support has also been secured to establish two additional organic demonstra-tion plots and capacity building in collaboration of the Belize Organic ProducersAssociation.

Input Supply to Vulnerable Populations under the Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP)The FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP) was designed to encourage small farmers and rural householdsto be proactive in finding ways to feed themselves in the current environment of high food prices.

This input supply project was implemented in Belize during a critical time when many small farmers were bearingthe brunt of high prices of agricultural inputs and fuel and agricultural produce in the market was becomingscarce. Preliminary results show that the project directly benefitted over 1,300 farmers with seeds, vegetableseedlings, root crop planting material, agro-chemical inputs, small livestock, poultry and feed.

Corn and bean production by small farmers increased by over 500,000 lbs and 450,000 lbs respectively,bringing down the prices of these commodities in the local markets. Similarly, there was an increase invegetable and poultry production. The project also provided equipment such as grain storage con-tainers, grain dryers, water pumps, rotortillers and shredders.


The project also provided equipment such as grainstorage containers, graindryers, water pumps,rotortillers and shredders.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,Hon. Rene Montero launches a project at Jalacte Village

Technical Cooperation ProgrammeFacility (TCPF)Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services


n response to a request from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,the FAO funded an eight-week project during March and April 2009 toassess the effectiveness of the Ministryʼs extension service to the agricultural sector.

Similar assessments were carried out on the extension services of theprivate and NGO sectors. Workshops, focus group discussion and interviews were con-ducted with 124 farmers from all districts.

In addition to the services already provided under the extension programme, the studyidentified specific ways to assist farmers with linkages to markets and suppliers, as well asinformation on new technology and best practices. The report formed the basis of a furtherrequest to the FAO for a Technical Cooperation Project to be implemented to strengthenthe countryʼs extension services.

IIn addition to theservices alreadyprovided under the extension programme, thestudy identified specific ways to assist farmers withlinkages to marketsand suppliers...

National Strategy and Action Plan for the Development of Freshwater Aquaculture

One component of the mandate of the Fisheries Department of the MAF is to guide the development of a competitive aquacul-ture industry. Therefore the MAF requested the assistance of the FAO to provide technical assistance to evaluate the nationʼsability to expand freshwater aquaculture, with an emphasis on Tilapia farming in relation to the availability of suitable locationsfor the establishment of farms.

A National Consultant was recruited to conduct consultations and develop a strategy and action plan. Some key challenges in-clude the need for an extension service to support aquaculture producers and the need for a clear indication about the size ofthe national and regional market for Tilapia. Other critical issues include the unreliability of supplies such asfingerlings and the high cost of feed. With this information a short, medium and long-term nationalstrategy and action plan for the development of freshwater aquaculture in Belize is being prepared.


FAO supported the Department by providing technicalassistance to evaluatethe nation’s ability toexpand freshwater aquaculture

Preparation for the Agriculture Census 2010The TCPF support has recently been utilized to assist in the development of an Agricul-tural Census survey instrument. This will be implemented in May 2010 along with theNational Population and Housing Census and will provide current data for agriculturedevelopment and planning by the MAF and other partners. Additionally, training will beprovided for the enumerators.

Revision of the National Medium Term Priority FrameworkThe fourth annual FAO-sponsored meeting on National Medium Term Priorities was held in Barbados in March 2009. At this meeting the National Medium Term Priority Framework(NMTPF) for Belize was developed with a focus on result-based management.

Seven strategic objectives were identified including:

• enabling environment for markets to improve livelihoods; • sustainable management and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources; • improved food security and better nutrition; • improved quality and safety of foods at all stages of the food chain; • improved preparedness for, and effective response to food and agricultural

threats and emergencies; • sustainable intensification of crop production, and • increased sustainable livestock production.

Towards the latter part of 2009 the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) contracted aconsultant to review and revise the medium-term plan for priority commodities and technologyadaptation areas for period 2009-2014, in line with the strategic objectives identified at theFourth Meeting of the NMTPF.


Regional Projects


FAO/CARICOM/CARIFORUM Regional Food Security Project – Phase II

Strengthening of Interdisciplinary Fisheries Research for Responsible Fisheries inCentral American countries (FIINPESCA)

This ongoing regional project focuses on the harmonization ofregional legislation for lobster and conch. It also covers capac-ity building in regional fisheries matters and contributes to bet-ter scientific understanding of exploitation of fisheriesresources. Emphasis was placed on the collection and analy-sis of data that could be used by decision-makers for the man-agement of fisheries resources.

To date, ten officers of the Belize Fisheries Department have participated in regional training semi-nars to improve their skills in the management of fisheries resources. The Department also re-ceived assistance in analyzing empirical data using modules for lobster and shrimp to determinethe sustainability of that industry, as well the economic and social aspects of the industry.

One important achievement of the project was that it enhanced communication and interactionamong participating countries in the management and development of fisheries resources.

The CARICOM/CARIFORUM Food Security Project is funded by the Government of Italy andimplemented by the FAO in collaboration with theCARICOM Secretariat and national governmentswithin CARIFORUM.

Phase II of the Food Security Project encom-passes the Caribbean Agri-Food Value Chain proj-ect. In Belize, the rapid assessment of anagri-value chain was carried outin 2009 including an evaluationof marketing opportunities in thecountry and needs assessmentfor agri-value chain for pineap-ple, hot pepper and root cropsfor cereal.

As a result of consultations with various stakehold-ers, including the Belize Agro-Productive Sector(BAPS), hot pepper was selected as the commod-ity for the value chain. There were further consulta-tions with private and public sector groups withregard to the development this value chain whichshould be fully established and running by the timethe project completes its two-year cycle.

As a result of consultations withvarious stakehold-ers, including the BelizeAgro-Productive Sector (BAPS),hot pepper was selected as thecommodity for thevalue chain

To date, ten officers ofthe Belize Fisheries Department have participated inregional training seminars to improvetheir skills in themanagement offisheries resources.

I n addition to the support received through the Technical Cooperation Programme and the Technical Cooperation Programme Facility, Belize also benefits from several regionalprojects funded by the FAO

FAO/IAEA Regional Programme The Joint FAO/IAEA Programme assists Member Countries of FAO and IAEA (International Atomic EnergyAgency) to use nuclear techniques and related biotechnologies for developing improved strategies for sustainablefood security.

In Belize, a three-year project was signed in June 2009 to provide training to technical staff at the Belize Agricul-tural Health Authority (BAHA) in internationally recognized procedures and protocols in order to provide competentand effective residue testing services. A technical officer from IAEA conducted a pre-assessment analysis ofequipment and laboratory supplies needs for Belize, and the project will facilitate the purchase of ancillary residuetesting equipment and the necessary accessories to complement existing testing instrumentation in order to en-sure compliance with international requirements for residue analysis.

National Forest Programme Facility The Forest Department of Belize oversees the conservation, protection, management and utilization of Belizeʼsforest resources and its biodiversity, while ensuring that the productive capacity of the forests for both goods andservices is maintained or enhanced for the sustainable development of the Belizean people. Its role, therefore, isto coordinate the implementation of the forest policy within the regulatory framework established to achieve itsmission.The National Forest Programme Facility isan FAO programme designed to enhancethe efforts of national Forestry Depart-ments by supporting stakeholder discus-sions on forest policy development andrelated issues. In Belize, the programmeis assisting the Forestry Department to setup and convene a forest policy steeringcommittee and consolidate the forest pol-icy elements identified by the stakeholdergroups into a draft forest policy for thecountry.

In addition, three NGOs involved in forestdevelopment and protection initiativeshave received funding through this pro-gramme and have begun working withcommunity stakeholders to develop com-munity based forest management initia-tives. From these consultations, NGOswill present recommendations to the For-est Department on components relevant totheir sector to be included in the revisedForest Policy of Belize. These NGOs areForest Conservation and Development(FCD), Association of Protected AreasManagement Organization (APAMO) andYaʼaxche Conservation and DevelopmentTrust (YCD).


...three NGOsinvolved in forest development and protectioninitiatives have received funding through thisprogramme and have begunworking withcommunity stakeholders to develop community based forest management initiatives.

s part of its campaignto fight world hunger,the FAO introducedthe TeleFood appeal

in 1997 to raiseawareness of the global foodshortage as well as to collect

funds to finance small agricultural projects indeveloping countries.

The proceeds of this appeal go into the Telefood Special Fund (TSF) which has collected over USD 28million over the past decade. This money goes directlyto financing micro-projects with grants of USD 10 000

each. The FAO has made the commitment to donorsthat none of the proceeds are diverted to their adminis-trative or other costs.

The goal of the Telefood programme is to improve thequality of life of poor families across the world by help-ing them to improve their farming practices to enablethem to produce more food and thus earn a betterlivelihood.

In making Telefood grants FAO gives preference tothose community groups which already have estab-lished projects and which can demonstrate a certaindegree of seriousness and commitment. They placeparticular emphasis on vulnerable groups, such aswomen and young people. The FAO, like the rest ofthe United Nations family is very concerned about theimpact of human activity on climate change and encourage projects that are environmentally friendly.

In Belize, five Telefood projects were on stream during2009. We provide a brief overview on each.

Telefood Projects

AThe goal of the Telefood programme is to improve thequality of life of poor familiesacross the world by helping them to improve their farming practices to enable them to produce more foodand thus earn a better livelihood.


Irish Potato StorageA number of Belizean farmers have been motivated to construct storage facilities for theirroot crops after seeing three model potato storage units constructed through this FAO-funded Telefood project. These units, one built at Seven Miles and two at San Antonio, CayoDistrict each have a storage capacity of 25,000 pounds. The units are currently in use and afield day was conducted by the Cayo Extension Service to showcase the units to other po-tato farmers. The structures can be used for storing other root crops such as ginger, cas-sava and cocoyam and their use will lead to reduced tuber spoilage.


Bee-keeping for income generation for women and youths

The main objective of this project is to improve the living standard of the ruralwomen and youth through the introduction of honey production. Bee colonies

and honey extraction equipment were procured and delivered to the Santa Martha womenʼsgroup and six youth members. An estimated total of 80 family members are directly benefitingfrom income generated from this sustainable activity. Addition-ally, a nutritional benefit has been derived from this enterpriseas more honey is also being consumed in the households.


Dolores Women’s Development Project

Dolores village is a remote village inToledo where a group of women are en-gaged in vegetable and fruit production. With support from the TSF,they plan to augment their production and expand into small live-stock production - pigs, rabbits, and chicken. The project began inJune 2009 and the process of acquiring field inputs is wellunderway.

Alternative livelihood programmes for urban women and youth through sustainableagricultural technologyThis project was approved in June 2009 with theobjective of enabling the Productive Organizationfor Women in Action (POWA) group to enhancetheir food security and generate income for theirfamilies through vegetable production using sus-tainable and adoptable agricultural technologies.To date, twenty women received training in veg-etable production to enhance their capacities andare in process of acquiring inputs for field imple-mentation. The one-year project began in June2009.

Louisiana School Crop Production for income generation and school canteen programmeThe project at Louisiana School is aimedat producing vegetables and other cropsthat can be used for the school canteenprogramme. Any surplus produce will besold in Louisiana village and OrangeWalk town. The project is at the stage ofacquiring inputs (including vegetableseeds, small tools, irrigation materialsand material to construct a greenhouse).The project ends in May 2010, by whichtime it is expected that a vibrant andviable operation will be in full swing.



Capacity BuildingAs part of its mandate to promote dialogue between developed and devel-oping countries to support capacity building at the national level, FAO facil-itates the participation of government and other stakeholders in regional andinternational meetings, missions, workshops and training events. In 2009,FAO sponsored the participation of eight professionals from Belize at meet-ings of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures; the

INFOPESCA/FAO regional meeting on fish domestic markets; theNational Medium Term Priority Framework (NMTPF) Meeting; and theCaribbean Agri-Food Value Chain workshop. Other seminars coveredtraining in microfinance and the prevention and control of trans-boundary diseases.

The Way ForwardIn spite of the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, 2009 has been a productive year

with many successes. FAO is pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the

growth of the agriculture sector this year and recognize the role of key stakeholder part-

ners including CARDI, officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Central Farm

Research and Development Station, Escuela Secondaria Mexico, Plenty Belize, suppliers,

farmers, NGOs and farmers groups.

The year 2010 will see the continued implementation of several projects started this year,

including the improved disaster risk management strategies for agriculture, agricultural

census support and the activities under the Telefood projects. In addition, however, there

will be the opportunity to collaborate on new projects, especially in the priority areas out-

lined in the National Medium Term Priority Framework. The FAO stands commited to pro-

viding technical expert support and assistance to achieve agricultural development in

Belize.

Hon. Rene Montero delivers addressat World Food Day

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© FAO 2009

FAO HeadquartersViale delle Terme di Caracalla00153 Rome, ItalyTelephone : + 339-06-57051Fax: +39-06-57053152Email: [email protected]

FAO Representation in Jamaica(The Bahamas and Belize)1 - 3 Lady Musgrave RoadKingston 5JAMAICATel. : (876) 927-9162Fax : (876) 927-8242Email: [email protected]

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