Improving Rural Livelihoods Project initiates livestock, protective agriculture training and support to Kitson Town farmers

The ‘Improving Rural Livelihoods through Resilient Agrifood Systems’ project has commenced its mission to bolster agricultural sustainability and rural prosperity in Kitson Town, St Catherine, with a focus on empowering local farmers, the project is set to provide essential livestock and protective agriculture support to farming beneficiaries in the area.

Last Tuesday, more than 100 participants received livestock and protective agriculture training.

The session served as a platform to educate participants ranging from age 16 to over 65 years on the impacts of climate-change on livestock, while also introducing various types of protective agriculture solutions slated for implementation under the project. Following the training, the project will undertake a series of comprehensive site assessments and validation activities to ensure the suitability of locations identified for 80 beneficiaries selected through the project.

“It’s been a tremendous movement thus far. To actually witness the project now coming into reality where selections are being made and the community is set to benefit, it is as an absolutely wonderful feeling which fits nicely with our mantra from the Kitson Town CDC (Community Development Committee) - Encouraging, Engaging and Empowering to build social value,” said Devon Thompson, president of the Kitson Town CDC.

The training initiative, along with other associated activities, forms an integral part of the project’s overarching strategy to enhance income generation and employment opportunities for the residents of Kitson Town. By equipping individuals with essential skills and knowledge, the project aims to cultivate a thriving agricultural ecosystem that sustains both livelihoods and the environment.

“I don’t think there’s anything better could have been happening to the community of Kitson Town, It is a widespread project and, as we can see from the participants, of those who have come to the sensitisation and the training today … it means that it is gathering momentum in the community,” added Thompson, who also referred to a sensitisation session on the project’s activities, held on April 23.

The project, Improving Rural Livelihoods through Resilient Agrifood Systems is a United Nations South-South Cooperation project, funded by the Government of India and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with Government of Jamaica partners.