Getting REDI for Denbigh

Jamaicans who attend this year's Denbigh Agricultural Show between July 30 and August 1 will be exposed to a variety of new ways in which farmers and entrepreneurs are embracing technology and new planning processes for better results.

Three booths, manned by the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Project run by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), will showcase pig rearing and greenhouse technology for the production of crops including bell pepper and tomatoes, as well as hybrid seedlings to boost crop production.

Funded by a US$15-million loan from the World Bank, REDI aims to improve market access for micro and small-scale rural agricultural producers, and tourism product and service providers together.

"Our community projects are showing that small farmers can and will use technology, as well as adopt better business practices that will aid them to be more market relevant and environmentally sustainable, thereby increasing earning potential," Stephannie Hutchinson-Ffrench, REDI's project manager stated.

At Denbigh, visitors will also see the organisation's work in encouraging entrepreneurship in rural tourism.

According to Hutchinson-Ffrench, the objective of approved REDI projects is to increase income and jobs in poor communities in targeted rural areas.

Communities are making their own contributions as well, in terms of labour and other forms of sweat equity. The project also builds on the success of the community-based development approach through its rural-based tourism initiatives and agricultural technology improvements in small and medium farms.

Linking agriculture, tourism

REDI is also connecting the dots between agriculture and tourism, fostering linkages from which entrepreneurs in both groups can benefit.

Started in 2010 with implementation continued this year, after one year of work some tangible results include improved farming practices through soil testing.

Ffrench states that at the end of the programme, " the main performance indicators will include increases in income and the number of jobs created in the targeted areas."

She stated that at Denbigh, groups involved in all segments of the projects will speak to the public about how they can get involved in their own way in community development projects targeting agriculture and tourism.

More than 22,000 people in rural communities are expected to benefit over the life of the programme.

REDI provides grants of a maximum of US$50,000 to micro and small agricultural and rural tourism entrepreneurs, which is to be used to improve productivity and increase marketability.

The organisation will also provide grants to a maximum of US$200,000 for community-type infrastructure development and technical assistance to improve marketing and management.