JICA and Ministry of Agriculture Assess Farmer Progress in Value Chain Projects

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with Belize’s Ministry of Agriculture, is conducting assessments for farmers participating in the Value Chain Improvement Project and the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Program (SHEP). These evaluations aim to measure the progress and impact of these initiatives as they approach completion. Led by Kenichi Machida, Sustainable Agricultural Development Advisor, and a team of technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, the assessments focus on improvements in farming practices and the strengthening of value chains for crops such as potatoes, coconuts, and pitahaya. Additionally, the review highlights the adoption of SHEP’s market-oriented production approach, supported by tools and resources provided to farmers.