Thumbnail Image

Promoting Livelihoods Recovery and Resilience through Youth and Women-Led Resilient Value Chain Development and Entrepreneurship in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - TCP/STV/3803

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8

Publisher FAO ;

Category Factsheet

Synopsis (short abstract) On 9 April 2021, the La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines erupted with several explosions over a period of several weeks, affecting most of the island's population. Farmers and local communities in the critical areas (red and orange zones) were severely affected by the heavy ash fall and pyroclastic flows, particularly in the areas closest to the volcano in the northern part of the island. In addition to major losses of tools and productive assets, reports showed extensive environmental damage and losses in critical areas, where forests and farms were wiped out, along with the destruction of large areas of staple crops such as vegetables, bananas and plantains. In addition, the eruptions were followed by heavy rains that caused flooding and lahar flows in various parts of the country. As a result, the livelihoods of vulnerable populations dependent on agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry were affected. The heavy deposits of volcanic ash throughout the country highlighted the need for soil and ash analysis to determine changes in nutrient composition, organic matter content, macro and micro fauna and pathogen profile, and to assess agro-edaphic and climatic suitability for existing and alternative crops. In response to the recovery and rehabilitation needs, the government prepared a priority list of immediate, medium and long-term responses. Within the priority list, two areas were identified: i) soil analysis, to determine soil rehabilitation, management requirements and value chain suitability determination by agroecological zone; ii) building a cadre of new entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, including youth and women, and developing resilient value chains. In this context, this TCP aimed to facilitate the recovery of livelihoods and increase the resilience of food systems through the involvement of youth and women in the development of resilient value chains and entrepreneurship, by strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct soil analysis and developing a programme to support new agricultural entrepreneurs.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Factsheet
    Developing Coconut Water and Composite Flour Value Chains in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines - TCP/STV/3501 2019
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has tried to reduce its reliance on banana exports since the European Union phased out preferential treatment to producers from African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP )countries. Against this background, there are indications that the development of coconut water and composite flour (based on cassava and sweet potato) value chains offers prospects for growth, as market demand for the end products is constantly increasing. However, in order to succeed in modern markets many challenges need to be addressed, including issues related to standards and food safety amongst others. The project provided technical assistance to introduce an inclusive and market-oriented development approach, and to improve the capacity within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour (the Ministry of Agriculture) to develop the two promising value chains in the country
  • Thumbnail Image
    Factsheet
    Technical Assistance for Planning of Agricultural Census 2022 of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - TCP/STV/3801 2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Agriculture is a major pillar of the economy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, although its importance has declined in recent years. The agricultural sector continues to be export-driven and has diversified from mainly exporting bananas to several types of commodities, such as root crops and tubers, coconuts and plantains. The commitment to growth in traditional crop sectors, such as arrowroot and bananas, remains a primary focus in the reduction of poverty and the creation of opportunities for improved livelihoods. In 2013, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines published the “National Economic and Social Development Plan 2013 to 2025” with the purpose of increasing market access for agricultural produce, and for which the first strategic intervention is to develop and maintain an effective information and market intelligence system.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Factsheet
    Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Agribusiness Development in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - UTF/STV/001/STV 2021
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to face developmental challenges, especially in terms of reducing poverty and unemployment to levels that are compatible with its per capita income. As poverty is concentrated in rural areas, agricultural development remains crucial for addressing these challenges and supporting national food security. However, the agriculture sector has generally not adapted in an effective manner to the evolving demands of global trade networks. Moreover, market performance is hindered by the existing rudimentary market structure for fresh produce, the lack of aggregation of smallholders and the underdeveloped agro processing industry throughout the country. If strategic investments are made to improve agricultural productivity and increase producers’ access to markets, beneficial outcomes are expected for employment and income levels. With the national context in mind, this project was designed to strengthen the capacities of farmers, fishers, agro processors and aggregators, as well as Government staff, to apply inclusive and sustainable agribusiness development approaches that enhance market access and increase the sale of local agricultural produce.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.