-to mitigate natural disaster impacts

Nine farming groups within Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have received almost $20 million in micro-grants to reduce the impact of natural disasters.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported last Tuesday that funds were provided under the United Nations Development Programme’s Strengthening Disaster Management Capacity of Women in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Commonwealth of Dominica programme.

The report noted that Julian David, of the Belladrum Cooperative Society Limited, welcomed the assistance, while explaining that his group rears pigs and the donation will help make the project more sustainable.

“We can now afford to purchase 24 nipple drinkers for the pigs,” he said while adding that he will acquire a pressure washer to better clean the pens.

The Women for Change Group was another grant recipient. Shamie McAlmont, who is involved primarily in agro-processing, said the money would be used to construct a shade house, establish a hydroponic farm, and purchase farming equipment and tools.

Also expressing gratitude was Caroline Rahaman, Chairwoman of the Lighttown Agriculture Cooperative Society.

Meanwhile, the report said Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs Valerie AdamsYearwood indicated that the government is doing its part to cushion the impact of climate change despite the challenges.

“With limited financial resources, one can only do so much and no more. That’s the reason why we, as a government, embrace these and other programmes of the UN and other local and international partners, which seek to build the capacity of our people,” she said.

UNDP Resident Representative Jairo Valverde said the money would help the communities better prepare for natural disasters. He added that the micro-grant scheme was designed using gender mainstreaming techniques to target both male and female farmers.

The Japanese government provided the funds for the micro-grants scheme, which forms part of the three-year project that will conclude June 2021.