Jamaica gets approval for $50m project to enhance climate resilience of vulnerable smallholders

A $50 million project to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable smallholders in Jamaica has been approved by international entity, Green Climate Fund, GCF.

The Adapt Jamaica: Enhancing Climate Change Resilience of Vulnerable Smallholders in Central Jamaica Project represents the first ever single country climate investment that Jamaica has received from the GCF.

It was approved Friday during the 44th meeting of the GCF Board in South Korea.

The project is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO of the United Nations.

The FAO said after 2 years of unprecedented weatherrelated losses for Jamaica, the project will bring farmer centered solutions to protect livelihoods, boost resilience and strengthen food security.

FAO’s Assistant Director-General, Kaveh Zahedi noted that the investment will enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable small holders in the wake of hurricanes Beryl and Melissa.

He added that the project will also enhance farmers access to finance and markets.

Both Agriculture Minister Floyd Green and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda have welcomed the support.