Improving storage and processing

Overview

In Belize, the agriculture sector is known to be vulnerable to changes in temperature, rainfall, sea level, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events which affects the conditions in which crops grow and the suitability of crops, both of which directly affect agricultural productivity. Climate change has severe impacts on the agriculture sector of Belize. 

Both scientific and anecdotal evidence gathered from an assessment of Belize’s productive sector already suggests that current climate variations are affecting the agriculture sector with results in inconsistent yields. Belize’s predominantly rain-fed agricultural systems are already experiencing difficulties as changes in rainfall patterns and once predictable amounts of rainfall have introduced uncertainties and unpredictability to local seasonal patterns for planting, harvesting, and storage.

The project worked with 40 direct beneficiaries who had already established backyard gardens with the Child Aid Project.

With this project, the women were trained on:

• The importance of adequate storage of their harvested vegetables and fruits.

• Installation, usage and maintenance of silos (a structure for storing bulk materials).

• Improved processing of their products.

Objectives

Overall objective: To improve storage and processing of agricultural products to reduce postharvest losses in Toledo District, Belize.

Specific objective: Women smallholder farmers in Cowpen, Red Bank, Santa Rosa and San Roman, Stann Creek District, build their capacity to store and process agricultural products.