BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Jamaican farmers are to benefit from a multi-million dollar grant that will fund the development of an irrigation system, which will supply water to approximately 700 hectares of agricultural land in from the parish of St Elizabeth.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said Wednesday that the farmers in Essex Valley will benefit from the GBP35.5 million (One British pound =US$1.24 cents) from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by the CDB.

“Jamaica’s agriculture sector is an important contributor to socioeconomic development, and provides important sources of employment. However, irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts and the possible impacts of climate change all affect agricultural production.

“This project is intended to reduce the water-related challenges faced by farmers in Essex Valley, and enhance agricultural production and productivity,” said Andrew Dupigny, head of Infrastructure Partnerships at CDB.

The CDB said that agriculture is the most dominant sector in St Elizabeth, employing 40 per cent of the population.

It said the availability of water is considered a major challenge, and the Essex Valley area is characterised by low rainfall with frequent droughts. Some 55 per cent of farmers depend exclusively on rain for irrigation, 18 per cent use tank water, and an additional 18 per cent purchase water from trucks. As such, this project is expected to significantly improve the social and economic prospects of Essex Valley and its environs.

In addition to improving irrigation systems, the project includes other components to boost agriculture in Essex Valley, including enhanced Agricultural Production and Marketing Facilities and Systems (EAPMFS), training for farmers and other stakeholders in food safety standards and climate smart agriculture practices.

It will also provide financing for a climate vulnerability assessment study to enhance the sustainability of the systems developed under the project; the development of guidelines to support the participation of men, women, youth, and persons with disabilities and an Operational Plan to enhance the viability and sustainability of the facilities and services

UKCIF provides grant financing to eight Caribbean countries eligible for Overseas Development Assistance, and UK Overseas Territory, Montserrat.

This project is consistent with CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, as well as CDB’s corporate priority of supporting agriculture and rural development.