ALTHOUGH food is a basic human right — like air and water — worldwide, more than 2.4 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

This means that one third of the global population is not getting the essential nutrients they need for their full development. That’s why World Food Day, commemorated on October 16, focused on ‘The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future’ as a call to action for everyone to help ensure access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable diets.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works with multiple stakeholders in the Caribbean — from producers to governments, and including academia, civil society, indigenous peoples, and youth — to build resilience in agri-food systems, foster greater crop diversity, improve environmental sustainability, and ensure people can access nutritious food.

From this support work women, men, boys, and girls within these communities are emerging as agents helping to realise the right to food for all, nourishing communities and creating positive change even under challenging circumstances.

One such Jamacan is Nickay Henry.

Her path to agriculture is deeply rooted in her family’s history.

“My grandparents were farmers, and farming has always been their way of life,” she shared.

Her love for agriculture led her to further her education, paving the way for her future role in rural development.

Since 2016 Henry has been an extension agent for the Rural Agricultural Development Authority in Kitson Town. One of the main obstacles she faces is organising training sessions for farmers.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get them to participate; because of their educational level they tend to shy away from large crowds,” she noted.

To overcome this she adapts her training sessions to small groups or individual interactions, ensuring each farmer receives the support needed.

Henry is a crucial figure in the Improving Rural Livelihoods through Resilient Agri-Food Systems project, an initiative that’s part of the United Nations’ South-South Cooperation, funded by the Government of India, and implemented by FAO and the Government of Jamaica.

The project provides training and climate-smart solutions to boost sustainable agriculture.

“I try to encourage these farmers to move away from traditional practices. This project will help with capacity building and improve productivity,” said Henry.

One of the project’s highlights is the introduction of protective structures and irrigation systems, a significant change from the rain-fed methods traditionally used in Kitson Town, a climate-vulnerable area.

Henry is optimistic about the project’s long-term benefits: “The training will help farmers to help others — even those not part of the project. It’s a good thing, especially for those who had to leave school early.

“These farmers and community members will be better able to provide adequate food for the community and the nation,” she emphasised.

For Henry, the project is more than a task — it’s a mission to improve her community. FAO said her work in Kitson Town is a testament to the power of dedicated individuals to drive rural development and transform lives.