KINGSTON, Jamaica—With US$50 million secured through the Green Climate Fund, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, is describing the so-called ADAPT Jamaica project as “a major investment in climate resilience for the agricultural sector”.

Samuda spoke to the issue on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

He said the initiative will directly benefit over 700,000 Jamaicans, particularly smallholder farmers and rural communities.

“By introducing climate-smart technologies such as solar-powered irrigation and resilient greenhouses, the project, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Jamaica Social Investment Fund, Development Bank of Jamaica and the Agriculture Ministry, will enhance productivity and reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events,” said Samuda.

“This is critical for ensuring food security and rural livelihoods,” he added.

He noted that the broader national benefits include increased agricultural output, reduced import dependency, and improved economic stability.

“By strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector, we are also supporting income generation. This initiative demonstrates how targeted investments can deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits,” Samuda stated.

-Lynford Simpson