By Zoila Palma: The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Belize recently met with representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to exchange project experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration in agricultural development and agro-processing in Belize.
The meeting was held under the Agricultural Product Processing Innovation and Incubation Project.
During the meeting, JICA representatives Nobuhide Hayashi, Expert, and Marvia Dubon, Programme Officer, introduced the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach. The initiative encourages farmers to understand market demand before production, helping them make informed decisions and improve the marketability of their agricultural products.
TTM also shared updates on its efforts to upgrade processing facilities and equipment and establish an incubation centre for agro-processing entrepreneurs at Central Farm.
Discussions focused on potential connections between farmers trained through the SHEP approach and agro-processing initiatives, including opportunities within Belize’s growing coconut sector and support for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to identify areas of mutual interest and explore future collaboration aimed at strengthening Belize’s agricultural sector.
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