BELTRAIDE Joins PACT for Sustainable Livelihood Project

BELTRAIDE has received nearly eight hundred thousand dollars to help five community groups with business development training, technical support, and market access for sustainable projects. By backing local entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, this initiative boosts Belize’s commitment to climate resilience, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

 

Jorge Gentle, Acting Manager, SBDC

“The sector has faced its own challenges, looking at the ever-changing climate change.  Also looking at fluctuating commodity prices and also access to modern farming technologies. In recent years, more frequently droughts, unpredicted rainfall and also rising production costs that have strained farmers and agrobusinesses.  Additionally, small farmers often struggle in securing access to finance which we are glad that this project also has a component that aims to provide access to finance, access to markets and integrating into the value chain.  Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for innovation, improved sustainability and market expansion that can help to strengthen the sector and drive long-term success.  Again, we received a very detailed description of the components of the project which Dr. Williams was able to share.  Again, it doesn’t only as… I’ve had the opportunity of sharing many of the projects that BELTRAIDE has collaborated with stakeholders in the past as good practices within the region and, again, I’m glad that this project also is not one that just provides training, not just one that provides finance, but it is a very holistic approach where it looks at hand-holding throughout the phase of developing, again, looking at climate resilient enterprises.”