Agriculture Extension Officers and JICA representative discuss SHEP training course
By Zoila Palma: Today, Extension Officers Noe Oliva and Jesse Madrid met with Takahiro Moriya, JICA Resident Representative, Marvia Alcoser, Program Officer, and Enrique Rivas, SHEP Focal Point, at the JICA Office in Belize City. The purpose of the meeting was to present the Action Plan developed following the successful completion of the one-month SHEP […] The post Agriculture Extension Officers and JICA representative discuss SHEP training course appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Zoila Palma: Today, Extension Officers Noe Oliva and Jesse Madrid met with Takahiro Moriya, JICA Resident Representative, Marvia Alcoser, Program Officer, and Enrique Rivas, SHEP Focal Point, at the JICA Office in Belize City.
The purpose of the meeting was to present the Action Plan developed following the successful completion of the one-month SHEP training course in Japan in January 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture explained that the action plan outlines the implementation of the four steps of the SHEP (Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion) Approach, which aims to strengthen farmers’ capacity to make market-oriented production decisions and improve their livelihoods.
As part of this initiative, farmer cooperatives from the Cayo District and Orange Walk District will receive training and technical support to enhance their business skills, market analysis, production planning, and profitability.
The program seeks to empower farmers to transition from a “grow and sell” mindset to a “grow to sell” approach, ensuring that production is guided by market demand.
“This collaborative effort represents an important step toward building a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector in Belize. We extend our sincere appreciation to JICA and all partners for their continued support and commitment to agricultural development and farmer empowerment,” the Ministry expressed.
The post Agriculture Extension Officers and JICA representative discuss SHEP training course appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
