Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2025. 10:52 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise (MAFSE), hosted a two-day workshop on October 22 and 23 at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in the Orange Walk District to introduce local farmers and students to the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach.
The initiative aims to transform traditional farming practices by encouraging farmers to grow crops based on market demand rather than routine production.
Originally developed by JICA in Kenya in 2006, the SHEP approach promotes a shift in mindset from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell”, empowering smallholder farmers to align their production with market opportunities. This strategy helps improve farmers’ incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster sustainable agricultural growth.
During the workshop, participants—including farmers and students from the Belize High School of Agriculture—engaged in practical exercises such as market surveys, learning how to assess consumer preferences and price trends before planting. Farmers shared their experiences and expressed enthusiasm for applying the new techniques to their operations, noting that understanding market needs can significantly increase profitability.
Students also benefited from the sessions, gaining insights into business-oriented farming and the importance of innovation in agriculture.
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The post Japan International Cooperation Agency and Ministry of Agriculture promote market-oriented farming through SHEP workshop in Orange Walk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2025. 10:52 am CST. By Zoila Palma: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security
The post Japan International Cooperation Agency and Ministry of Agriculture promote market-oriented farming through SHEP workshop in Orange Walk appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
