Belize Representatives Participate in the 11th Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Promotion SHEP International Workshop in Ethiopia

A Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment Promotion (SHEP) Approach International Workshop is currently taking place in Ethiopia, with participation from Belizean representatives. Extension Officer Mr. Marvin Blades and Ms. Catherine Hob from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with Ms. Jenilee Donis from the University of Belize, are attending the event.
The SHEP approach is actively being integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture’s programs, with seven farmer groups across six districts currently involved. At the University of Belize, the approach is also being incorporated into the Agribusiness course, ensuring that future agricultural professionals understand the importance of market-driven farming.
SHEP encourages farmers to shift their mindset from simply “growing and sell” to treating farming as a business. The initiative was first introduced in Kenya through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and has since expanded to more than 59 countries globally, including now Belize.
Through the SHEP approach, farmers learn to calculate their cost of production and determine their potential profits. They also acquire skills in market research, enabling them to produce crops that meet market demand in terms of quantity and quality. By analyzing market trends, farmers select the most profitable crops and create a planting calendar to align with peak market demand.
The objective of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for information sharing among participants in order to successfully implement and mainstream the SHEP approach in their countries. The workshop will include presentations from various African countries where SHEP has been implemented, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategies for the future.
The event is funded by JICA and the Ethiopian government, demonstrating a continued commitment to empowering smallholder farmers worldwide.

Ministry of Agriculture MED and CARICOM Development Fund Representatives Conduct Project Site Visits in Northern Belize

On February 24, 2025, Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), and the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) conducted a series of project site visits in the Orange Walk and Corozal Districts. The delegation assessed the impact of key initiatives, including the Honey Production and Redevelopment Support Project, the Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project, and the Rudimentary Water System Project.
Launched in 2018 with a budget of $464,323.25 USD, the Honey Production and Redevelopment Support Project provided training and equipment to 110 beekeepers, established three demonstration apiaries, and significantly increased honey production across all six districts of Belize.
The Covered Structure and Capacity Enhancement Project, initiated in 2019 with a $262,995 USD budget, supported the construction of 36 covered structure nationwide. This project benefited vegetable farmers by enhancing production capacity and providing specialized training in covered structure management.
In Chunox, the Rudimentary Water System Project improved community water access through the installation of a high-performance 3” water meter (HPM), 375 house service connections, five valve inspection boxes, five air release valves, and a 60,000 US GPD brackish water reverse osmosis purification system, which included well and transfer pumps.
The site visits also served as a platform to explore Belize’s participation in Cycle 3 of the CDF’s funding initiatives and discuss potential new projects and programs aimed at further advancing national development goals.

Project Concept Note Presentations CARICOM Development Fund Third Contribution and Subvention Cycle Project Identification Mission

On February 26, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development, met with the Board of Directors of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to discuss the submission of project concept notes under the Third Contribution and Subvention Cycle.
The meeting provided an opportunity for MAFSE to present and discuss its proposed projects, enabling the CARICOM Development Fund to gain deeper insight into each initiative for funding consideration. The discussions focused on key areas aligned with Belize’s agricultural and economic development goals, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and sectoral growth.
The engagement reflects Belize’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and leveraging financial resources to drive agricultural advancement, improve food security, and enhance economic opportunities for stakeholders.
The Ministry remains dedicated to fostering collaboration with regional and international development partners to secure funding for impactful projects that benefit the country’s agricultural sector and overall economic growth.

Handover of Agriculture supplies to farmers from the Orange Walk District

February 6, 2025

This morning, a brief ceremony was held at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station to officially hand over seeds, fertilizers, and livestock feed to 25 farmers from the Orange Walk District.

The agricultural inputs, valued at $60,000 Belize dollars, were provided by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as part of ongoing efforts to support farmers affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Sarah. These farmers, who were in active production at the time of the storm, experienced significant disruptions to their crop cultivation.

Present at the handing-over ceremony were Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, and IICA Country Representative, Mr. Mauricio Guevara. Both officials addressed the farmers, highlighting the increasing impact of climate change on agriculture and the urgent need for resilience-building efforts within the sector.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture and IICA to supporting farmers in their recovery and strengthening the country’s agricultural resilience against extreme weather events.

Strengthening Transport Cooperatives Enhancing Road Safety Customer Service and Compliance

On Monday, February 10, 2025, the Department of Co-operatives hosted a training workshop titled “Transport Co-operatives: Developing Strategies to Mitigate Traffic Violations, Improve Customer Service, and Enhance Road Safety.” Thirty-eight (38) members from seven transportation co-operatives participated in the session, which aimed to strengthen the sector through improved customer service, enhanced road safety, reduced traffic violations, and increased awareness of financial access opportunities.

While the workshop was organized by the Department of Co-operatives, several expert facilitators contributed to the discussions:

  • Superintendent Jerome Stevens of the Police Department presented on Rules of the Road.
  • Mr. Peter Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Transport, led a session on Traffic Regulations and Compliance.
  • Ms. Cynthia Williams addressed Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment.
  • Mr. Kenrick Gordon discussed Environmental Pollution.
  • Mr. Javier Gutierrez provided insights on Good and Effective Customer Service.
  • Representatives of La Inmaculada Credit Union introduced participants to financial services available through their institution.

The session was well received by attendees, who actively engaged in discussions and gained valuable insights. At the conclusion of the workshop, all participants were presented with certificates of completion.

National Meeting on Vegetable Production and Projections for Seasonal Crops Held in Belmopan

A national meeting on vegetable production and projections for seasonal crops was held in Belmopan last week bringing together vegetable producers from across the country. The meeting aimed to review current production levels and discuss the upcoming planting season to ensure the continued supply of quality vegetables to the Belizean market.
Key stakeholders actively participated in the meeting, including representatives from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC), and Supplies Control. Leading the discussions was Minister of State, Hon. Alex Balona, alongside officers from the Ministry of Agriculture. Together, the group discussed best practices for vegetable farming, market demands, and strategies for addressing challenges such as climate variability, pests, and disease control.
This collaborative effort underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing Belize’s agricultural productivity while supporting local farmers through improved planning, access to resources, and technical assistance.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains dedicated to fostering resilience and sustainability within the agricultural sector, with this meeting marking another step toward achieving those goals.

MAFSE and CRESAP Host Pitahaya Management Training in Central Farm

Central Farm, Cayo District – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in collaboration with the Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP), hosted a Pitahaya Management Training today at the Agriculture Conference Room in Central Farm, Cayo District. The training was attended by approximately 40 participants, primarily farmers from the Cayo District.
The training featured presentations by personnel from the Ministry’s Extension Service and Research Team. Attendees were guided through various aspects of pitahaya cultivation, including plant care and management techniques to boost productivity and crop resilience.
In addition to the presentations, outdoor demonstrations were conducted on key agricultural practices such as composting, vermiculture, and the preparation of organic fertilizers. These hands-on activities provided participants with practical knowledge on how to enhance soil fertility and sustainability in their farming operations.
This training is part of MAFSE’s and CRESAP ongoing efforts to strengthen farmers’ capacities and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Belize.

National Consultation on the Food Security and Nutrition Policy of Central America and the Dominican Republic

National Consultation on the Food Security and Nutrition Policy of Central America and the Dominican Republic
Today, Belize hosted the National Consultation on the Regional Action Plan (PAR) for the Food and Nutrition Security Policy (POLSAN) of Central America and the Dominican Republic 2024-2028. The consultation, held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise in Belmopan, brought together key stakeholders to discuss and align national efforts with the regional food security framework.
The event commenced with opening remarks by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). The speakers underscored the importance of regional cooperation to address food security challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global price crises.
Participants were introduced to the POLSAN 2024-2028 by the General Secretariat of SICA, followed by an overview of Belize’s national policies on food security and nutrition. The sessions emphasized the need for an integrated, intersectoral approach to ensure permanent access to safe and nutritious food for all Belizeans.
The consultation featured group discussions on how to adapt and prioritize the POLSAN measures within the national context. Representatives from agriculture, health, social sectors, civil society, and international organizations worked together to refine the regional action plan to meet Belize’s unique needs.
As part of the closing remarks, representatives reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to collaborating with SICA Member States to enhance food security and nutrition for all Central Americans and Dominicans.
The outcomes from today’s consultation will contribute to the upcoming regional validation workshop in October 2024, further ensuring that Belize’s voice is reflected in the final regional action plan.

DEVELOPMENT OF A RISK BASED SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR BELIZE PROJECT CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS FOR THE DESIGN OF A WEB BASED SANITARY AND PHYTO-SANITARY INSPECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BELIZE

GA74 BZE_ICT Consultancy_TOR (1)

GA74 BZE_ICT Consultancy_REOI (1)

CDB EOI_Consulting Firms-template (2) (1)

2024 Cooperative Department Annual Report Building Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods

Introduction: The Cooperative Department has had a productive year, with significant strides in enhancing cooperative societies across Belize. The focus for 2023-2024 has been on fostering sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and laying the groundwork for future growth. Below are the key achievements, lessons learned, and future priorities outlined in our Annual Report.

Key Achievements (2023-2024):

  • New Registrations: Two new cooperatives were successfully registered:
    • Northern Coconut Growers Co-operative Society Ltd. in San Estevan, Orange Walk
    • Indian Church Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd. in Indian Church, Orange Walk
  • Capacity Building Workshops: These workshops focused on:
    • Benefits of organization for small-scale producers and service providers
    • Conduct of meetings and proper minutes-taking
    • Bookkeeping and records management
    • Cooperative administration and management
    • Specialized training for honey byproducts for women cooperatives
    • National Healthy Start School Feeding Project
  • Exchange Visits: Facilitated exchange visits to enhance learning and collaboration between cooperatives.
  • Project Development: Successfully drafted and defended the “Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods Building Resilience-Investments in Cooperatives” project before GEF-SGP UNDP.
  • Curriculum Development: Further development of the cooperative registration and capacity building curriculum, along with enhancement of the staff manual.

Lessons Learned:

  • Successes: There was higher-than-expected interest and comprehension among stakeholders in capacity-building programs. This indicates a strong demand for continued education and support.
  • Challenges: The department faced a growing demand for its services, which was challenging to meet due to decreasing resources.

Future Priorities & Plans:

  • Digital Transformation: Plans are in place to digitize the current cooperative registry and the training and registration processes.
  • Legal Restructuring: Formalizing legal revisions and restructuring within the cooperative sector to better meet the needs of modern cooperative societies.

Conclusion & Recommendations:

  • Strengths & Opportunities: The cooperative sector in Belize is becoming more vibrant and dynamic, contributing significantly to the economy and improving the livelihoods of its members. There is renewed interest in the cooperative business model, backed by strong political support.
  • Weaknesses & Threats: However, challenges such as undertrained staff, antiquated legislation, resistance to change, and a reducing budget continue to pose threats. Addressing these issues will require additional resources and strategic planning.

Final Thoughts: “If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.”

The Cooperative Department remains committed to fostering a resilient cooperative sector in Belize. We look forward to another year of growth and development.

Contact Information: For more details, please contact the Cooperative Department at:

  • Phone: 822-2648
  • Email: info@coops.bz