30 coconut farmers are currently attending a three-day training session on the management of coconut trees at Julian Cho Technical High School in the Toledo district. The workshop was organized through a partnership between JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) the Ministry of Agriculture and the Toledo coconut farmers’ cooperative.

The training agenda covered a range of subjects related to coconut tree management, including Agro-ecological management, Integrated pest management for coconuts and the potential for marketing and processing coconuts in Belize. The event also included practical, hands-on demonstrations, such as the creation of compost, biofertilizers, and other organic fertilizers. This practical aspect helps farmers to apply these techniques in their own coconut farming practices.

The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to enhancing the resilience of agriculture in Belize, particularly in response to the recurring effects of annual hurricanes and floods. This suggests a focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

The training session is part of a broader project supported by JICA, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), the University of Belize (UB) and Kaihatsu Management Consulting, Inc (KMC).

The training session demonstrate a commitment to improving the coconut farming industry in Belize by providing farmers with knowledge and tools to manage their coconut trees effectively and sustainably while addressing climate-related challenges.