Over US$70000 has been allocated under the Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI) to accelerate livelihood recovery for youth farmers, fisherfolk, as well as Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMES) severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The grant, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) multi-country office in Jamaica, is being channelled through the Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited.

The funding aims to restore income-generating activities, re- establish agricultural operations, and strengthen climate-resilient production practices.

Speaking at press briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green, commended the programme for its emphasis on youth, noting the unique challenges faced by young people in agriculture.

Mr. Green cited data which showed that it is more challenging for youth to get involved in agricultural enterprise as they have less access to capital and land.

The initiative will benefit 145 individuals, including 110 youth farmers and fisherfolk from Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Thomas, and Clarendon, previously trained under the UNDP’s engender project, as well as 35 fisherfolk from Galleon Beach in St Elizabeth.