Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers marks International Day

The Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP) joined the global community this week in celebrating the International Day for Rural Women under the theme, ‘Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future’.

A release from the organisation noted that, “The day underscores the invaluable contributions of rural women, who make up a quarter of the world’s population and are the backbone of agricultural production, economies, and climate resilience. In Jamaica, rural women are driving critical initiatives to improve food security, build climate resilience, and create economic opportunities. Through JNRWP’s Resilience Project, rural women are empowered to lead in sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and value added production.”

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the JNRWP rolled out its comprehensive Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan. With support from CARE International, the plan provides direct assistance to rural women farmers, including shelter rehabilitation, counselling, and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). Additionally, farmers are being on boarded into the GK Weather Protect parametric insurance programme, which provides weather-related insurance coverage to mitigate future risks.

It notes that JNRWP continues to collaborate with key partners including the members of the diplomatic corps, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Caribbean Development Bank, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the Jamaica Red Cross, and the Lions and Leo Club of St Andrew Central to implement capacity-building initiatives, provide technical support, and deliver essential services to rural communities. These partnerships strengthen rural women’s capacity to combat climate change, reduce food waste, and enhance productivity.

It said further, “The Resilience Project is guided by a theory of change that envisions a future where rural women are empowered to drive sustainable agricultural practices and value-added production in key areas such as agro-processing, food preservation, and renewable energy. By developing four manufacturing clusters, JNRWP aims to reduce post-harvest losses, increase efficiency, and create new income streams for rural women.

The group called on ‘the government, private sector, and civil society to invest in the development of sustainable infrastructure, including access to quality healthcare, education, and social protection for rural women, stressing that ‘these investments are vital to reducing inequalities, fostering economic empowerment, and building climate-resilient communities.’

It urged a ‘renewed commitment to supporting rural women as they continue to grow our food, build stronger economies, and lead the fight against climate change.’