Driving Community-Owned Agro-Processing Solutions in Dominica

March 30, 2026
Group of people at a UNDP workshop around a table; projector screen displays charts.

Over 40 farmers from the Grand Bay Farmers Cooperative recently participated in an initial sensitization session focused on the establishment of the Agro-Processing Technology Center (APTEC) under UNDP's Enhancing Smart Sustainable Agriculture and Agro-Processing for Climate Resilience in Dominica (ESSAA-1) project, funded by the Government of Italy.

The engagement, attended by Permanent Secretary Ryan Anselm, marked the beginning of a structured series of consultations aimed at co-designing a facility that responds directly to farmer needs and market opportunities.

Notably, farmers demonstrated strong ownership and commitment by attending the session over the weekend, highlighting the importance of flexibility and community-centered approaches in project implementation.

Through interactive discussions, participants provided valuable input on production priorities, agro-processing opportunities, and training needs in climate-smart agriculture.

This engagement reinforces a key principle of ESSAA-1 - Sustainable impact is achieved when communities are not just beneficiaries, but active partners in shaping solutions.

Related 
content

Crowd of people gathered around a large black boat hull under a wooden roof in a workshop.
Press Releases
UNDP and Partners Host Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium to Strengthen Barbados’ Fisheries Sector

Through this initiative, UNDP and its partners aim to support knowledge transfer, foster innovation, encourage inter-generational learning, and build momentum…

Read more
Man in white shirt speaks at a podium with a microphone outdoors, blue balloon arch beside.
News
Equipment to Help Manage Sargassum Delivered to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis is now better equipped to manage recurring sargassum influxes with the handover of specialized equipment a Japan-funded project.

Read more
Man driving a red compact tractor with a roll bar on a farm.
News
Saint Lucia Advancing Coordinated National Response to Sargassum Influxes

Saint Lucia aims to prioritize early warning systems, scientific monitoring, environmentally responsible removal and disposal practices, and the exploration of…

Read more
News
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Receives Equipment for Sargassum Management through Japan-funded Project

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is one of five Caribbean countries benefitting from the delivery of essential machinery that will strengthen national response…

Read more
Press Releases
UNDP project lays groundwork for long-term resilience in Kalinago Territory

The Strengthening Community Resilience in the Kalinago Territory project held its first Project Steering Committee meeting, establishing governance for…

Read more