Background

Dominica’s agricultural sector is vital to food security, rural employment, and economic growth. Yet, it is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and landslides. These hazards affect farming communities, water security, and agro-processing enterprises, especially women, youth, and vulnerable groups who are central to the sector.

The Enhancing Smart Sustainable Agriculture and Agro-Processing for Climate Resilience in Dominica (ESSAA-1) project is funded by the Government of Italy (US$724,172.85 – Phase 1) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Dominica's Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Blue and Green Economy, and the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD).

Over 18 months (2025–2026), the project will advance climate-smart agriculture, sustainable agro-processing, and water resource management in the South Agricultural Region. It aligns with Dominica’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP) and the country’s vision of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation.

Expected Results

The ESSAA-1 project aims to:

Strengthen disaster adaptation and water resource management

• Develop a model guideline for resilient irrigation systems.
• Renovate the Morne Prosper irrigation distribution system.
• Train at least 50 farmers to apply climate-informed practices (PICSA).

Boost livelihood resilience and market opportunities

• Establish the first Agro-Processing Technology Centre (APTEC) in Grand Bay.
• Enable 30 agro-processors to access APTEC facilities.
• Train 30 agro-processors and farmers in climate-smart, gender-responsive practices.
• Provide 100 farmers with agricultural inputs.
• Support 20 farmers/agro-processors in securing agreements for value-added products.

Enhance institutional and community capacity

• Train 25 government technical officers and agricultural extension staff in CSA and disaster risk reduction.
• Increase public awareness of climate-smart agriculture and food security.