The Government of Belize, together with the FAO, has begun an intensive training programme aimed at equipping agricultural extension officers with advanced technical skills. Held at Central Farm in Cayo, the initiative forms part of the regional project "Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services in the Caribbean," which seeks to modernize advisory services available to farmers.
During the programme, extension officers are receiving practical and classroom-based training in soil health assessment, plant nutrition, fertilizer management, irrigation systems, fertigation techniques, and integrated irrigation troubleshooting. The objective is to improve the quality of technical advice available to farmers, helping them increase productivity while adopting more sustainable farming practices.
The project is funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the FAO as part of a broader regional effort to build gender-responsive, climate-smart agriculture and food systems across the Caribbean. Officials say strengthening extension services will enable farmers to better respond to climate change, improve crop yields, and make more efficient use of natural resources.
Agricultural experts say well-trained extension officers play a critical role in improving food production because they serve as the link between scientific research and farmers. By expanding technical knowledge on sustainable farming practices, Belize aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance national food security, and increase the resilience of its agricultural sector against future climate challenges.
