Developing new knowledge and skills

A well-supported agricultural sector is crucial to guaranteeing food security in Seychelles. The President of the Seychelles Farmers’ Association affirmed that this sector plays a key role in reducing dependence on imports.

More than 110 members of the Seychelles Farmers’ Association come from the three main islands of Seychelles: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. With both the population and the tourism industry generating high demand for products, it is essential to increase agricultural production and promote sustainable farming. The Association has committed to significant climate change adaptation projects in two schools: Grand Anse Praslin Secondary School and the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH).

The United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme funded these two projects. According to the President, the Association has been provided with 12 greenhouses—10 for farmers on the three main islands, one for Grand Anse Praslin Secondary School, and one for SIAH. Additionally, the Association will have access to solar water pumps and machinery, enabling them to create high-value products. A board meeting will be organized to discuss which farms will benefit. Following this, factors such as updating membership dues will need to be considered.

One of the Association’s goals is to ensure that its members develop new knowledge and skills to help improve their businesses. To ensure the sustainability of agriculture in the coming years, initiatives are also being implemented to recruit more young people.