FOLLOWFOLLOW----UPUP TOTOTO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT PLAN OF ACTION

NATIONAL REPORT

The World Food Summit (WFS) Plan of Action under Commitment Seven (Objective 7.3) called upon governments in partnership with all actors of civil society, in coordination with relevant international institutions and, in conformity with ECOSOC Resolution 1996/36 on the follow-up to the major international UN conferences and summits, inter- alia , to:

• Report to the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) on national, sub- regional and regional implementation of the WFS Plan of Action, drawing upon a food insecurity and vulnerability information and mapping systems, once established, as an analytical aid. Monitor through the CFS the national, sub-regional, regional and international implementation of the WFS Plan of Action, using reports from national governments, reports on UN agency follow-up and inter-agency coordination, and information from other relevant international institutions. This Report documents the country progress in the implementation of the WFS Plan of Action. It consists of two sections. Sections I and II constitute the substantive parts of the Report on progress made, policies adopted and actions taken. In particular, Section II deals with programmes and measures taken by the country for each of the seven Commitments under the Plan of Action. In order to facilitate the completion of the report, the Secretariat has prepared a set of Guidelines which are enclosed herewith.

Country: Guyana

Date of Report: 15 th February 2008

Institution or committee responsible for reporting

Ministry of Agriculture

Focal Point

Name Dr. Dindyal Permaul

Position Permanent Secretary

Telephone 592-227-5527

Fax 227-3638

E-mail Table of Contents

Section I: Priority Food Security Issues and Progress towards the World Food Summit Goal 3

Section II:Follow-up to the WFS Plan of Action 6

Commitments 6

Statistical Annex 222

2

Section I: Priority Food Security Issues and Progress Towards the World Food Summit Goal (for completion of Section I of the report please refer to paragraph 5 of the Guidelines)

The state of the country’s food security situation, in terms of food availability, stability of supplies and access to food and the progress in reaching the hunger redreductionuction targets are described belowbelow::::

Guyana has over the years taken the issue of poverty and food security very seriously and while the country has achieved food security sufficiency, the issue must be placed high on the agenda of the Government. In Guyana, Agriculture accounts for 32 percent of GDP, 30 percent of employment and 40 percent of export earnings. Sugar and Rice account for 74 percent of agriculture’s GDP as well as 65 percent of total agricultural exports, including shrimp and timber. Hence, the agricultural sector has been identified as the foundation sector for increasing food security, thereby reducing malnutrition.

However, over the last twenty years, there has been a massive decrease in foreign-aid into the agricultural sector, which led to decline in investments. Therefore, the issue of food security becomes one that is topical and will always be topical. There are many other challenges that can threaten food security in Guyana, which include: declining productivity in the agricultural sector; the erosion of preferences for major commodities such as sugar, bananas and rice; increased incidence of poverty; high susceptibility to natural disasters; increased incidence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, costs of imports such as fertilisers and a shift to bio fuel production and rising food prices, which are cause by escalating fuel prices. Government, in its commitment to ensuring that there are no steep rises in the costs of food commodities produced locally, have been taking initiatives to cushion the impacts of rising food prices. The Government of Guyana has instituted a number of initiatives to foster increased food production through the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition, the Government recognises that agriculture needs to divert from its dependence on rice and sugar into new areas. While we have been making progress in non-traditional agro-based exports, the Ministry of Agriculture has formulated an Agricultural Diversification Strategy that adopts a cluster approach to export development to contribute to a friendly business and investment atmosphere. This strategy, once fully implemented, will rapidly diversify our agricultural activities and increase exports. The Diversification drive is consistent with the National Development Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy paper and the National Competitiveness Strategy, which emphasises the need for agricultural diversification.

It should be noted that we have achieved food security, so much so, that we are net exporters of food. This is a proud achievement by our farmers and a situation we are striving to sustain and improve by maintaining the supply of the domestic market by better quality food and expanding our production in the areas that we still import food.

3 Evaluation studies (such as impact assessment, comparison between results and objectives) of programmes or projects related to the WFS Plan of Action are attached to this report and listed below:

In Guyana, poverty is more prevalent in the rural areas, but the residents of these communities are often able to produce their basic food requirements. In addition, alliances like Farmers’ Associations have helped to alleviate poverty and thus hunger, to a large extent. Additionally, various initiatives have been undertaken to realise the promotion and expansion of our agricultural sector. In the Hinterland regions, food security is one of the top priorities of Guyana. Particularly since the distance from capital markets makes it difficult and unfeasible to transport food to these regions and even when this is achieved basic food items are sold at high prices. Hence, Ministry of Agriculture through a training programme held on 5- 6, 13-14, 12-17 December 2007, in Regions 7, 8 and 9 [Sub- Region 1 benefited from training on 13-14 December] sought to empower residents with knowledge that can significantly aid them to produce their own food in a sustainable way so that they would not be dependent on food items from other regions.

Since the guarantee of food security in the Hinterland regions is crucial not only to the people in these communities but also to meet the MDG and WFS Plan of Action, the Ministry of Agriculture is providing training and technical support for farmers, chemicals to combat pests and agricultural implements. As a result, there are other training programmes for Hinterland farmers that started in December 2007 and will continue until March 2008.

It is established that there must be knowledge in order to develop appropriate and effective strategies to address the challenge of poverty and food insecurity in Guyana. There had been a three-day workshop held by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, (FAO) the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) and the Government of Italy. This was done to build capacity in CARIFORUM countries by providing the relevant knowledge base at the national level in the assessment and monitoring of food security situations. It would facilitate design and implementation of improved food policies, programmes and actions at the national, community and household levels.

In addition, a study on the Regional Food Security Project, which was completed in April 2007, generated much of the information required for effective planning and targeted policy formulation to address food insecurity and vulnerability should they exist in Guyana.

Another programme Guyana is engaged in is the ‘Jagdeo Initiative’. The Initiative will build on past efforts in a more coherent, comprehensive and long-term development framework that takes into consideration the changed global environment and creates an enabling economic and business environment for competitive and sustainable agriculture and rural development. This aims to enhance the positioning of Guyana’s agriculture in domestic and international market

4 Information on external assistance programmes, including a description of their impact on hunger redureductionction and lessons learned, is given below:below:

In Guyana, the Government is committed to playing its part in the reduction of poverty, development of the rural areas and creating opportunities for youths in agriculture for the further enhancement of food security in Guyana and the region.

Consequently, the external assistance programmes that are implemented in Guyana indicate unwavering commitment to investment in agriculture. Investments in projects like the US$20.9 million Agricultural Diversification Project (ADP) negotiated between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has been approved. In addition to negotiations with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the US$6.8M Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ) have also been concluded. These are the two major projects being pursued by the Government to encourage advanced agricultural diversification with a focus on promotion of non-traditional crops and livestock activities that have great potential to increase contributions to the national economy. Other projects comprise of the US$ 15 million Agriculture Support Services Programme (ASSP) and the 11.7 million Euros EU Rice Competitiveness Programme (EURCP). A US$ 14.2 Million Poor Rural Communities Support Project (PRCSSP) should be completed in 2008.

Furthermore, since Guyana is a net exporter of food, it is important to note that we are in an advantageous position for regional demand for food. With this in mind, the USAID and Government of Guyana funded Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) project costing US$ 7.5 Million, which focuses mainly on the export markets. GTIS has a market-led approach to implementing and pursuing export opportunities and has been succeeding in raising Guyana’s profile in global markets.

5 Section II: FollowFollow- -up--up to the WFS Plan of Action (for completion of Section II of the report please refer to paragraph 6 of the Guidelines) This section describes the actions taken under all of the seven Commitments adopted at the World Food Summit. Information is included on policies pursued and/or action programmes implemented, demonstrating, where possible, their impact in terms of contributing to overall social and economic development, poverty alleviation and hunger reduction. The full text of the WFS Plan of Action is available online at the FAO Internet site http://www.fao.org/monitoringprogress/summit_en.html , under the section “Key documents, Rome Declaration on World Food Security”. a)a)a) Commitments One We will ensure an enabling political, social, and economic environment designed to create the best conditions for the eradication of poverty and for durable peace, based on full and equal participation of women and men, which is most conducive to achieving sustainable food security for all.

Two We will implement policies aimed at eradicating poverty and inequality and improving physical and economic access by all, at all times, to sufficient, nutritionally adequate and safe food and its effective utilization.

Three We will pursue participatory and sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development policies and practices in high and low potential areas, which are essential to adequate and reliable food supplies at the household, national, regional and global levels, and combat pests, drought and desertification, considering the multifunctional character of agriculture.

Four We will strive to ensure that food, agricultural trade and overall trade policies are conducive to fostering food security for all through a fair and market-oriented world trade system.

Five We will endeavour to prevent and be prepared for natural disasters and man- made emergencies and to meet transitory and emergency food requirements in ways that encourage recovery, rehabilitation, development and a capacity to satisfy future needs.

Six We will promote optimal allocation and use of public and private investments to foster human resources, sustainable food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry systems, and rural development, in high and low potential areas.

Seven We will implement, monitor, and follow up this Plan of Action at all levels in cooperation with the international community.

6 SumSummarymary list of the most important programmes contribucontributingting to the WFS Plan of Action:

Year Duration Total Status Programme Initiated Budget 1. Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 1991 1991 - $20,518,352 1 On -going Hinterland Training Present Programmes 2. Agriculture Support Services 2004* 2004 - US$20,023,0002 On -going Programme (ASSP) Present 3. EU Rice Competitiveness 2003 2003 - M11,705,000 On -going Programme (EURCP) 2008 4. Poor Rural Communities 1997 1997 - US$16,500,000 3 On -going Support Project (PRCSSP) 2008

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

* The Project was restructured in 2007 1This figure is total budget amount for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 2This is total budget consisting of funds from IDB funds and Government of Guyana. 3 Project is jointly funded by the Government of Guyana (GOG), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

7 The policies, strategies and initiatives implemented, and their outcomes, are described below.

Commitment 1 Objective 1.1

In Guyana, the political climate is fairly stable. There is no civil war or major rivalry in Guyana as such, there is no hindrance to the accessibility, availability and utilisation of food in all areas of Guyana, even the remote areas. This can be attributed to the successful implementation of projects that are specifically designed to target food security by the Government through funds obtained locally and from international donors. Other priorities identified include institutional and regulatory reforms, public accountability, building confidence in judicial and political systems, local government reforms and protection of fundamental human rights. This reiterates that the Government of Guyana places emphasis on strengthening democracy and social cohesion.

Objective 1.2

The Government of Guyana has embarked on various major economic reforms aimed at improving the policy and regulatory environment of the country. Such reforms include the passage of the Procurement Act and budget Law and the tabling of the Small Business and Investment Bills. In addition, the Government has also developed a National Trade Policy Strategy and National Trade Capacity Building Programme and privatised state-owned banks. Recently, the Government implemented a value-added tax (VAT) in 2007. These are encouraging and tangible signs that the government is serious about stimulating entrepreneurialism and improving the climate for trade and investment. Additionally, Guyana’s untapped economic potential bodes well for reversing any negative trends, allowing it to emerge as a force for economic prosperity in the region. Guyana possesses enormous underutilised forestry, mineral, and fishery resources. It is situated on the northern coast of South America, which serves as a gateway for trade between North America and Brazil. The all-weather road between the Brazilian border and Georgetown is currently being discussed among the two countries, international financial institutions, and private investors. With this road, it is expected that there will be a creation of a variety of new commercial opportunities for local investors, U.S. businesses, and other foreign investors. However, like many other countries, Guyana has a number of laws, regulations and administrative processes that govern the investment regime such as locating, operating, finance, and import and export of goods. As a result, the Government has continued to take steps to improve the regulatory climate, with recent developments including reducing the number of necessary trade licenses, passing a Value-added Tax bill in 2005, the Investment Act of 2004, the Small Business Act of 2004, and a Competition

8 and Fair Trading Bill passed in May 2006. Furthermore, as part of the recent NCS process, the Government is strengthening regulatory and administrative processes as well as improving the environment for public-private dialogue through the establishment of a National Competitiveness Council. These initiatives are pivotal and promise to aid the Government and the people of Guyana in our efforts to overcome the many developmental challenges facing the country.

Objective 1.3

Guyana supports and encourages gender equality. It seeks to empower women as active decision -makers to achieve economic, social and gender justice. One concern of the Government is to advance women's equality in decision making by advocating for gender balance at local, national and global levels; challenge the current economic system and promote a model that seeks to achieve human rights, economic and social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication, especially since the Beijing Conference on women in 1995. Guyana’s latest CEDAW report states that the number of women in Parliament increased from 12 (18.5%) in 2000 to 20 (31%) after the 2001 elections and remained at 20 (29%) after the 2006 elections. Currently, there are five female ministers in caparison to four in 2001-2005 and two in 1997-2001. From 2001 to 2005 the highest ranking position in the Judiciary, Chancellor, was held by a woman and the Deputy Speaker of the House is female. Currently, there are four female judges and nine female magistrates. Even though, the number of female Permanent Secretaries increased from three to five, from 1998 until 2005, they are greatly under-represented. However, in the National Commission for Rights of a Child and the National Commission for Women, women are highly represented. But, women are significantly under-represented on Boards and commissions like the Public Service Commission and the Police Force Commission. The bottom- heavy public service is composed of a much higher percentage of women (62.1%) than men (37.9%). Apart from politics, women play an active role in Guyana’s economic status. A small increase from 65% to 67% in total working population is accounted for by women. However, the 2002 Census stated that 66% of working aged women was classified as “not engaged in any type of economic activity” relative to 22% of working males. But, this does not take into account that these women may be involved in some small activity like dress making, raising poultry or tending a kitchen garden, which makes a significant contribution to household income. Additionally, remittances play a crucial role for women in household expenditure and labour marker participation and unemployment, through the financing of micro - enterprise. Objective 1.4

The Government of Guyana is committed to the promotion of the rights of children, youth and adults with disabilities in Guyana. It aims to ensure that people are not treated less favourably on the grounds of their disability, ethnicity, sex, religious belief and political opinion, sexual orientation, or trade union membership/non-membership. For the disabled the Government recognises the exclusion and disadvantages that

9 disabled people experience because of social, economic, and material barriers, created by the world in which they live. The government also recognises that the disabled may be enabled by learning additional skills. Hence, initiatives like Rehab week 2007 is observed by the Rehabilitation Services Division of the Ministry of Health, under the theme, “Promoting self-reliance”. There are laws implemented that address the non discriminatory practises of persons towards those disabled. Additionally, discrimination against person because of ethnicity and religious belief has been addressed in Guyana through the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). Similarly, the National Action Plan for Children, the key concerns of children and women have been kept on the political and social agenda of national authorities and the achievement of identifiable goals were monitored in a timely manner. The Guyana had identified as priorities in this Plan, the family, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, education and literacy, children at risk including the homeless and disabled and the legal and constitutional rights of the child. As part of the Hinterland Extension Programme geared to combat food security, the National Primary School Feeding Programme is specifically directed to ensure the wellbeing of the future generation. Since in the areas targeted food stuff like milk is highly expensive.

Commitment 2 Objective 2.1

There is no recent survey on absolute poverty in Guyana. However, the December 2005 – January 2006 floods severely affected the livelihoods of man Guyanese, particularly those relying on the agricultural sector as a main source of income. However, an official survey is currently in progress, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2007. In August 2004 the European Commission (EC) and the Guyana Government signed a five-year poverty eradication agreement, where, the European Union funded the establishment of a micro-projects programme to assist in the eradication of poverty in Guyana costing G$840 million as part of its larger commitment to help eradicate poverty in Guyana. According to data from 2005 using baseline data from 1995, Guyana has already reached the goal of halving the proportion of people suffering from hunger. Currently, the Government is targeting schools and health clinics. Programmes like the Ministry of Health’s ‘Milk and Biscuit’ programme; the programme for ‘Hot Meals’ for hinterland regions facilitated by the World Bank funded by EFA-FTI and the Basic Nutrition Programme funded by IDB are specifically formulated to eradicate hunger in Guyana and assist in the country being one step closer to sustain food security. In addition, Guyana has key initiatives implemented to reducing poverty levels. In 2007, Guyana Small Business Association (GSBA), in collaboration with Guyana Micro- Projects Programme (GMPP), conducted a series of one-week training courses funded by the European Union (EU) for the public at no cost. A special session was arranged to empower the disadvantaged through small and micro enterprises, with the primary objective of eradicating poverty by encouraging the creation and development of such businesses by men and women with limited formal

10 business knowledge. However, each course was designed to provide guidance and assistance for participants in the areas of Basic Management, Marketing & Sales Strategies, Basic Record Keeping, Business Plan Preparation and Government Policies & Export Trade Policies. Through this programme, human skills and capacities was expected to be considerably develop. This programme aimed to improve the socioeconomic conditions of those most vulnerable through the development of sustainable self-help schemes. They reached those in the urban areas, the coastal villages and the Amerindian communities in the hinterland. Presently, the government has other initiatives ongoing to halving poverty, which include improving the business environment and attracting investment via passing an Investment Code and a Small Business Law Act. The Government has reformed the Guyana Land and Survey Department and is currently implementing a comprehensive reform of the tax system in order that it may be less cumbersome and more transparent.

Objective 2.2

Special programmes like Hinterland Extension Programme; ‘Milk and Biscuit’ programme; the programme for ‘Hot Meals’ for hinterland regions and the Basic Nutrition Programme funded are specially targeted for the food insecure households, families and individuals to meet their food and nutritional requirements and to seek to assist those who are unable to do so.

Objective 2.3

Guyana, in order to meet the international sanitary and phyto- sanitary measures, sought to amend the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act (No. 13 of 2000). As an importing country the national control authority - Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board – has to ensure that importers, exporters and users are informed on a regular basis of all notifications and responses received and proposed (by Guyana) under the convention.

Many of Guyana’s agro-processors that produce value added peanut butter have had to import peanuts from certified sources to ensure that they are able to export their products because of a potential risk of Aflatoxin contamination in local peanuts. This severely influences the competitiveness of Guyana’s processed peanut products and represents lost market opportunity for Guyana’s peanut producers, mainly from Amerindian communities.

As a result, in 2005, a joint venture with the Guyana Government and US Government resulted in the GTIS project. GTIS provided funding for laboratory equipment and technical training to strengthen the necessary analytical capabilities for the Guyana’s Food and Drug Department (FDD) to test for Aflatoxins and certify susceptible products. Through this, the FDD, is now able to offer an important laboratory service to Guyanese agribusinesses and the public by ensuring food safety in the domestic market while helping some Guyanese producers overcome critical Safety and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures that have severely constrained export opportunities in CARICOM. This could have a significant impact on the Amerindian farmers who are responsible for a

11 majority of Guyana’s peanut production. Recently, there was a machine given to the Pesticide Board that test for pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables. This is to improve the quality and safety of the foods that are consumed in the country and those exported. Apart from improving quality of food through testing, food processing, preservation and storage technologies are used to reduce post-harvest food losses, especially at the local level. In 2007, The Guyana Marketing Corporation’s (GMC) Central Packaging Facility located at the Sophia Exhibition Centre underwent extensive renovations geared towards enhancing the appearance and interior design of the building. This comes in wake of an increase in the quantity and frequency of agro-exports being processed at the facility. The move to upgrade the facility is in keeping with the agency’s expanding role in the provision of quality service for the promotion of the non-traditional agriculture sector. Additionally, three pack houses located at Parika, Charity and Number 43 Village, Berbice, are being constructed to further boost the exports of non-traditional agro-products. Other food security initiatives taken have resulted in a significant improvement in the health and nutrition of young children in Guyana in the last decade. Severe cases of protein-energy malnutrition, which were once common, are now not seen frequently. Infant and child-mortality rates in has been declining. Mothers are able through the Basic Nutrition Programme funded by IDB to have a micro – nutrient power (Sprinkles) to target malnutrition and reduce the incidence of maternal haemorrhage and anaemia.

Objective 2.4

Guyana is one of the few countries in the world that provides free health care and education (Primary and Secondary levels). The 2002 census showed a net primary enrolment rate of 94%. Between 2001 and 2003, 4.2% points represented children that reached Grade. Guyana is determined to have an educated young population. Hence, it is against the law for children not to attend school below Grade 6. Similarly, Guyana is determined to care for the population by providing free and efficient health care. There is currently a Primary Health Care programme conducted by the Ministry of Health. This programme ensures Guyanese have access to equitable, accessible, technically competent and socially acceptable primary health care with Sub- Programmes in Maternal and Child Health; Food and Nutrition; Dental Health Services and Environmental Health. At present, the government is engaged in a programme of significant restructuring of the nation’s health services and the health sector. This National Health Plan (NHP) 2003-2007 outlines a strategy for the health sector over the next five years, which aims to achieve major improvements in services and the nation’s health.

The NHP 2003-2007 is a technical document for use by the Government of Guyana (GOG), our development partners and by all other stakeholders in the sector. It centres on the strategic intentions of government, the policy directions for change and the priority actions to be taken. Under the new structural arrangements proposed, service delivery and decision-making related to such services would be devolved to managers at regional and district levels. The Plan has taken into consideration the following policy documents: The National Development Strategy; The Poverty Reduction Strategy

12 Paper; The Millennium Development Goal; The CCHI and other international health charters to which Guyana is signatory.

In addition, the NHP 2003-2007 will be used to allocate new financial resources and to start reallocating existing resources in a more equitable, cost effective, information- based and target-driven way. It will support the technical programmes in the implementation of their activities and improve the integration of services across diseases and disciplines. It will refocus the Ministry of Health on strengthening its policy development role and support the achievement of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) goal of increasing access to social services including education, health, water and housing.

Commitment 3

Objective 3.1

The Ministry of Agriculture aims to maintain Guyana’s food security through its various projects and programmes relating to agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) is mandated to develop appropriate input technologies and farming techniques while building on farmer’s own knowledge. Technology transfer is undertaken through on-farm demonstrations and training activities inclusive of Farmer Field Schools reflecting the importance placed on building upon farmers’ own experiences and knowledge. Examples of relevant activities aimed at transferring appropriate technology to farmers, along with sustainable methods such as organic farming, include: i) training farmers in drip irrigation to promote year round production of fruits and vegetables which has resulted in higher reported yields; ii) making appropriate organic fertilizer recommendations and iii) the use of bio pesticides developed for organic pineapple production. The New Guyana Marketing Council (GMC) is the leading agency in charge of facilitating processing and marketing of non-traditional products. In 2007, New GMC established a marketing Information Centre and serviced over 300 clients including farmers, retailers and exporters. New GMC’s Central Packaging Facility was refurbished and 1,164 tonnes of produce was processed at the Packaging facility, 32% more than 2006. A packaging facility is currently being constructed at Parika to service farmers from 2 regions whilst facilities are planned for 2 other locations. The Ministry of Agriculture has been focusing on increasing productivity of crops and livestock. In 2007 NARI established field gene banks to maintain and conserve important crop types. The Burma Rice research Station continues to work on varietals development of rice seed. The livestock department imported new breeding stock for the cattle and swine industries to improve their genetic capabilities and NARI has imported Peking duck parent breeding stock and Dorper sheep for its breeding programmes. The National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) has an AI programme and 2007 saw the first crop of Brahman calves The IFAD funded Poor Rural Communities Support Services Programme (PRCSSP) which ended in 2007, worked on cattle pasture rehabilitation and development. The National Dairy Development Programme also continues to focus on pasture establishment and rehabilitation.

The National Competitiveness Strategy, the Peoples Progressive Party Manifesto along

13 with the newly signed IDB loan for the Agricultural Diversification Project all focus on the importance of sustainable aquaculture for Guyana’s development. The National Aquaculture Association of Guyana consisting of a wide range of public and private stakeholders has been established and last year exports of the first commercial quantities of aquaculture products, namely tilapia, were shipped to a market in New York. 2007 also saw the commencement of construction of Hatchery for Tilapia fingerling production at Ministry’s Mon Repos Aquaculture Station The forestry sector is important to Guyana’s economy. The Guyana Forestry Council (GFC) is charged with promoting sustainable production and use of forest products through sustainable forestry management. In 2007 emphasis was focused on increasing the level of efficiency and added value activities to boost the employment, foreign exchange capacity and range of products produced. Export earnings increased by 3.25%. Community forestry development is an important area of focus for GFC and it was able to access funding to support community forestry in hinterland communities. Also, the International Tropical Timber Organisation financed a US$95,040 project, to test 15 targeted lesser used wood species and training in utilisation and promotion of these species. The Plant and Animal Health Departments of the Ministry of Agriculture are mandated to ensure effective prevention and control of plant and animal pests and diseases.

Plant Health: The Carambola and Mediterranean Fruit Flies Programme was stepped up in 2006 – 2007 due to the increase in the population of these pests in areas/in regions nos. 2, 3, 4 and 6. Carambola Fruit Fly was discovered in 2 regions between 2006 and 2007. The pest population, which initially was high, is now greatly reduced due to control measures applied for the pest on continuous bases however; this is hampered by the unavailability of funds to execute control activities in a timely manner.

Animal Health: The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture continued its vaccination programme in 2007 for diseases such as Rabies, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis and Equine Encephalomyelitis.

In August 2007, as a result of reported cases of FMD in England, the Department put in place a round the clock surveillance system at the CJ International Airport at Timehri. Heightened activities have been instituted at the seaports. The surveillance activities will continue until OIE declares that the threat is no longer there. The Ministry of Agriculture conducted an exercise in the area of Avian Influenza (AI) in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture. Assimilation Exercise was conducted to ascertain Guyana’s preparedness in the event of an outbreak of AI. Vaccination was conducted in poultry for Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH). A total of eleven thousand, seven hundred (11,700) birds were vaccinated in Region No. 6. This exercise aims to drastically reduce poultry mortality.

Objective 3.2

Lack of water is not such a problem for agriculture in Guyana, however flooding is increasingly becoming a problem. A large amount of resources are budgeted each year

14 for Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) and the Government recently established the semi- autonomous National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) in order to increase the efficiency of D&I service delivery in the country. NARI is also encouraging the use of drip irrigation (see 3.1, b above) with positive results Fisheries is an important sector for Guyana’s economy bring in a significant amount of export revenues. The Ministry if Agriculture is in the process of establishing a semi- autonomous fisheries body to increase effectiveness of service delivery and better regulate the sector. In 2007 the Fisheries Advisory Committee was re-constituted, an Arapima Management Plan was launched, re-certification to export Fishery Products to the United States was achieved, the Fisheries Management Plan was finalised, assessments of fishery species continued and a certificate in Fisheries at Guyana School of Agriculture was established. Plans are underway for Guyana to join the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, allowing our fishers to target another fishery resource. As mentioned above, NARI has established field gene banks (20 acres) to maintain and conserve important crop types. The crops targeted are coconuts, mango, cashew, cassava and sweet potatoes. An additional 10 acres was cleared for avocados.

In conjunction with the Guyana Sugar Corporation, NARI established a sugar cane nursery. Thirteen varieties have so for been identified, seven of which will be evaluated for their nutritional requirements and six for their cultural requirements/observations. The Burma Rice research Station continues to work on varietals development of rice seed.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock department imported new breeding stock from the US and Suriname for the cattle and swine industries for distribution to farmers to improve the genetic capabilities of their livestock. NARI has imported Peking duck parent breeding stock and Dorper sheep for its breeding programmes. The National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) has an AI programme and 2007 saw the first crop of Brahman calves and the highest calf birth in 5 years.

The GFC embarked on several initiatives geared towards enhancing the forestry industry, community development and sustainable forest management. These include: - Broadening the species base and fostering forest sector development by promoting the utilization of lesser used wood species - Community development and training in forest inventory, reduced impact logging and harvest planning - Several community loggers associations were formed to enhance the economic and social livelihoods and welfare of community members - Capacity building, training and awareness in key areas of sustainable forest management including forest laws, forest inventory and forest management were provided to communities. The National Climate Change Unit, established in April 2007, is mandated to understand the impacts of global environmental threats, in particular climate change, and supply information to relevant agencies in order to help them understand better the impacts of climate change on food security. Last year Guyana participated ay key high level sessions on climate change including the 13 th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia. A high level of Education and Public Awareness activities on climate change were carried out

15 and important research and position papers were prepared.

In 2008 the Climate Change unit will focus on collecting, managing and exchanging information on developments in key sectors such as Energy, D&I, Agriculture and Hydro-meteorological. It will also collect general information on developments in the areas of climate policy and science, and facilitate preparation of climate change studies. It will collaborate with regional and international counterparts to access tools and resources for strengthening Guyana’s capacity to address Climate Change, especially the CCCCC.

Objective 3.3

In 2007 an Extension Unit was established in the Crops and Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance service delivery to farmers. It has trained a number of extension staff and Extension Agents have been appointed and are currently serving in the Regions. IT staff have also been trained and IT services are available in four out of 10 Regions, soon to be available in the remaining Regions. NARI also focuses on training and extension through on-farm demonstrations and the use of Farmer Field Schools. In 2007 a number of training activities were conducted by NARI for farmers on all aspects of crop and livestock production. In excess of 500 farmers have so far been trained. Principal areas of training were in: i) Plant nutrition and soil management; ii) Pest and disease management; iii) Post harvest technology; iv) Agro processing and v) Livestock management The GFC also conducts training, capacity building and awareness activities in key areas of sustainable forest management including forest laws, forest inventory and forest management. Both the Extension Unit and NARI mentioned above aim to promote viable technology transfer and extension services that meet real local needs. This year NARI is aiming to develop collaborative projects with international organizations such as EMBRAPA and the University of Florida. It is planning to introduce potato cultivars adopted to tropical conditions for testing locally in collaboration with the Potato Institute of Peru. NARI also plans to commercialise soybean and cashew cultivation in the savannahs in collaboration with EMBRAPA. NARI is mandated to facilitate access to appropriate productive technologies. Technologies developed and disseminated by NARI this year that could represent labour saving technologies for women farmers include the following: - Production of fruit and vegetable-based sauces: Several products that could be used as sauces and fruit based jams were investigated. These include banana ketchup, gooseberry sauce, carambola all purpose sauce, banana jam, cashew jam etc. Over 200 farmers were trained using the Mobile Agroprocessing Facility on drying technology and the production of juices and jams

Objective 3.43.43.4

In 2008, NARI will implement its Research & Development Strategy (2008 – 2012)

16 which responds t the above stated need to develop coordinated programmes in support of research to promote food security, maintenance the natural resource base and increase productivity of agriculture. The strategic objectives of the strategy are: 1. Generate, develop and apply new knowledge and technology for agriculture 2. Ensure sustainable use of natural resources 3. Enhance nutrition, food security and safety 4. Enhance the ability of the agricultural sector to manage and mitigate agricultural risks 5. Commercialize research results and 6. Achieve support services excellence NARI will also work with the private sector to develop eco-farms as an agrotourism initiative. NARI is collaborating with the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Peru which is a CGIAR centre, to introduce potato cultivars adapted to tropical conditions for testing locally. Through Farmer Field Schools and on farm training, farmers are able to voice their research needs and keep NARI’s research relevant.

Farmer Field Schools and on farm training through demonstration plots etc. used by NARI to enable technology transfer and provide extension services, also enable the participatory dissemination of research results.

ObObObjectiveOb jective 3.5

The main national social and economic development plans include the National Competitiveness Strategy, the People’s Progressive Party’s Manifesto, the National Development Strategy and the PRSP. All these documents focus on the importance of agriculture and the rural sector especially on the importance of the non traditional agricultural sector and its potential impact for increased incomes and employment.

The newly signed US$20.9 million IDB loan for the Agricultural Diversification Project aims to promote the development and diversification of rural markets. The Project includes provisions for reduction in post-harvest losses, safe storage, food processing and enhanced distribution facilities and transportation systems.

The newly established Extension Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture has trained a number of extension staff and Extension Agents have been appointed and are currently serving in the Regions. IT staff have also been trained and IT services are available in four out of 10 Regions, soon to be available in the remaining Regions. The recently approved IFAD funded Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development (READ) project will also establish Business facilitation centers in the Regions

The IFAD funded PRCSSP project which ended in 2007 had a very successful credit component which was managed by the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED). IPED itself also lends to small farmers and continuously monitors the loans and gives business training in order to ensure repayment. The READ project will also have a significant micro-credit component.

The IDB funded Agricultural Diversification Project will focus on developing marketing systems for non traditional products, increasing incomes and employment. The USAID

17 project Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) also focuses on developing marketing systems for non traditional sectors and tourism promotion activities.

The IFAD funded READ project will focus on helping small farmers establish small business and will support them through a credit programme along with business facilitation centers which will provide market information and business development services.

Commitment 4

Objective 4.1

In recent years, Guyana has been developing stronger external economic ties, particularly with CARICOM states and other countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It has also been increasing its participation in regional, bilateral, and international negotiations. Guyana’s support for improving the road from its coast to northern Brazil provides palpable evidence of its efforts to expand regional economic ties, which would not only significantly aid Guyanese producers with their exports but would aid Guyanese with access and availability of necessary food stuff to meet their dietary consumption, particularly in the remote areas like the Hinterland Regions. The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has over the years, promoted the cultivation and export of Guyana’s non-traditional agricultural crops to Regional and Extra- Regional markets. In 2005, GMC had actively promoted Guyanese fresh and processed non-traditional agricultural produce by participating in Trade missions and Exhibitions held locally such as Guyana Night 2005; GuyExpo 2005; Rupununi Night; Essequibo Night; World Food Day Exhibition and Bartica Night. Internationally GMC held exhibitions for Guyanese goods in St Lucia; Canada and USA. Also, GMC participated in Caribbean Week of Agriculture Exhibition and Trade Fair held in St. Kitts and Jaarbeurs 2005 held in Suriname. These promotions have led to a greater awareness of Guyanese products and “new” products such as powdered seasonings and bottled specialty sauces being exported to “new” markets in St. Marten, St. Lucia and Antigua. In addition, the continued operations at the Central Packaging Facility- Sophia, where 1,069 tonnes were processed in 2005 destined mainly for our three main Regional Markets: Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia. This represented a 16% increase of the volume of produce processed than that for 2004. In 2005, there was 4,719 tonnes of goods exported where 2,639 tonnes or 56 % of overall total was exported regionally, whilst 2,080 or 44% was exported extra-regionally. The major importing countries regionally were Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia, where exports to: Antigua rose by 46 tonnes, Barbados by 114 tonnes, to St. Lucia by 91 tonnes and to Trinidad by 79 tonnes. The major importing countries extra-regionally were France, Canada, USA, Italy and England. These exports to: Canada rose by 124 tonnes, France by 58 tonnes, Italy by 73 tonnes, and St Marten by 22 tonnes. The overall export of processed products fell by 123 tonnes or 4%, from 3,236 tonnes in 2004 to 3,113 tonnes in 2005.

18 Objective 4.2

Increasing food prices are currently posing serious threats to food security globally. Much of these increases are being attributed to escalating fuel prices, costs of imports such as fertilisers and a shift to bio fuel production. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life Food security has always been a priority for the Government of Guyana. Further, the Government is committed to ensure that there are no sudden rises in domestic food prices. Government has been taking initiatives to cushion the impacts of rising food prices. As a result, the Government of Guyana has fostered increased food production through the Ministry of Agriculture. Diversification of the agricultural sector in Guyana has been recognised as an important mechanism for reducing the risks arising due to crop failures and price volatility of agricultural commodities. Further, diversification helps to promote the development of substitute agricultural enterprises, ensures greater food security, reduces dependence on imports, and increases foreign exchange earnings. Through these changes, diversification augments farm incomes, enhances employment opportunities and alleviates poverty.

Objective 4.3

In the 2008 budget, $4.1 Billion has been allotted for agriculture. Many of the agricultural policies in Guyana are geared for the improvement of food production such as Jagdeo Initiative, Agricultural Diversification Project (ADP), Agriculture Support Services Programme (ASSP), EU Rice Competitiveness Programme (EURCP) and the Poor Rural Communities Support Project (PRCSSP). There is creation of semi- autonomous agencies that ensures funds are used to efficiently improve the food production in the country like the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB and , New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). Recently, the Guyana Rice Development Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture sold rice per bag at a cheaper price than retailers because of the shortage of rice on the markets due to unfavourable weather. This initiative is an example of the type of policies that Guyana is committed to in order to achieve food security nationally. Guyana receives funds from international bodies like the IFAD, World Bank, IDB and FAO to create projects that enhance the food export capacity of the country.

Commitment 5 Not applicable to Guyana

19 Commitment 6 Objective 6.1

Guyana realises that food security is crucial to the economy. In order to have a healthy and active working population, there must be sufficient food security in the country. With this, the Government and cooperation with all actors of civil society, international and private financing institutions and technical assistance agencies are committed to enhance the flow and effectiveness of investments for food security. The Ministry of Agriculture - through its agencies such as the Crops & Livestock Services, NARI, NDIA, etc. - has an ongoing programme to foster increased food production in Guyana through the provision of appropriate technology (both for production and value addition) and services to the farming community. Consequently, significant amount of monies is being invested in programmes like the Hinterland Extension Programme that targets the most venerable areas of the country. Other programmes like Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ) and PRSSP have just completed, whilst GTIS is still on-going.

Objective 6.2

Guyana is serious about sustaining food security in the country hence; there is great emphasis on mobilising and optimising the use of technical and financial resources from all sources, including debt relief. This is to ensure investment in activities pertaining to sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food production in the country is made.

Financial assistance from international donors form the basis of some of the projects currently implemented in the country for food security. Such projects include the Implementation of a US $6-million Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ) and a US $ 20.9 Million loan by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) to support Guyana’s Agricultural Export Diversification Programme. The Government place funds on the Hinterland Extension Programme and the National Primary School Feeding Programme. Other funds were specifically placed on the different sectors in the country. In 2007, G$2.2 billion was spent on improving the drainage and irrigation (D&I) services nationally to create the necessary environment for sustaining productive activities since D&I is vital in supporting agricultural production and food security. For the Forestry Sector, the International Tropical Timber Organisation financed a project costing US$95,040, which is aimed to test 15 targeted lesser used wood species and training in the utilisation and promotion of these species. They also funded a project costing US$574,101, which promotes the use of satellite imagery analyses and bar coding technology in timber tracking to address forest management, forest law enforcement and legality in the forest sector. Training programme in key areas of forest management was financed by the EU/GoG Guyana Micro Projects Programme for five communities where each received US2.6M for training and purchase of small equipment. The World Wildlife Fund financed a project worth US$100,000, which targets activities such as enhancing the capacity of Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in key areas, improved forest practices at the level of small forest enterprises,

20 conducting education and awareness activities in community forestry enterprises and lending support to the newly established legal verification system for the forest sector. Fisheries sector has been allotted G$67,860,000 for its budget 2008. For 2008 it is expected that there will be an establishment of a semi-autonomous fishery body, to better regulate the fisheries sector and the completion of a Tilapia Hatchery to supply improved quantity and quality of fingerlings to farmers. There are plans underway for Guyana to join the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, allowing our fishers to target another fishery resource.

Commitment 7 Objective 7.1

Institutional arrangement for implementation of the WFS Plan of Action in Guyana has already been made. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented programmes that continue to sustain Guyana’s status on food security. The mobilisation of all stakeholders and resources has already been one of the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture on Food Security in Guyana. To ensure food security for every person is the country, Guyana has established food programmes for many of the remote areas of the country where access to food commodities such as rice and sugar are difficult or expensive. Feeding programmes are also implemented to ensure that children are able to obtain the required nutritional requirements to live healthy and productive lives.

Objective 7.2

In the region, Guyana cooperates with other Caricom countries to implement the Jagdeo Initiative programme that focuses on creating an enabling economic and business environment for competitive and sustainable agriculture and rural development. This would significantly enhance the positioning of Guyana’s agriculture in domestic and international market.

Objective 7.3

Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture actively monitors the country’s status on food security. IICA is the representative body that monitors the countries in the Western Hemisphere status on food security. While programmes like the Regional Transformation Programme for Agriculture, which includes the Jagdeo Initiative, monitors the food security in the Caricom regions.

21 Objective 7.4

Guyana is self sufficient in food security so much so that we have moved to food sovereignty. In areas like poultry, eggs, fish, beef, fruits and vegetables, rice and sugar we are self-sufficient. Therefore, for the most part Guyana is able to successfully provide access, availability and utilisation of food for its population.

Objective 7.5

Guyana actively promotes participation between Caricom states to utilise fully arable lands. Such initiatives include creating protocol arrangements with Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua for marketing our lands for agricultural purposes. In addition, Guyana is encouraging exportation of food and crops like peppers to Trinidad and Tobago for manufacturing activities. Active programmes like the Jagdeo Initiative creates an enabling environment that promotes cooperation among regional states specifically in agricultural sector.

22

STATISTICAL ANNEX Food Security and Related Indicators

No. Indicator Name 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1 GDP Per Capita US$ 420 454 531 612.0 680.0 760.0 808.3 777.5 770.3 808.4 810.2 826.2 838.6 864.4 902.6 974.9 2 Public Expenditure on Education as % 1.9 4.8 6.2 7.3 6.7 7.3 6.8 11.9 11.6 11.7 16.5 18.2 14.4 15.5 13.2 13.0 of Budget 3 Health as % of 8.9 9.5 7.5 9.0 National Budget 4 Underweight for 11.8 9.2 8.8 9.3 7.0 children under 5 years - Moderate - Mild (%) 5 Underweight for 0.6 0.7 0.6 1.0 0.6 children under 5 years Severe (%) 6 Overweight for 4.9 3.9 4.7 5.2 4.7 children under 5 years (%) 7 Severely 8.8 9.3 7.0 5.9 Malnourished 8 Overweight % 4.7 5.2 4.7 3.9 9 Reported Serious 2941 3450 3270 2756 Crime 10

Metadata

Measurement No. Definition Statistical Methodology Source Unit

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8

9 [add more indicators/rows if needed]