Strengthening Human Resilience is the new call being actioned by these multiple UN Agencies in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica. The United Nations and Government of Jamaica Joint Project on Strengthening Human Resilience in Northern Clarendon and West Kinston is a two year project being implemented with the aim of building resilience in the water management sector through the implementation of a number of agency specific interventions.

On May 10, members of the Mount Airey community in Clarendon, Jamaica turned out in their numbers for the Project’s parish launch and Community Fair. The event was an introduction to work by the project to increase the participation of at-risk groups and the development of strengthening of initiatives to enhance social cohesion. Speaker of the House of Parliament and Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, the Honourable Pearnel Charles, who was the keynote speaker at the event, reinforced his commitment to ensuring that the community had safe drinking water and the means by which to live a decent life. He added that collaboration with the United Nations was an important step for the small community of Mount Airey that faced significant water challenges, a point that was equally highlighted by United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Bruno Pouezat during his message to the supporters. 

Participants in a community development exercise held previously were also awarded certificates by the Project Coordinating Unit led by Ms Hilary Smith. Project partners, including FAO also mounted booths and engaged with the community members on issues such as effective water management, the importance of soil health and sustainably using biodiversity for food and agriculture.

During the launch, FAO’s Juan Cheaz Pelaez and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)’s Everton Robinson, along with the Honourable Pearnel Charles also presented the first on-farm water tank to a beneficiary from the Mount Airey community who will be involved in the project over the remaining months. This action is in keeping with the FAO component of the project that will provide community-based efficient and climate smart water management systems to improve agricultural productivity and promote greater food security. 

About the project

The new project is being funded by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and implemented through FAO, the United Nations Development Programme, UN Environment Programme, UN Environment Programme Caribbean Environment Programme, Pan-American Health Organization/ World Health Organization, UN Women, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations PAHO/WHO UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UN Women, and the Government of Jamaica. The project provides a unique opportunity for greater collaboration between the various UN agencies geared towards the common goal of seeking to eradicate poverty. 

UPDATE

So far FAO, with support of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, has installed 20 drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting systems in the form of shade houses and water tanks to improve on-farm water management for the Mount Airey Farmers Group in Northern Clarendon. Farmers are also actively engaged in weekly meetings, which promote unity among the farmer group and encourages a forum to discuss topics such as climate resilient agriculture.