EU, OACPS fund workshop to enhance sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana

The European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have funded a six-day workshop aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana.

It was conducted by the Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development (COLEAD), in partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), from February 2-7.

According to a statement from the EU, the “Train the Trainers” initiative represents a significant step in the ongoing effort to modernise agricultural extension services and promote sustainable farming practices within Guyana.

“This collaboration underscores the European Union’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector in Guyana and the wider Caribbean region, fostering inclusive growth and long-term food security,” the EU noted.

The primary objective of the session was to refine the pedagogical skills of agricultural experts, enabling them to effectively transfer critical knowledge to horticultural businesses and local farmers. The training focused on the Field Training Workshop (FTW) methodology—a hands-on, active learning approach designed to bridge the gap between technical theory and field application.

Key areas of the capacity-building program included:

• Integrated Crop Protection: Implementing sustainable pest management strategies.
• Safety and Hygiene: Ensuring the safe use of pesticides and maintaining rigorous hygiene and traceability standards.
• The SIOM Technique: Mastering the Subject–Interest–Objective–Method structure for effective knowledge transfer.
• Active Learning: Utilizing interactive materials, such as puzzles and flipcharts, to engage adult learners in the field.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including extension officers, regional training coordinators, and supervisors from prominent Guyanese institutions, including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).