Belmopan. April 4, 2025.
The Ministry of Economic Transformation (MET) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a joint Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in-country mission for the “Program for Sustainable and Inclusive Belize.” The mission took place from March 31 to April 4, 2025, and aimed to solidify plans for agricultural development that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.
During the mission, representatives from MET, IDB, and IFAD engaged in comprehensive discussions to contextualize key components vital to enhancing the agricultural sector in Belize.
Areas of focus included direct support for smallholder farmers, producer groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the establishment of enabling environments, the promotion of gender equality, and strategies, aimed at empowering youth by improving their access to productive resources.
The mission involved collaboration with critical ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), and the Central Executing Unit within the Ministry of Finance. It also included site visits to key locations in San Antonio, Cayo District; Hope Creek Village; and Santa Cruz Village in Stann Creek District, to assess local needs and opportunities for development.
The mission marks a pivotal step toward aligning the objectives of Plan Belize and the Medium-Term Development Strategy with Belize’s broader economic transformation goals.
The MET and its development partners remain committed to fostering sustainable practices that improve livelihoods and promote social equity within Belize’s agricultural landscape.
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