Aid in Action

Rural Farmers Increase Income Generation and Invest in Their Community

As a result of USAID’s assistance net income for the community will increase by at least 80%.

 | Thursday, August 30, 2007

In Jamaica, the development of small, rural community-based enterprises is critical to the island’s social and economic growth as this sector has tremendous potential for both income and employment generation. Owners of these small businesses however, face many challenges that hamper growth and performance including accessing financing, limited business development skills, and difficulties in marketing and product development. 

One small group in Lydford Moneague, a rural community in North Jamaica, tries to overcome some of these challenges by pooling resources and establishing crucial linkages for a community-run business. Their program mainly targets women and disadvantaged youths in the community to help them lead more productive lives. The group brings farmers and producers together to produce bammies, the traditional, deep-fried cassava bread. 

Ms. Marcia Davies, chairperson for the community group talked about the difficulties experienced in their venture. She said that individuals in the community would produce bammies using tedious manual methods of processing raw cassavas by hand. Her group brought various individuals together to help improve production. Despite their hard work, pooling of resources and expertise, they experienced minimum growth. They needed modern processing equipment in order to increase production and better meet local and international market demand. 

Marcia and her community group found help through USAID’s Rural Enterprise, Agriculture and Community Tourism (REACT) Project. Through REACT, USAID assists community groups such as those Lydford, Moneague, to develop their operations with the broader objective of advancing rural development. REACT provides grants and technical assistance to improve business practices and products in rural areas. 

Since USAID’s assistance there has been a significant turnaround in production for the Moneague bammy producers. It is projected that net income for the community will increase by at least 80%. The community plans to use the increased income for the acquisition of modern farm equipment and the sponsorship of two community teenagers to attend High School. “We are now able to produce ten times as many bammies thanks to the processing equipment provided by USAID. Now we can even use the extra funds to sponsor local children’s secondary education” says Group Chairwoman Marcia Davis.