MABARUMA, REGION ONE, GUYANA – 16 OCTOBER 2026 – Two climate-smart shade houses were commissioned on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in Morawhanna and Smith Creek, Mabaruma, Region 1, to support women’s groups in expanding agricultural production, pursuing income-generating opportunities, and building more resilient livelihoods through agriculture.
Funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and implemented by the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), the two facilities are part of the Economic Livelihoods Project, which supports community-led development and helps communities respond to climate-related challenges. Built by local community contractors the facilities also create opportunities for community participation during the construction phase.
The local women’s groups plan to cultivate crops such as celery and shallots, with the intention of dehydrating them and creating value-added products. This approach could extend the shelf life of produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
The shade-houses include features designed to support agricultural production under changing weather conditions. The Morawhanna facility incorporates water harvesting and conservation measures to help manage water supplies during dry spells, including periods associated with El Niño, while the Smith Creek structure features UV corrugated roofing.
“This project is a very successful one and beneficial to we the women,” said Sylvia Roberts, leader of the Towatuma local women’s group spearheading the project. “I must say thanks to the Greater Guyana Initiative and Ms. Annette for bringing such a wonderful project for us.”
The Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of expanding agricultural production beyond the coastland and strengthening hinterland communities’ contribution to national food security. He also noted the government’s objective of achieving at least 35 percent participation by women and youth in agriculture.
“Today’s commissioning holds special significance as it reflects the central role women continue to play in the development and transformation of our agricultural sector,” he said.
GMCS Project Director Annette Arjoon-Martins described the project’s approach to supporting women’s agricultural activities and community resilience. “This project is the purest form of the power of partnerships,” she said. “The partnership between our donors IDB Labs, The Greater Guyana Initiative, and the Ministry of Agriculture, you are all responsible for the success that we are celebrating today.”
Lorna Carlson, Socio-economic Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, noted that the project supports local capacity and community-led economic activity. “Today is about celebration, growth, partnership and community and it reminds us that agriculture remains at the heart of Guyana. It feeds families, it supports livelihoods across the country and it drives economic growth,” Carlson said.
Through its partnership with GMCS, GGI supports community-led initiatives intended to strengthen livelihoods and resilience in Guyana’s hinterland communities. Region One Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley also highlighted the importance of investments that create economic opportunities and reduce reliance on food transported from the coast.
“We celebrate more than the completion of agricultural structures. We celebrate women empowerment, stronger community partnerships and new opportunity for indigenous women and young people to build better lives,” Ashley said. “These shade houses will create opportunity for more reliable production, improve crop management and strong agricultural livelihoods.”
About the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS)
The Guyana Marine Conservation Society is dedicated to conserving Guyana’s marine and coastal biodiversity while promoting sustainable, community-led livelihoods for Indigenous and coastal populations.
About the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI)
The Greater Guyana Initiative is a 10-year, GY$20 billion commitment supporting capacity building, community development and economic diversification in Guyana. Funded by the Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess and CNOOC, the initiative focuses on building local capacity and supporting sustainable development across the country.
