PROJECT UPDATE
Project Overview
This project supported the Government of Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture’s development of the country’s fruit agro-processing sector.
Project Profile
The Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP), in collaboration with four of Canada’s leading food safety and agro-processing experts— Yvon Bertrand, Brian McKay, Delia Bucknell and Martin Gooch—partnered with the Government of Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to support the development of the country’s fruit agro-processing sector.
The initiative focused on strengthening supply chain management, market research, and product development, while supporting small and medium-scale farmers in adopting innovative production and processing techniques. Through hands-on training and targeted capacity building, the project aimed to enhance managerial, marketing, and technical skills within Guyana’s agro-processing sector, employing an inclusive and gender-neutral approach.
Key Deliverables
- Capacity Support and Training
-
- Conducted a needs assessment visit with key stakeholders and agro-processors
- Delivered two four-day Train-the-Trainer workshops on food safety for agro-processors
- Provided targeted training for indigenous women at a cassava processing facility
- Delivered similar training to local women at a peanut processing facility
- Facilitated one-day HACCP training for Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) staff and assessed food safety controls at agro-processing sites
- Provided online coaching during the implementation of improved systems at local facilities
- Technical Support and Knowledge Products
-
- Produced three technical mission reports
- Completed a market analysis study on peanuts and coconuts, with tailored recommendations from CINTECH for the GMC and MoA
Project Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The project significantly improved the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Marketing Corporation to strengthen and modernize the country’s agro-processing sector. As a result, supply chains have become more efficient and responsible, and there is now greater awareness and adoption of innovative technologies and food safety practices among agro-processors:
- According to the Endline Survey, staff gained key skills in preventative controls, HACCP compliance, and market analysis. All surveyed participants reported improvements in at least one area of agro-processing capacity, with 66% noting significant gains in value chain analysis and product development. All confirmed that they had improved knowledge of HACCP and preventative controls, and that the project tools met their expectations.
- In focus group discussions, participants shared how they applied their new skills, including improving sanitation processes, using records to monitor production, and identifying facility issues through value chain analysis.
A key lesson learned was the critical importance of conducting a thorough diagnostic phase on the ground, in close collaboration with stakeholders. This participatory approach ensured that the project addressed the most relevant needs and established the necessary prerequisites for success in a highly technical sector, such as food processing.
Reach and Engagement
Direct Project Reach:
- 135 participants engaged through training and project activities
Public Engagement (Canada):
- 226 Canadians reached through public engagement efforts
Public Engagement Activities:
- TAP experts published various social media posts
- The project was featured in a TAP News article
- Yvon Bertrand authored a TAP Blog article sharing project insights
- TDV Global organised a YouTube webinar on October 1, 2023, featuring government representatives and TAP experts, to discuss their experience, learning, results, and the way forward.
Yvon Bertrand presented, and Brian McKay participated in the Latin American and Caribbean Forum in February 2024
