In the quiet, close-knit community of Mocha Village on the East Bank, Demerara, something extraordinary is happening. Through a collaborative effort between the University of Guyana’s Institute of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (UGIRIE) and the US Embassy, Mocha’s young farmers, through the Mocha Arcadia Multipurpose Cooperative Society, have been benefitting from sustainable agriculture and community empowerment projects.
The journey began with a shared vision—one that viewed farming not just as a means of survival but as a pathway to prosperity and resilience. Spearheaded by UGIRIE, the project aims to support young people in Mocha while also nurturing a new generation of agriculturists. The programme brought together various departments within the University of Guyana, specifically the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, to work closely with young agricultural entrepreneurs, offering them technical assistance and training.
The standout feature of the Sustainable Agriculture Project was its focus on involving youth. Deri young people, between the ages of 16 and 30, were selected to take part in the programme. These youths, all of whom come from farming families, were paired with older, more experienced farmers in a mentorship model. This wasn’t just about teaching them how to farm—it was about reigniting an interest in agriculture and entrepreneurship. For many of these young participants, farming had always been something their parents or grandparents did, but this project showed them that it could also be a viable career path.
Professor Pat Francis, Executive Director of UGIRIE, observed the growing interest in agriculture among Mocha’s youth with optimism. “We’ve come to a fork in the road,” she says. “We are witnessing a generation of young people who want to be part of something bigger. They want to learn, to grow, and to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.” She notes that many of the young participants have already taken steps to further their agricultural education, with some enrolling in the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and others at the University of Guyana. Even youths who weren’t part of the project have expressed interest in joining after seeing the success of their peers.
The project model included the transfer of technology in composting, water harvesting, raised beds, and shade house technology. Communication was achieved through face-to-face and technology-aided facilities. At the heart of this initiative was a series of workshops designed to address the most pressing needs of the farmers in Mocha. These training sessions were comprehensive and practical, covering everything from shade house management to financial and human resources management. Young entrepreneurs learnt how to build and manage elevated beds and shade houses, a çağdaş method of farming that allows crops to grow under controlled conditions, protecting them from extreme weather and pests. They also received training on how to manage the financial aspects of agriculture, a critical component for long-term success. With their new skills and knowledge, these young people could not only improve the quality and quantity of their crops but also manage businesses.
Mr. Courtney Bullen, Lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Guyana, delivers a presentation on soil conditions and plant growth, focusing on soil mix.
In addition to the workshops, UGIRIE played a pivotal role in organising the Mocha Farmers’ Market Day. This event was a major success, giving farmers an opportunity to showcase and sell their produce directly to the community. More than just a marketplace, the event was a celebration of Mocha’s agricultural heritage and the strides it has made towards a sustainable future. It also helped to foster a deeper sense of community pride and involvement.
Perhaps one of the most ambitious goals of the project is still on the horizon: the construction of a processing facility in Mocha. This facility will be a game-changer for farmers in the region, Professor Francis shares. It will allow them to process their crops—such as cassava and sweet potatoes—into value-added products like flour, which they can then sell on the local and Caribbean regional markets. Currently, there are no functional facilities like this available to farmers in Region 4, so this development would open up new avenues for income generation and reduce reliance on primary crop sales. “This is a much-needed resource; it’s going to change the way farmers do business and allow them to compete on a larger scale,” says Professor Francis.
Professor Francis notes that other families have approached her, eager to get their children involved in similar initiatives. She sees this as a sign that the project is fulfilling its mission—not just to improve farming techniques but to change mindsets.
UGIRIE is committed to ensuring the long-term success of the project and is now focused on securing funding for the next phase of the project. UGIRIE’s vision includes expanding the programme’s reach and continuing to provide training, resources, and opportunities for farmers and aspiring agriculturists throughout Guyana.
As the project moves forward, UGIRIE acknowledges the support of key persons, particularly the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, whose encouragement has been instrumental in the project’s success. The institute is also very grateful for the support of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies, especially the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and private enterprises for their hands-on involvement and funding. (University of Guyana’s Feature Story)