Dominican Republic: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Resilient Agriculture Activity (RAA)

Project Profile

Summary

NCBA CLUSA’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Resilient Agricultural Activity (RAA) aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers and communities in the Dominican Republic. The primary goal of the Resilient Agricultural Activity program is to support farmers in adapting to changing environmental conditions, market dynamics, and economic challenges.

at a glance:

October 2022 - September 2024

funded by:
USAID
$2,700,000

Targets:

Individuals Benefiting: 1,500 

Number of Farmer Field Schools Established: 48

Number of Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer Assignments: 48

Reduction in Farmers’ Production Costs: 25%

Hectares under Climate-Smart Farming Practices and Fertilizer Use: 800

Annual Production Sales: $500,000

Project Profile

Summary

NCBA CLUSA’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Resilient Agricultural Activity (RAA) aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food security, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers and communities in the Dominican Republic. The primary goal of the Resilient Agricultural Activity program is to support farmers in adapting to changing environmental conditions, market dynamics, and economic challenges.

The program focuses on building the capacity of local agricultural communities to withstand shocks and stresses such as climate change, natural disasters, and market fluctuations. By enhancing resilience, the program contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction by ensuring that vulnerable communities have the resources and knowledge they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

RAA will implement market-based climate-smart interventions to create agricultural entrepreneurship opportunities for economically vulnerable populations in the southwest of the Dominican Republic. The activity will implement strategies focused on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, implementing new agricultural techniques and increasing access to credit.

Key Components

Capacity Building The program provides training and technical assistance to farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and local organizations. This capacity-building approach helps farmers acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to implement modern and sustainable agricultural practices, including improved crop management, irrigation techniques, soil conservation, and post-harvest handling.

Climate Adaptation Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change, the program emphasizes the adoption of climate-resilient practices. This includes promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, and introducing agroforestry techniques to improves oil health and mitigate environmental degradation.

Market Access RAA focuses on enhancing farmers’ access to markets by providing training on value chain development, market linkages, and entrepreneurship. By connecting farmers to larger markets, the program helps increase their income and reduce their vulnerability to market shocks.

Inclusion The Resilient Agricultural Activity program places a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion. It recognizes the critical role that every community plays in agriculture and aims to ensure that women have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making processes.

Partnerships Collaboration is a cornerstone of the program’s approach. By partnering with local governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and private sector entities, RAA leverages diverse expertise and resources to achieve its goals effectively.

Data and Monitoring The program utilizes data-driven approaches to monitor progress and evaluate the impact of its interventions. This ensures that the strategies being implemented are effective and can be adjusted as needed.

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