In Cross Keys, Jamaica, Alance Wisdom experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl as her home succumbed to the storm’s force. The strong winds tore away at her roof, causing the ceiling of her front room to collapse as the rain poured in. After more than 30 years of living in her brightly painted home, Wisdom lost nearly all her belongings due to the flooding. Additionally, her two acres of cultivated land where she grew crops like cabbage, sweet peppers, and cucumbers were flattened by the storm.
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl left thousands of farmers in Jamaica, including Wisdom, struggling to recover. The storm caught many off guard, as the south coast, which suffered the most damage, is not typically prone to hurricanes. The impact on farming in Jamaica is significant, as the country relies heavily on its own producers for approximately 85% of its fresh food supply. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining reported losses of 6.5 billion Jamaican dollars ($41 million) in agriculture and fishing due to the hurricane.
The Jamaican government has promised around 2 billion Jamaican dollars ($12 million) to assist farmers in their recovery efforts. However, with nearly 50,000 growers affected, direct aid distribution has been slow. Organizations like the United Way of Jamaica have stepped in to provide support through initiatives like the Farmer’s Rehabilitation Fund, offering vouchers for various needs including farming supplies, roof repairs, and educational expenses.
Female farmers, who make up a significant portion of Jamaica’s agricultural workforce, face unique challenges post-disaster. The United Way of Jamaica’s focus on female growers aims to address these challenges and empower women in rebuilding their livelihoods. Efforts to support female-headed households are crucial in ensuring their visibility and inclusion in recovery and decision-making processes.
The recovery process for farmers like Alance Wisdom and Kyacian Reid involves not only rebuilding their agricultural businesses but also preparing for future climate challenges. Providing support for secure roofing and resilience coaching can help farmers better withstand the impact of strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Initiatives like the Farmer’s Rehabilitation Fund are crucial in helping Jamaican farmers recover and rebuild in the face of adversity.
