In a significant move to bolster climate-smart agriculture and women’s empowerment, Her Excellency Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently visited Castle Bruce, Dominica. The visit focused on engaging with Ms. Tamisha Darroux, a budding farmer participating in Agrihub’s SheHarvest initiative, which emphasizes gender-sensitive business strategies for climate-resilient farming. The initiative is part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a program dedicated to supporting community-led projects that advance women’s economic rights, leadership, and environmental resilience. Accompanied by Political Counsellor Ms. Stephanie Sprott, High Commissioner Wills toured Ms. Darroux’s farm, discussing her agricultural journey and the transformative impact of the SheHarvest program. The initiative has provided 30 women farmers in Dominica with business planning, financial literacy, and practical training in climate-smart techniques. Currently, six participants, including Ms. Darroux, are piloting their business plans in a 12-week phase aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience, and income. High Commissioner Wills emphasized the importance of empowering women farmers, stating, ‘Empowering women farmers is a key component to building resilience and strengthening food security in the region.’ She highlighted how initiatives like SheHarvest are creating opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth in agriculture. Ms. Darroux, who began farming just a year ago, exemplifies the new generation of women adopting innovative practices to strengthen Dominica’s food systems and rural economy. Ms. Abigail Shillingford, Executive Director of Agrihub, praised the resilience and ambition of women like Ms. Darroux, noting that SheHarvest is helping women view agriculture as a pathway to sustainable business and leadership. This visit underscores Canada’s ongoing commitment to partnering with Dominica in fostering locally driven initiatives that empower women, promote inclusive economic development, and enhance climate resilience.
Canada backs Agrihub program to promote Women’s role in sustainable Agriculture in Dominica
