SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SARD)

ST. DENY’S RURAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The St. Deny's Integrated Rural Development Project, launched in July 1992 by Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture, was part of a French Funded Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP). The establishment of a community managed farm, in the Amerindian community of St Deny’s, Tapacuma was used as the vehicle to increase the standard of living of residents. This was done through the creation of income generating and marketing opportunities for the 550 persons comprising the 90 households in the area.

The 21.04 ha (52 acre) farm was cleared and planted by residents. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening the training of residents so as to improve their capability to effectively manage the projects, after termination of sponsorship. Thus, strengthening of the Management Committee was done through the provision of training in management and technical areas such as leadership skills, business management and administration of small businesses, farm practices and techniques, post-harvest handling/treatment, agro-forestry, nursery management and organic farming. The development of agro-processing opportunities was also seen as an excellent opportunity for improving income generation and employment opportunities in this rural community.

This project provided IICA/MOA, CIDA and the community of Tapakuma with the opportunity to collaborate in the combining of resources (financial and human) towards the realisation of a common goal- Sustainable Development in Rural Communities. This integrated rural development project impacted not only on the economic, social and environmental aspects of community life, but also strengthened organisational capacity and fostered the development of linkages with other NGOs.