1. GUYANA FORUM FOR YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE CAFY COUNTRY REPORT 2013 PRESENTED BY:MS RODLYN SEMPLE PRESIDENT GFYA

2. WELCOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To the land of many waters, beautiful Guyana. 2GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

3. OBJECTIVES Report on work programme executed for 2013. Identify recommendations for the GFYA and CAFY to improve efficiency and effectiveness. 3GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

4. INTRODUCTION The Guyana Forum for Youth in Agriculture (GFYA) was launched on May 7, 2004. Focus to empower and encourage greater youth participation in Agriculture in Guyana. 4GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

5. WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF GFYA To encourage the formulation and subsequent implementation of plans/programmes to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture. To identify and establish relationship with similar groups in the region to facilitate the availability of wider resources to youth stakeholder in agriculture. 5GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

6. What are the objectives of GFYA Dialogue with government at the national level to change/implement policies that will develop sustainable solutions for youth in agriculture. 6GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

7. Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) – establishment in 1992 Develop mechanism which encourage personal development of youth Influence youth policies affecting youth and the environment Support the promotion of sustainable development in the Caribbean. Application forms were distributed to the members of CYEN. Membership letters will be issued to the members of the organisation. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 7GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

8. ON LINE MEMBERS The forum created its face book page to : – communicate more effectively with its members and other stakeholders. – to maximize the use ICT technology and provide information on GFYA and its programmed via the internet Managed by GSA Scholarship recipient Ms. Marisa Husbands. Approximately 28 online members. 8GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

9. STRATEGIC ALLIANCES Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG). Trinity Holdings Grid Ministry of Agriculture Nehemiah Comprehensive School Caribbean Farmers Network (CAFAN) Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) IICA 9GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

10. Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG). Project: Title Youth Entrepreneurship and Agriculture 10GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

11. EDUCATION AND TRAINING The year, 2013 afforded two members training opportunities both internationally via the Caribbean Farmers Network (CFAN). R EGIONAL W ORKSHOP ON P OLICIES FOR I MPROVED B USINESS E FFICIENCY IN A GRICULTURE FOR THE Y OUTH H ELD IN S T. V INCENT AND THE GRENADINES June 19-21, 2013 The two primary objectives of the workshop were: – To improve participants understanding of the concept, factors and requirements for improved business efficiency in agricultural value chains. – To articulate a common policy position, including concrete recommendations, for a more enabling environment for young people in agri-business. 11GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

12. EDUCATION AND TRAINING ARDYIS WEB 2.0 TRAINING AND EXCHANGE WORKSHOP IN THE CARIBBEAN HELD IN BARBADOS during July 27-31, 2013. The training included: exchange sessions on the use of ICT in agriculture hands-on experience on blogging for agriculture and rural development, during intensive practical sessions Web 2.0 Concepts and Principles Selective Access to Information, online mapping and Social Networking Creating and animating agricultural blogs (creation, customization, etc.) Integrating social media tools into Blogs (RSS, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, online Maps, etc.) 12GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

13. Dialogue with Trinity Holdings Grid where discussions and project proposals are being developed for Laluni area for availability of agricultural land to GFYA. Mr. Arnold De Mendonca, Rural Agricultural Specialist IICA is providing technical guidance on the concept notes for the projects The operational document specifying the land use is being worked on currently. Target date end October 2013 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 13GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

14. MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING Executive meetings were held monthly, where issues pertaining to the forum were discussed. 14GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

15. AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP The GFYA once again awarded Ms. Husbands continued assistance via the Agricultural Scholarship to continue her academic studies as she pursues her final year studies for her Diploma in Agriculture at GSA. Ms. Husbands continues to perform creditably and maintains and high standard of academic excellence as she continues to pursue her Diploma in General Agriculture. 15GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

16. AGRICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP Ms. Rodlyn Semple (President of GFYA) second from right hands over YAMS scholarship award to Ms.Husbands, in attendance are the Director of Academic Affairs, GSA, Ms. Grace Parris (right) and Parent of Ms. Husbands 16GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

17. FUNDRAISING Two activities are scheduled for the last quarter 2013. – Agricultural Raffle October 31, 2013 – Cake sale 17GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

18. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES Formalization of land use with Trinity Holdings Grid Completion of proposals for entrepreneurial activities at Laluni. Field visit to land at Laluni Annual social 18GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

19. CONCLUSION There is need for full time personnel to conduct the day to day activities. There should be greater collaboration between the CAFY members in the sharing of ideas and provision of assistance in areas where there is poor performance. Growth strategy of the organization in the future will be premised 19GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013

20. CONCLUSION Meeting the needs of youth in agriculture in Guyana. Expanding the membership base and soliciting the dedication of members through volunteerism. Developing capacity to deal with the challenges of enhancing expedient growth in the area of entrepreneurial development. Promoting new and relevant agricultural technologies 20GFYA CAFY Country Report 2013