LocationsThe infrastructure now stands as a practical resource for students in agriculture and farmers.
UNDP Supports the Construction of a Shade House to Promote Climate-Smart Agriculture in Seychelles
July 11, 2024
The Shade House, a collaborative effort involving UNDP, UN Women and FAO under the Joint SDG Fund, has also been supported by the MACCE
UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles/ Michel Denousse
Mahé, Seychelles —
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated a milestone on Thursday 11 July 2024, with the successful completion of the Shade House project at the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH). This initiative aims to bolster Seychelles' food system resilience through sustainable practices and climate-smart agriculture. The formal handover ceremony was attended by H.E. Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, representatives of SIAH and members of the press.
The Shade House, a collaborative effort involving UNDP, UN Women and FAO under the Joint SDG Fund, has also been supported by the MACCE. The new infrastructure will serve as a practical demonstration site for climate-smart agriculture and will facilitate educational workshops for farmers, advancing critical knowledge and skills for sustainable farming practices. Funds from the Joint SDG Fund also supported South-South Cooperation visits and study tours between Seychelles and Mauritius, fostering a partnership between the national agricultural agencies of both countries to facilitate learning exchanges.
Embracing new technologies to ensure sustainable livelihoods in agriculture
Addressing the audience during the handover ceremony, Ms. Amanda Serumaga, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, mentioned the Shade House as a demonstration of the collective force of the UN through the SDG Joint Fund. UNDP Resident Representative also emphasized the critical role of such projects, integrating strong partnerships and innovations, to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Seychelles which import around 80% of their food supplies. Ms. Serumaga expressed hope that similar initiatives could be replicated across Seychelles in the future.
H.E. Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment of the Republic of Seychelles, acknowledged the support from all stakeholders involved in establishing the Shade House. He underscored the ministry's improved resource efficiency since integrating agriculture and environment under one structure, as evidenced by the successful creation of the Shade House. Minister Joubert also called upon SIAH to continue supporting students in developing competencies to integrate Seychelles’ agriculture and embrace new technologies to ensure sustainable livelihoods in the sector.
Looking ahead, the Shade House now stands as a practical resource for students and farmers alike. The initiative is set to carry on under the stewardship of the Ministry and SIAH, promising continued learning and advancement in climate-smart agriculture. The completion of this facility also reaffirms UNDP's commitment to the promotion of sustainable development in the region.