Training and space to grow
The twelve-month programme planned four shade houses and three training sessions, each lasting three days. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute provided workshops on cultivation. Training covered soil preparation, tools, crop monitoring and harvesting; participants were to use the produce and sell any surplus. [1]
Food access as a rights issue
In a separate account, the GCOPD described a round table with UN agencies and public institutions at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre. Participants called for accessible distribution, affordable nutritious food and more support for people exposed to hunger and malnutrition. [2]
A participant’s voice
The UN’s report on 2023 highlighted disability organisations’ role in food-security discussions. Youth representative Gabriel Gilkes, of Stronger Together and GCOPD, said: “For the first time in a long time, I feel my voice has been considered in matters that affect me.” [3]