Canada backs Agrihub program to promote Women’s role in sustainable Agriculture in Dominica

H.E. Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, recently paid a visit to the community of Castle Bruce to meet Ms. Tamisha Darroux, an emerging farmer involved in Agrihub’s SheHarvest: Gender-Sensitive Business Strategies for Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative. An Agrihub press release outlined that this initiative, focused on gender-sensitive business strategies for climate-smart agriculture, is part of the High Commission’s ongoing efforts to engage with Dominica through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The CFLI  “supports community-led projects advancing women’s economic rights and leadership, entrepreneurship, inclusive governance, peace and security, environment and climate change and resilience.”

During the field visit, High Commissioner Wills, accompanied by Political Counsellor Ms. Stephanie Sprott, had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Darroux at her farm. According to the report, the discussion centered on her journey as a newcomer to agriculture and the assistance she has received through the SheHarvest program. This project provides 30 women farmers across Dominica with gender-responsive business planning, financial literacy, and practical training in climate-smart farming techniques. Out of this group, six women—including Ms. Darroux—are actively applying their business plans in a 12-week pilot phase, utilizing tools and methods aimed at boosting productivity, resilience, and income.

“Empowering women farmers is a key component to building resilience and strengthening food security in the region,” said High Commissioner Wills. “Through initiatives like SheHarvest, women are improving their livelihoods and also opening new opportunities for trade, innovation, and sustainable growth within the agricultural sector.”

Having started her farming journey just a year ago,  Ms. Darroux represents a new wave of women adopting innovative and climate-conscious practices to bolster Dominica’s food systems and rural economy.

Ms. Abigail Shillingford, Executive Director of Agrihub, praised the resilience and ambition of women like Ms. Darroux who are transforming the future of agriculture in Dominica.

“Tamisha’s story reflects the resilience and determination of Dominican women in agriculture,” she said. “Through SheHarvest, we are helping women farmers view agriculture not just as a means of survival, but as a pathway to sustainable business and leadership in the sector.”