Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in ... · sugarcane fields (burning before and after harvest). Beside reducing soil fertility, the burning of sugar fields also

Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize

Belize | Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC)

3 June 2019

Please submit the completed form to [email protected], using the following name convention in the subject line and file name: “CN-[Accredited Entity or Country]-YYYYMMDD”

Project/Programme Title: Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in Northern Belize

Country(ies): Belize

National Designated Authority(ies) (NDA):

Ministry of Economic Development

Executing Entities:

Accredited Entity(ies) (AE):

Belize Sugar Industry (BSI)/ Sugarcane Industry for Research and Development Institute (SIRDI)

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

Date of first submission/ version number:

[YYYY-MM-DD] [V.0]

Date of current submission/ version number

[YYYY-MM-DD] [V.0]

mailto:[email protected]

Simplified Approval Process CONCEPT NOTE Template V.1.1 GREEN CLIMATE FUND | PAGE 1 OF 4

A. Project / Programme Information (max. 1 page)

A.1. Project or programme ☒ Project

☐ Programme

A.2. Public or private sector

☒ Public sector

☒ Private sector

A.3. Indicate the result areas for the project/programme

Mitigation: Reduced emissions from:

☐ Energy access and power generation

☐ Low emission transport

☐ Buildings, cities and industries and appliances

☐ Forestry and land use

Adaptation: Increased resilience of:

☒ Most vulnerable people and communities

☐ Health and well-being, and food and water security

☐ Infrastructure and built environment

☐ Ecosystem and ecosystem services

A.4. Estimated mitigation impact (tCO2eq over lifespan)

TBD

A.5. Estimated adaptation impact (number of direct beneficiaries and % of population)

5,200 1.38%

A.6. Indicative total project cost (GCF + co-finance)

Amount: USD 20,278,250

A.7. Indicative GCF funding requested (max 10M)

Amount: USD 9,994,250

A.8. Mark the type of financial instrument requested for the GCF funding

☒ Grant ☐ Loan ☐ Guarantee Other: specify___________________

A.9. Estimated duration of project/ programme:

a) disbursement period: 5 years

A.10. Estimated project/ Programme lifespan

. 5 years

A.11. Is funding from the Project Preparation Facility needed?

Yes ☒ No ☐

A.12. Confirm overall ESS category is minimum to no risk1

☒ C or I-3

A.13. Provide rational for the ESS categorization (100 words)

A.14. Has the CN been shared with the NDA?

Yes ☐ No ☐ A.15. Confidentiality2 ☐ Confidential

☒ Not confidential

A.16. Project/Programme rationale, objectives and approach of programme/project (max 100 words)

Brief summary of the problem statement and climate rationale, objective and selected implementation approach, including the executing entity(ies) and other implementing partners, including who will be implementing the measures to manage the environmental and social risks.

B. Project / Programme details (max. 3 pages)

B.1. Context and Baseline (max. 1 page)

1. Belize is located on the mainland of Central America between 15°45’and 18°30’north latitude and 87°30’ and 89°15’

west longitude. The country is boarded by Mexico to the North, Guatemala to the West and South, and the Caribbean

Sea to the East. Like many low-lying coastal nations, Belize is vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and

change. Some impacts are seen in the form of low-pressure systems such as storms and hurricane alongside associated

drought and flood events. While others are seen in the rise of mean sea level and rising of average sea and land

temperatures. Moreover, these changes are accompanied by intra/inter-annual variability which produces erratic and

unpredictable weather that adversely affect the lives and livelihoods of many.

1 Refer to the SAP ESS Guidelines 2 Concept notes (or sections of) not marked as confidential may be published in accordance with the Information Disclosure Policy (Decision B.12/35) and the Review of the Initial Proposal Approval Process (Decision B.17/18).

http://www.greenclimate.fund/documents/20182/184476/GCF_B.12_32_-_Decisions_of_the_Board___Twelfth_Meeting_of_the_Board__8_10_March_2016.pdf/020edfa1-53b2-4abf-af78-fccf5628db2a

http://www.greenclimate.fund/documents/20182/751020/GCF_B.17_18_-_Review_of_the_initial_proposal_approval_process.pdf/559e7b1c-7f34-44dd-9eff-8fa235714312


2. Mean temperature in Belize ranges from 27°C (max - 30.1°C, min 22.6°C) along the coast to 21°C (max - 25.3°C,

min - 17.7°C) in the hills, with the coldest month being January and the warmest temperatures experienced in May.

Alternatively, the rainy or hurricane season occurs from June to November and brings approximately 60 inches

(1524mm) of rainfall in the north to 160 inches (4064mm) in the south (Third National Communication 2016).

Nonetheless, Belize’s climate is changing, as is validated by both the ECHAM5 and HadCM3Q11 climate models

which project an increase in temperature ranging from 2 to 4°C over the entire country by 2060 when compared to

the period of 1961-1990. Whereas in the case of precipitation, the models show increasing unpredictability with an

overall mean decrease. The ensemble A-OGCM projections show mean annual rainfall could decrease as early as the

2030s, while mean seasonal rainfall vary between a reduction of -26 % during the months of February March April

to an increase of +55 % by the 2090s (Third National Communication 2016). As a result, putting water reserves, food

production and livelihood systems under considerable strain which pose imminent threat to sustainable development.

3. Agriculture continues to be amongst the sectors most affected by climate change. This presents a significant risk to

Belize’s low-carbon development efforts as agriculture contributes 10 % of the country GDP (Statistical Institute of

Belize 2017). The sector is primarily dependent on traditional export crops such as sugar, citrus and banana which

currently account for about 60% of earnings. Citrus exports are the principal source of income followed by sugar and

banana (Third National Communication 2016). However, the sustainability of these industries is at risk due to the

changes in climate. Increasing drought and flood incidences have led to decreasing yields due to crop loss, decreasing

soil fertility, and increases in crop weeds, pests and diseases. In particular, the small farmers of the sugarcane belt in

Northern Belize continues to experience significant decline in crop yields due to extended periods of below average

rainfall coupled with other periods of heavy rainfall over a short period of time. This increases crop pest (froghopper)

and associated diseases and evapotranspiration rates reducing soil moisture eventually leading to reduced productivity

and crop loss. Furthermore, these challenges have a cascading effect. As they then result in further constraints

regarding water availability for irrigation, soil infertility and the limited access to climate resilient varieties. With the

latter being a grave concern of farmers as only a single variety (variety: Barbados 79-474) covers 60% of fields in

the Northern Sugar Belt. These challenges then lead to a self-reinforce cycle. Farmers employ inadequate mal

adaptive farming practices in an effort to adapt which further increase their vulnerability.

4. In regards to pest, the Froghopper (Genus: Aeneolamia, species: Varia & Albofasciata) feeds on the xylem vessel in

leaves injecting amonolithic acids resulting in the death of plant cells. This then causes linear chlorotic spots (burnt

appearance) that reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. Increase incidences of Froghopper outbreak have

been directly link to short periods of intense rainfall that is followed by prolong dry periods and intense temperatures.

Such conditions shorten the gestation period for the insect’s eggs. This is compounded by the high egg laying capacity

of females. They deposit between 200 -300 eggs in a period between 14 – 21 days (Sugar Industry Research and

Development Institute, 2019).

5. Additionally, prolong dry periods and poor soil management practices has led to poor soil health. SIRDI soil analysis

shows that Soil Organic Content and Macro Nutrients are severely depleted within the sugarcane lands in northern

Belize (Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, 2019). This has partly been attributed to the burning of

sugarcane fields (burning before and after harvest). Beside reducing soil fertility, the burning of sugar fields also

contributes to increases in froghopper. Consequently, the collective effect of poor soil management practices,

increasing crop pest and changes in climate have the potential of wipe out more than 60% sugarcane fields due to the

lack of diversity in the sugarcane varietal pool.

6. There is an urgent need to scale up the sugarcane variety development program in order to produce and provide

varieties resistant to droughts and floods and other climate induce pest and diseases. As it relates to drought, sugarcane

fields, which are mostly rain-fed, are located in the driest part of the country. The area also suffers from limited access

to fresh water resources and inadequate water capture and storage infrastructure. High temperature during extended

dry periods increases the evapotranspiration rates. This reduces the amount of water available in soils and

significantly lower productivity. Nevertheless, sugarcane production supports the livelihood of around 5,200 cane


farmers (of which 1,188 are women cane farmers) (BSI-ASR 2018). It also provides direct employment to 11% of

the Belizean work force and contributes to 34% of Agricultural GDP. It is clear that these challenges are beyond the

historical coping range of local farmers and urgently needs to be addressed.

7. The Government of Belize (GOB) has made efforts to mainstream climate change action across the Agriculture sector.

Such efforts are reflected in policies, strategies and action plans that aim to build climate resilience of famers and

their support systems. Belize’s National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan to Address Climate Change

(2014) recognize that farming systems and practices are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability

and change. The document highlights that economically important crops in Belize such as sugarcane will be adversely

affected by warmer weather from high temperature along with flooding, saline intrusion, and soil salinization leading

to low agricultural yields As a consequence, the policy document provides a list of short and near-term measures to

address critical gaps in technological developments relevant to crop productivity, better soil management practices,

diversification of drought resistant crops and farm production adaptations which include land use, land topography

and increasing use of low-water irrigation systems. These recommendations are consistent with the proposed project

activities and are also highlighted in policies and strategies specific to the Agriculture sector.

8. For example, the National Agriculture and Food Policy (NAFP) of Belize (2015-2030) is based on five pillars and

provides the necessary direction to build a robust and sustainable Agriculture sector. Due to the probability of hydro-

meteorological hazard to affect the livelihood of farmers the NAFP promote climate action under the Sustainable

Agriculture and Risk Management pillar. Actions under this pillar seek to promote best practices in disaster risk

management, climate change adaption and mitigation by strengthening pro-environment policies and institutions

through integrated environmental management. Other sector specific efforts, such as the National Adaptation Strategy

to address Climate Change in the Agriculture Sector in Belize (2015) continues to highlight the importance of

addressing climate change impacts in Agriculture due to its importance to the social, economic and environmental

sustainability. The strategy provides specific adaptation measures to address the current and future vulnerabilities to

climate variability and climate change. This is based on a review of the relevant policies, legislation, institutions,

organizations and resources directly or indirectly involved with agriculture and food production. Here, measures

presented are to address specific impacts of climate change through flood and drought management mechanisms,

integrated pest management, and other general measures such as community resilience training. Belize’s Growth and

Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) (2016-2019) also mentions actions to combat climate change and achieve

agricultural sustainability as part of the country’s development planning priorities. The GSDS maintains that disaster

risk and climate change resilience are to be mainstreamed into all relevant development decision-making. Climate

change action in the agricultural sector is explicitly stated under action 44 “Enhance efforts aimed at reducing risk

and achieving greater agricultural resilience to weather-related disaster and climate change”. Many credence that any

action taken towards climate adaptation in the agriculture sector presents mitigation co-benefits. As a result, this has

taken shape in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Communications (NC) under the United

Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of many counties. Belize’s NDC (2016) and NC (2016)

maintains that improved farming practices, increase access to climate resilient crop varieties and climate risk

information, improved soil and water management and improved efficiency in the value chain agricultural goods and

services does not only allows Belize to meet its mitigation obligations under international climate agreements but

also allows for the country to achieve its sustainable development targets and goals.

9. There is an urgent need for investment programmes that would provide suitable and sustainable responses to current

and future climate related challenges. However, the move towards climate-resilient sugarcane farmers faces a number

of barriers that limit their adaptive capacities. The main barriers for adaptation are related to lack of investments,

behavioural obstacles and technology gaps. Other barriers include limited technical capacities and access to resources

and knowledge to design, implement and maintain innovative adaptation and mitigation interventions. Also, farmers

are not appropriately informed on increasing climate risks and management options. For example, access to climate

resilient cane varieties is very limited. This results in farmers not being able to adopt proven land and water adaptation


measures. Consequently, any reduction to agricultural productivity due to changes in climate will have significant

impacts on their food security, income, well-being and overall adaptive capacity

B.2. Project / Programme description (max. 1 page)

10. Sugarcane is primarily grown in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts covering over 2,508 sq. miles (approximately

70,000 acres under production). This represents a total of 5,200 small farmers over 53 rural communities (29 in

Corozal and 24 in Orange Walk) that have been adversely impacted by climate variability and change. As a result,

the project is a joint public- private sector initiative that aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of sugarcane

producers so they are better equip to respond to the challenges of a changing climate. This includes: improving

framers access to climate resilient crop varieties, promoting wise-use practices and the integrated management of

land and water resources, improve farmer understanding of climate risk, threats and response options and improved

access to financing.

11. Component 1: Improving crop diversity and farming practices to reduce climate risk and strengthen adaptive

capacity.

This component will allow for the scaling up of climate smart practices that have been piloted among sugar farmers in

both Orange Walk and Corozal districts. Activities will support a set of technological and management packages to

improve access and availability of climate resilient sugarcane crop varieties. This will be accompanied by the promotion

of climate smart farming practices in land preparation, planting, husbandry and harvesting practices.

Results: 1.1 17,000 acres of climate resilient sugarcane lands.

Activity 1.1.1 Scale up production of available seed varieties from 26 acres to 2000 acers and establish

varietal nurseries accessible to small farmers.

Activity 1.1.2 Train farmer groups and agricultural service providers on varietal adaptation, climate

threats and impacts, and adaptation response and techniques.

Activity 1.1.3 Climate proofing of 17,000 acres of cane fields based on the most appropriate crop variety

and agro ecological zones.

Activity 1.1.4 Upscale the green Harvesting programme from 500 acres to 10,000 acres.

12. Component 2: Sustainable water and land management techniques to build farmer resilience to Climate

Change

This activity will improve soil fertility and access to water resources to cope with extreme drought events. Measures

implemented will also provide mitigation co-benefits as land management techniques will improve the sequestration

capacity of soils. The use of organic residue to conserve soil nutrients and moisture will allow for improved soil fertility

and ecological functions (water filtration and retention, carbon sequestration, enhancement of the soil hosted

biodiversity). Also, this component will aim to scale up drainage, water capture and storage and sustainable irrigation

techniques in high priority drought and flood prone areas.

Result 2.1: Adaptive flood, drought and pest management

Activity 2.1.1. Promote the use of organic residue (e.g., post-harvest organic sugarcane waste) and other

soil management practices to conserve soil nutrients and moisture through the Famer Field School

programme

Activity 2.1.2 Scale up the use of biological methods to manage crop pest in mulch cover.

Activity 2.1.3. Improved water capture and storage capacity and implement climate smart irrigation

techniques for a 1,000 acres of drought prone farms lands

Activity 2.1.4. Improve drainage for 2,000 acres of flood prone farms lands based on the recommendation

of the drainage and irrigations assessment done.


13. Component 3: Capacity building and improving learning mechanism for long term adaptation to climate

threats and impacts

This activity will ensure, in a gender inclusive manner, that the project provides useful learning materials that allows for

the dissemination of knowledge and the implementation of innovative solutions and best practices. It is designed to

contribute to a comprehensive and integrated response by sugarcane farmers to climate change. Capacity building

activities will respond to needs expressed by cane farmer associations and other stakeholders such as SIRDI and BSI-

ASR. Activities will include financial management of women, training of youth in agricultural services, other services

provision, creation and training of agricultural development bodies. Also, the project will upscale existing knowledge

management platforms to mainstream climate change impacts and local strategic responses.

Result 3.1: Increase understanding of climate information, threats, response options and disseminate

Activity 3.1.1. Expand the Farmer Assistance Information Platform to disseminate flood, drought and

pest forecast information to farmers

Activity 3.1.2. Strengthen the capacity of farmer’s associations, agricultural extension and advisory

service and financial institutions and other relevant stakeholder in adaptation planning, climate smart best

practices and financial management.

Activity 3.1.3. Develop a farmer friendly application for the Farmer Assistance Information System and

disseminate.

Activity 3.1.4. Develop a digital farmer friendly financial model for sustaining best practices adapted to

climate shocks.

Activity 3.1.5. Identify options for the development for new products and markets

Activity 3.1.6. Enhance entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy of farmers ( inclusive of youth and

women).

14. Component 4: Project Management- The project management unit will be responsible for implementing the above

components. The major activities to be financed under this component will be: 4.1 Planning and budgeting; 4.2

Procurement of equipment and materials, including computers, office equipment, and communication facilities; 4.3

Recruitment of project staff and consultancy services; and 4.4 Monitoring and reporting on project activities and

impact.

15. The outputs from various initiatives implemented across the sugar belt to build the resilience of small farmers provide

the foundation for the effective application of lessons learnt and for the creation of an environment for behavioral

change and scaling up. At the farm level, several climate resilient agricultural practices have already demonstrated to

result in an increase in productivity, cost-savings and increased incomes for farmers while reducing carbon emissions.

Firstly, project activities aim at improving crop diversity to strengthen adaptive capacity are rooted in over 15 years

of varietal research. The Belize Sugarcane Industry Limited in partnership with the Sugarcane Industry for Research

and Development Institute test over 30,000 cane varieties for resilience to climate conditions and quality performance

annually. During this period 15,000 varieties are planted in families of 50 varieties; therefore, 300 families are tested

in this cycle. Of the 300 families evaluated, 30 are selected for Stage I. These 30 families of 500 varieties each are

evaluated based on phenotype. Stage II selects ~10% of varieties in Stage I and is the first time varieties are vegetative

propagation. Stage III evaluates yield and quality on the Plant Cane and 1st Ratoon cycle. Stage IV, the final stage in

the selection process, is the most extensive and studies the varieties over a four-year period. Stage IV’s are multi-

location trials with 10-12 varieties. Through this lengthy research process, the BSI/SIRDI research program has

identified five potentially good varietal candidates that have been tested with 13 key farmers and can begin to help

build the resilience of the varietal compendium of the rest of the Belize Sugar Industry.

16. Several activities related to good farming practice, the integrated management and wise-use of soil and water

resources will be scaled-up in an effort to strengthen the capacity of small farmers for adaptation to climate threats


beyond the project implementation. These activities stem from several pilot projects implemented across the sugar

belt that have shown promising outcomes and tremendous potential for scaling-up. For example, BSI irrigation pilot

projects covers over 482 acres in the San Lorenzo Village in the Orange Walk District. A demonstration farm displays

climate resilient irrigation techniques along with other best practices in order to increase sugarcane yields. By

implementing the above, the 5-year yield average of the San Lorenzo pilot farm increase from 66 TCH to 95 TCH.

In addition, cane quality to improve from 12.23 to 12.91 pol % in cane. The San Lorenzo farm is expected to

incrementally produce 617 MT more sugar, which would bring in additional revenue to cane farmers. These efforts

have resulted in a Drainage and Irrigation plan that can be scaled up to the other affected areas within the sugar belt.

Also, BSI’s Mechanical Harvesting and Sugar Can Quality projects have generated best practices that can be scaled-

up to build the resilience of farmers. After almost 10 years of trials, BSI introduce mechanical harvesting to 49 small-

scale farmers. Mechanical harvesting of sugar cane proved to be beneficial to farmers as it addressed three key

challenges namely- (1) shortage of labor, (2) high harvesting cost due to inefficient harvesting and (3) sterilized soil

caused by the burning and double burning of cane fields. This not only allowed farmers to respond to the shortage of

manual labor, but also to harvest their fields in large contiguous blocks, eliminate unnecessary tasks and activities

and consequently reducing their costs (fuel and labor) by an average of US$2.75 per ton of cane. While the Sugar

Can Quality Project was designed to offer technical assistance with an educational component for test group and

harvesting group leaders on how to select the most mature cane ready for harvesting using latest cane quality testing

technology (Near Infra-Red). Farmers can now make better harvesting plans, which helps them improve sugar yields

for the entire sugar industry. During the launch, six test groups from all three cane farmer associations signed up for

participation for the first round of pre-harvest cane quality testing. At the end of the year, a total of 1,804 cane

farmers participated to include 6 test groups and 78 reaping group leaders. The program is now entering its second

year, doubling participation from 6 to 12 Quality Test Groups reaching two-thirds of Belize’s northern industry

farmers.

17. Furthermore, climate resilient farming practices have been transferred to farmers through SIRDI’s Farmer Field

School Program. In 2011 the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology was adopted as an extension services to build

the capacities of cane farmers. The FFS program is based on the principle of learning through practical examples and

“hands-on” application. Along with fluid interchange of experience among all participants. These exchanges are the

strength behind the FFS modules and the field is the main source of learning. The approach has improved efficiency

and productivity and contributed to reducing poverty and be better prepared farmers to face the challenges of a

changing climate. To date 24 Farmer Field Schools have been executed and 4 with Educational Institutions. For the

24 FFS each catering for an average of 25 farmers for a two-year program. The farmers training program has trained

over 600 farmers who represent over 2,500 cane farmers.

18. Also, SIRDI has adopted a “new” and integrated approach to prevent and control froghopper infestation. The use of

a biological agent such as Metarhizium Anisopliae control froghopper infestation by attaching its spores, known as

conidia, on the cuticle of the insect. It then produces an appressorium and penetrates the insect. Upon successful entry

into the host body; it divides and produces hyphal bodies that invades the host tissues. Finally, the fungus emerges

from the dead host and produces more conidial spores. This also have tremendous potential for scaling-up beyond

the sugar industry since this biological pesticide can also control pests within the poultry, organic production,

vegetable, fruits, and citrus and livestock industries. These interventions have been proven to contribute to

development of farmers and are well documented

19. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to Climate

Change, working on effective, innovative and transformative solutions and projects to combat the environmental

impacts of Climate variability, Climate Change and extreme weather events. The Centre has more than ten (10) years

of experience in carrying out catalytic type projects in the Caribbean region, and scaling these up with national

governments to bring about transformational change. The Centre’s comparative advantage lies primarily in its ability

to provide high-level technical expertise, introduce innovative approaches and tools, and strengthen the operational,

technical and managerial skills of national institutions for the implementation of impactful initiatives to combat the


impacts of climate variability and change. Additionally, the Centre has established key partnerships with SIRDI and

BSI who possess specialized expertise in sugarcane production. In managing this project, the Centre and will appoint

a special Project Manager, with a dedicated Accountant, and an agriculturalist and will draw upon the other collective

expertise within the Centre to carry out the Project Implementation function. All activities must be consistent with

the Centre’s approved Environmental and Social Safeguard (ESS) Policy to ensure they are in consonance with the

objectives of that Policy. Furthermore, gender and no-discriminatory considerations and strict adherence to financial

best practices will be pursued. The CCCCC has an established and proven track-record as the leader in climate change

adaptation planning and management throughout the Caribbean. It has many operational program linkages and

networks. This unique capacity will ensure effective and efficient project delivery, and guarantee the sustainability

of program outcomes and impacts. The implementation arrangements with the executing entities and implementing

partners are outlined below.

Key Financial, Operational Risks and Mitigation Measures Identified.


Risks Level of

Risk

Probability of

Occurrences

Mitigation Measures

Failure to adopt the new

cane varieties and it’s

best management

practices

Medium Low Technical assistance from

BSI to include visits to our

cane varieties lab and

farms to see first-hand the

results of using new

varieties. Project Manager

and field officers will

ensure and follow up with

farmers on their progress

Experience in similar

information sharing

projects demonstrated

the potential for cane

farmer sensitivities on

use of farmer data

particularly with breach

of confidentiality

Medium Low The FAIS system and a

dissemination campaign

will specifically address

the perceptions created

around “breach of

confidentiality”.

Insufficiency, delay of

agro-credit schemes for

farmers

High Medium -Local development bank

has committed to assisting

cane farmers with agro-

credit. Confirmed

availability of affordable

farming packages.

- Commercial Banks have

also expressed their

willingness to offer

financing farmer packages

provided that there is a

system in place that offers,

traceable, reliable and

secure farmer information.

B.3. Expected project results aligned with the GCF investment criteria (max. 1 page)

20. Impact Potential

The project will increase the adaptive capacity of 5,200 small farmers of Northern Belize. Improved farming practices

and the adoption climate resilient cane varieties will increase crop productivity by approximately 12 tons per acre

(citation). The gender sensitive implementation of climate responsive measures across three components will allow for

transfer of best practices and knowledge to the most vulnerable farmers. Project activities geared towards improving soil

management practices will reduce soil leaching and denitrification by 80%. As a result, increasing soil fertility and storage

potential of Soil Organic Carbon across the sugar belt. Furthermore, the introduction of 5 climate resilient cane varieties

accompanied by improved planting, harvesting and pest management techniques will significantly augment the adaptive

capacity of farmers. In addition, farmer’s knowledge of climate threats, impacts and response options will strengthen

through the generation and dissemination of climate information and the expansion of the famer filed school programme

and other training and capacity building initiatives. Similarly, activities related to the development of farmer friendly

financial models and farmer assistance information system will add to building the adaptive capacity of farmers. These

activities will ensure the adoption of climate smart farming practices beyond project implementation.


21. Paradigm Shift

The project will promote behavioural change needed to sustain livelihoods and build resilience to the impact of climate

variability and change. Innovative interventions such as climate resilient varieties with seed nurseries, accompanied by

Farmer Assistance Information Systems (FAIS) and mechanize green harvesting are new transformative technologies

that will catalyse resilience building of small farmers. These technologies will complement the existing farmer’s

information (SIMIS) and famer field school programme but will be expanded to include climate and financial information

and will include acreage, plant variety, farmer registry, field location, field tracking for productivity and farmer

identification. Additionally, the wise-use of land and water resources and low carbon farming practices will set in motion

a shift from resource and carbon intensive practices to a more efficient, sustainable and climate-resilient way of sugarcane

farming. This shift will occur through the scaling up reflexive learning combine with a comprehensive set of climate

smart field management techniques significantly improving the adaptive capacities of small farmers.

22. Sustainable Development

The project will aid Belize in fulfilling its commitments under Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): (13) Climate

Action, in addition to, (1) Poverty, (5) Gender equality, and (8) Decent work and economic growth. Furthermore, project

activities are designed to change the thinking and behavior of farmers regarding investments and financial management

leading to improved financial literacy and the sustainability of activities beyond project investment. Also, the scaling up

of soil management techniques and the mechanize green harvesting programme will contribute to the reduction of CO2

emissions and generate other co-benefits including increase cane quality, increase productivity and reduction in

production cost leading to the overall sustainability of livelihoods. All these activities are rooted in Belize’s sustainable

development goals and targets outlined the Growth and Development Strategy, Low Carbon Development Action Plan

and National Determined Contributions, and the National Agriculture and Food Policy of Belize

23. Needs of Recipient

Belize suffers from high unemployment, growing trade deficit and heavy foreign debt burden which continues to derail

efforts to achieve sustainable development. These challenges are further exacerbated by the impacts of climate variability

and change as the country leading income generating sectors, tourism and agriculture are directly link to changes in

climate and the state of the natural environment. As stated above, agriculture contributes to 10 % of Belize’s GDP of

which 36% is from sugar production. However, due to changes in climate and inadequate farming practices sugarcane

farmers are unable to maintain productivity leading to significant decrease in cane quality and associated income

generated. The average annual income of farmers (2016-2018) is USD 2,200 (BSI-ASR). This is expected to reduce since

Belize has lost the European Union preferential market. As a result, farmers are not able to adequately maintain

households and farms from the income they generate and will this becoming increasingly challenging if support is not

provided.

24. Country Ownership

The Government of Belize considers agriculture a vital asset in achieving sustainable economic development. To this

end, sugar production is seen as an effective means of job creation, poverty alleviation and economic recovery in addition

to combating climate variability and change. The project is rooted in several key national policies, strategies and action

plan and is consistent with the government efforts to safeguard agricultural livelihoods. This is evidenced by the project

implantation structure which sees the participation of all the leading entities in sugarcane production such as the Ministry

of Agriculture’s Sugar Industry Research and development Institute and the Belize Sugar Industry Limited supported by

the three main cane farmer’s associations. Additionally, this includes the office of the National Designated Authority who

has been directly involved in the project preparation.

25. Efficiency and Effectiveness.

Preliminary calculations show that the adoption of new practices is estimated to increase productivity by an average of

12 tons per acre. Which leads to an average increase in the total direct income of farmers of USD 44 million over 5 years.

At the household level, this would generate increases of over 70% in family income. Additionally, indirect income growth

will be generated due to project activities via a growth in agricultural businesses including input suppliers, traders and


processing facilities. Stimulating growth in the entire national economy outside project area and of an additional 50,000

indirect beneficiaries. This would build the resilience of the economy to the impacts of climate change. Project efficiency

and effectiveness would be further enhanced through the reduction of GHG. Mechanize harvesting will offset the use of

burring to prepare fields for burning while improved soil management will increase the sequestration capacity of soil. A

detailed financial and economic analysis and an ex-ante GHG appraisal will both be undertaken during the preparation

of the Funding Proposal.

C. Indicative financing / Cost information (max. 2 pages)

C.1. Financing by components (max ½ page)

Please provide an estimate of the total cost per component and disaggregate by source of financing.

Component Indicative cost

(USD)

GCF financing Co-financing

Amount

(USD)

Financial Instrument

Amount

(USD)

Financial Instrument

Name of Institutions

Component 1

$17,652,500 $7,857,500 Grant $9,795,000 BSI/SIRDI/Cane Farmers assco..

Component 2

$725,250 $710,250 Grant $15,000 BSI/SIRDI/Cane Farmers assco.

Component 3

$546,000 $246,000 Grant $300,000 BSI/SIRDI/Cane Farmers assco.

Component 4 $1,354,500 $1,180,500 Grant $174,000 BSI/SIRDI

Indicative total cost (USD)

$20,278,250 $9,994,250 Grant $10,284,000 BSI/SIRDI/Cane Farmers assco.

For private sector proposal, provide an overview (diagram) of the proposed financing structure.

C.2. Justification of GCF involvement (max 1/2 page)

26. The Government of Belize considers adaptation to climate change as a high priority. In addition to its vulnerability

to natural disasters and climate-related shocks, Belize’s small and open economy, geographical location and the lack

of vital resources constrain its capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change and variability in the short and long

term. Belize’s NDC estimates the total cost for planned activities for adaptation in the agriculture sector is

approximately USD $15,960,000. Despite governmental interventions, the rapidity of changes is challenging the

government beyond the financial capacities. The transition process is a very complex and requires to be planed and

supported by analytical, technical and financial assistance. The transition will not be possible in the short term without

GCF funding. In fact, without GCF support, local communities will have continuous difficulties to adapt and to

integrate risks into their response strategies. GCF funding will be able to influence investments and activities in the

agricultural sector in order to ensure the integration of climate change considerations and help to remove key barriers

which prevented the development of climate-resilient solutions in Belize’s Northern Sugar Belt.

C.3. Sustainability and replicability of the project (exit strategy) (max. 1/2 page)

27. The proposed project considers 3 types of sustainability, Financial, Environmental, and Social.

a) Financial sustainability is ensured through the leveraging funds, including in-kind contributions, from multiple

sources such as the Farmer’s Association, SIRDI and BSI. This illustrates the commitment of the stakeholders to

continue the work on increasing resilience of farmers.

b) Environmental sustainability will be achieved through the adoption of proven climate smart soil and water

management practices. This will be complemented by actions taken by the project to reduce carbon emissions.

Collectively, these actions will significantly contribute to building of resilience through improved livelihoods.


c) Social sustainability will be achieved through actions taken to build the adaptive capacity of famers to effect

behavioral change. Project activities will promote a shift from the business-as- usual way of sugarcane farming

to farming practices that reflects gender equality, climate risk reduction and effective communication.

Additionally, project activities have been proven to result in impactful outcomes. The Varietal diversification, use of

green mechanical harvesting, draining and irrigation program, and the efforts done by SIRDI to impart knowledge to cane

farmers, have been successfully tested and the benefits to cane farmers recorded. Varietal diversification is essential for

risk reduction and will significantly strengthen the adaptive capacity of farmers. Additionally, the training of extensions

officers and farmers built into the project ensure sustained sustainability beyond the life of the project.

C.4 Stakeholders engagement in the project or programme (max ½ page)

28. The Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development through the office of the NDA, Belize Sugar Cane

Farmers Association, Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association, Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association,

Belize Sugar Industries and the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI) represent the stakeholders

consulted to date. The institutions mentioned above together represents the primary stakeholders in sugarcane

production. To date, consultation are as follows:

a) 13th & 14th December 2018: Messrs. Ryan Zuniga – Project Development Specialist (5Cs), Donneil Cane – lead

Project Developer (5Cs), Earl Green – Projects Officer (5Cs), Leroy Martinez – Economist & NDA Focal Point

(Ministry of Economic Development) and Jose Novelo, Director (Ministry of Agriculture), representatives of the

three cane farmer associations and Mr. Mac McLachlan, Vice President – International Affairs (Belize Sugar

Industry) and other key representatives Belize Sugar Industry took a complete tour of the BSI research facilities

from stage 1 to stage 5 and the testing and analysis laboratory..

b) 23rd & 24th of January 2019: the CCCCC held a two-day working session with the BSI project development team

to provide guidance on GCF project development criteria and approval process.

c) 21st and 22nd February: BSI and CCCCCs organized a complete stakeholders and engagement meeting to review

the concepts and to engage key stakeholders in the project development process. The team met with

representatives of the Sugar Industry Research & Development Institute (SIRDI). SIRDI is the research arm of

the industry and is quasi-governmental. Representatives present were Messrs. Marcos Osorio - Director, Luciano

Chi - Research Coordinator, Jeffrey Joseph – Agriculture Engineer Coordinator and Devon Saldano – GIS Data

Processing Officer. Representatives of the Cane farmers’ associations and BSI were also present. Also, the team

met with representative of the three cane farmer associations to explain and share the general idea of the project

proposal and obtain their views. In particular, their thoughts on the importance on varietal diversification and

adaptation to climate change.

d) 22nd February: The team met with an exemplary progressive farmer who is a long time cane farmer and reaping

group leader, Mr. David Akierman (member of the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association). The purpose of

this focused meeting was to get his views on the project proposal ideas and best execution process. Mr. Akierman

has trailed cane varieties and mechanical harvesting in his fields and is now looking into implementing irrigation

methods.

C.5 Monitoring and Evaluation and reporting plans (max ¼ page)

29. A project implementation committee inclusive of the Ministry of Agriculture, Belize Sugar Industry (Chair),

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Ministry of Economic Development and Sugar Industry Research

and Development Institute and other relevant stakeholders. The committee will monitor the setup of the cane variety

nurseries and the rehabilitation of the sugar cane fields based on recommended technical specification. Agreements

with be signed between BSI and as well as with Ministry of Agriculture specifically SIRDI (co-implementer). Prior

to each disbursement, the lead executing agency shall provide a report on the use of resources previously provided by

the accredited entity. Also, a monitoring and evaluation plan outlining clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will

be developed to guide the project management team in monitoring project activities. The M&E plan will also take

into account environmental, social and gender aspects. The team will consist of a project manager dedicated to the

implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project, an agronomist with the technical capacity to collaborate

with other experienced agronomists and researchers to evaluate the works of the project, a GIS and data technician

responsible for creating and ensuring both digital and paper recording and reporting; and 4 field monitoring

technicians on the ground collecting data and making direct linkages with farmer and the stakeholders involved.

D. Annexes


☐ ESS screening check list (Annex 1)

☐ Map indicating the location of the project/programme (as applicable)

☐ Evaluation Report of previous project (as applicable)


Annex 1: Environmental and Social Screening Checklist

Part A: Risk Factors

The questions describe the “risk factors” of activities that would require additional assessments and information. Any “Yes” response to the questions will render the proposal not eligible for the Simplified Approval Process Pilot Scheme. Proposals with any of the risk factors may be considered under the regular project approvals process instead.

Exclusion criteria YES NO

Will the activities involve associated facilities and require further due diligence of such associated facilities?

☐ ☐

Will the activities involve trans-boundary impacts including those that would require further due diligence and notification to downstream riparian states?

☐ ☒

Will the activities adversely affect working conditions and health and safety of workers or potentially employ vulnerable categories of workers including women, child labour?

☐ ☒

Will the activities potentially generate hazardous waste and pollutants including pesticides and contaminate lands that would require further studies on management, minimization and control and compliance to the country and applicable international environmental quality standards?

☐ ☒

Will the activities involve the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure (like dams, water impoundments, coastal and river bank infrastructure) that would require further technical assessment and safety studies?

☐ ☒

Will the proposed activities potentially involve resettlement and dispossession, land acquisition, and economic displacement of persons and communities?

☐ ☒

Will the activities be located in protected areas and areas of ecological significance including critical habitats, key biodiversity areas and internationally recognized conservation sites?

☐ ☒

Will the activities affect indigenous peoples that would require further due diligence, free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and documentation of development plans?

☐ ☒

Will the activities be located in areas that are considered to have archaeological (prehistoric), paleontological, historical, cultural, artistic, and religious values or contains features considered as critical cultural heritage?

☐ ☒

Part B: Specific environmental and social risks and impacts

Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

YES NO TBD

Has the AE provided the E&S risk category of the project in the concept note?

☒ ☐ ☐

Has the AE provided the rationale for the categorization of the project in the relevant sections of the concept note or funding proposal?

☒ ☐ ☐

Are there any additional requirements for the country?

☐ ☒ ☐

Are the identification of risks and impacts based on recent or up-to-date information?

☒ ☐ ☐

Labour and Working Conditions YES NO TBD

Are the proposed activities expected to have impacts on the working conditions, particularly the terms of employment, worker’s organization, non-discrimination, equal opportunity, child labour, and forced labour of direct, contracted and third-party workers?

☐ ☒ ☐


Will the proposed activities pose occupational health and safety risks to workers including supply chain workers?

☐ ☒ ☐

Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention YES NO TBD

Are the activities expected to generate (1) emissions to air; (2) discharges to water; (3) activity-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emission; and (5) waste?

☐ ☒ ☐

Are the activities expected to utilize natural resources including water and energy?

☒ ☐ ☐

Will there be a need to develop detailed measures to reduce pollution and promote sustainable use of resources?

☐ ☒ ☐

Community Health, Safety, and Security YES NO TBD

Will the activities potentially generate risks and impacts to the health and safety of the affected communities?

☐ ☒ ☐

Will there be a need for an emergency preparedness and response plan that also outlines how the affected communities will be assisted in times of emergency?

☐ ☒ ☐

Will there be risks posed by the security arrangements and potential conflicts at the project site to the workers and affected community?

☐ ☒ ☐

Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement YES NO TBD

Will the activities likely involve voluntary transactions under willing buyer-willing-seller conditions and have these been properly communicated and consulted?

☐ ☒ ☐

Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources

YES NO TBD

Are the activities likely introduce invasive alien species of flora and fauna affecting the biodiversity of the area?

☐ ☒ ☐

Will the activities have potential impacts on or be dependent on ecosystem services including production of living natural resources?

☐ ☒ ☐

Indigenous Peoples YES NO TBD

Are the activities likely to have indirect impacts on indigenous peoples?

☐ ☒ ☐

Will continuing stakeholder engagement processes and a grievance redress mechanism be integrated into the management / implementation plans?

☐ ☒ ☐

Cultural Heritage YES NO TBD

Will the activity allow continuous access to the cultural heritage sites and properties?

☐ ☒ ☐

Will there be a need to prepare a procedure in case of the discovery of cultural heritage assets?

☐ ☒ ☐

Sign-off: Specify the name of the person responsible for the environmental and social screening and any

other approvals as may be required in the accredited entity’s own management system.

Documents

Building the Adaptive Capacity of Sugarcane Farmers in ... · sugarcane fields (burning before and after harvest). Beside reducing soil fertility, the burning of sugar fields also