APNU+AFC Manifesto… Hinterland policies

 

HINTERLAND development will be a top priority because the hinterland remains a disadvantaged, depressed and vulnerable zone in spite of its rich natural resources and human capital. The hinterland also provides opportunities and viable alternatives to the coastal zones and communities under threat from sea level rise due to global warming and climate change. APNU+AFC’s vision also addressed the need for the hinterland communities to be food secure. APNU+AFC in government will:
* Work with all stakeholders for a Hinterland Policy which includes building and sustaining vibrant region-specific agricultural and economic development.
* Promote environmentally sensitive food production systems based on agricultural diversification, management and efficient use of water, and the establishment of well-resourced extension services to facilitate technology adoption by farmers and farming groups.
* Facilitate access to affordable credit for individuals and groups.
* Establish a Hinterland and Depressed Areas Fund, controlled by the leaders of the Indigenous hinterland communities, to be utilized in a manner consistent with the expressed priorities, needs and aspirations of indigenous and local communities.
* Facilitate the acquisition of appropriate technology and equipment for various levels of production.
* Enhance arrangements for producers for marketing of primary and value-added commodities.
* Place the hinterland cattle-rearing industry on a scientific footing to take advantage of the international demand for ‘organic’ beef, while the nascent sheep and goat rearing enterprises will be strengthened to address the animal protein dietary needs of villagers in the first instance and, as flocks are built up, to meet the significant local and CARICOM demands for sheep and goat meats.
* Implement policies aimed at the Intermediate Savannahs, Upper Demerara and Berbice Region, long touted as the ‘next frontier for agricultural development,’ as well as the Rupununi Savannahs of Southwest Guyana are effectively used for integrated, industrial crop and livestock production and agro-processing.
* Focus programmes on the production of substantial portions of regional food needs, such as grain and other concentrate feeds for the local animal production sector.

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