The SHEP approach is actively being integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture’s programs, with seven farmer groups across six districts currently involved. At the University of Belize, the approach is also being incorporated into the Agribusiness course, ensuring that future agricultural professionals understand the importance of market-driven farming.

SHEP encourages farmers to shift their mindset from simply “growing and sell” to treating farming as a business. The initiative was first introduced in Kenya through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and has since expanded to more than 59 countries globally, including now Belize.

Through the SHEP approach, farmers learn to calculate their cost of production and determine their potential profits. They also acquire skills in market research, enabling them to produce crops that meet market demand in terms of quantity and quality. By analyzing market trends, farmers select the most profitable crops and create a planting calendar to align with peak market demand.

The objective of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for information sharing among participants in order to successfully implement and mainstream the SHEP approach in their countries. The workshop will include presentations from various African countries where SHEP has been implemented, highlighting successes, challenges, and strategies for the future.

The event is funded by JICA and the Ethiopian government, demonstrating a continued commitment to empowering smallholder farmers worldwide.