EU-backed training programme strengthens agri extension services in Guyana

The Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development (COLEAD), in partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), successfully concluded a six-day “Train the Trainers” session from February 2 to 7 at NAREI.
The initiative, primarily funded by the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), aims to modernise agricultural extension services and promote sustainable farming practices across Guyana.
The programme focused on enhancing the pedagogical skills of agricultural experts, equipping them to transfer critical knowledge to horticultural businesses and local farmers. Central to the training was the Field Training Workshop (FTW) methodology, a hands-on, practical approach designed to connect technical theory with real-world field application.
Key topics covered during the session included integrated crop protection and sustainable pest management, safety and hygiene in pesticide use, the SIOM technique (Subject-Interest-Objective-Method) for effective knowledge transfer, and active learning strategies employing interactive materials such as puzzles and flipcharts.
Participants included extension officers, regional training coordinators, and supervisors from prominent Guyanese institutions, including the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).
COLEAD, a private sector not-for-profit organisation, emphasised that such initiatives are essential for enhancing the agricultural sector’s contribution to global sustainability. With continued EU support, these programmes aim to strengthen horticultural value chains and ensure compliance with evolving international food safety standards.