The Government of Jamaica, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the United Kingdom have celebrated the completion of the modern Irrigation System at the Southern Plains Agricultural Development (SPAD) Project, marking continued progress towards a more water-secure, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. 

Funded primarily through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) and delivered in partnership with CDB and the Government of Jamaica, the SPAD project has transformed 795 hectares of agricultural land in Amity Hall, St. Catherine, and Parnassus, Clarendon, through modern irrigation infrastructure, including a reservoir, and better access roads.  

With dependable water reaching the fields and easier routes to market, productivity is rising and livelihood opportunities are being strengthened. Over 700 farmers will benefit from these improvements, half of which are women and young people. The main crops produced under the project include onion, sweet potato, Irish potato, hot pepper, cassava, mango and papaya.

Speaking at the ceremony, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructure in supporting communities and economic growth.

"The Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project demonstrates the power of partnership to deliver real and lasting benefits for communities. By investing in modern, climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure, and investing in farmers themselves, we are helping farmers increase productivity, strengthen food security and build resilience in the face of climate change. The United Kingdom has been proud to partner with the Government of Jamaica and the Caribbean Development Bank on this important initiative, which will create opportunities for farmers, businesses and communities for years to come," said Her Excellency.

The SPAD project forms part of the United Kingdom's wider commitment to supporting inclusive, sustainable development and climate resilience across the Caribbean through UKCIF, a UK grant-funded programme delivered in partnership with CDB. Jamaica is the largest beneficiary of UKCIF support, with investments helping to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and boost climate resilience and food security. 

The initiative also aligns with CDB’s three strategic pillars: social, economic and environmental resilience by advancing food security, supporting sustainable livelihoods and delivering climate-resilient infrastructure. 

Mr. L. O’Reilly Lewis, Director of Projects, CDB, emphasised how the investment translates the Bank’s priorities into tangible results for farming communities.

“CDB is pleased to support this transformative project, which marks a key milestone in Jamaica’s journey towards a more productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. CDB commits to continue working with the Government of Jamaica to better identify and quantify their water resources, develop modern irrigation systems, train stakeholders and support operating arrangements that are fair to farmers and sustainable for operators. Investments such as these are how we move towards food and nutrition security in Jamaica.” explained Mr. Lewis.

The Honourable Floyd Green, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, welcomed the progress achieved under the project and commended the investment in resilience for Jamaica's agricultural sector.

"We have gone from a period of hurricanes and rains into a period of drought. If you are depending on the rain to fall to bring your crops to term, you have a problem. It would be difficult for us to say to entrepreneurs and investors to come and invest here and not say to them where they are going to get their water supply.  Using the funds from UKCIF, we put in the largest agricultural reservoir in the country,” said Minister Green. 

The landmark achievement at Amity Hall highlights the strong partnership between Jamaica, the Caribbean Development Bank and the United Kingdom, to deliver direct benefits for farmers while building a more resilient future.