RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH IICA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ,

AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Introduction/background

The Rural Development Unit of the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development was established as a Ministry in September 1998.

During the past years it has undergone many changes to what it is today, it’s mandate and scope remains the same, which includes the provision of support for the development and well being of all rural communities across Belize. This broad task

Introduction/background

Includes attention not only to economic development but also to matters that affect development and the well being of rural dwellers such as village boundaries, environmental protection, governance, health, basic social services and job creation.

Collaboration

It is in light of this mandate that Ministry seeks to work with other Ministries/Departments and Organizations.

In 2009 it started working with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA)

It was at the consultation on the creation of ECADERT

Collaboration

The Ministry being a participant of that workshop saw the need to develop a National Rural Development Strategy with the assistance of IICA.

IICA supported and continues to support this initiative technically and financially.

Collaboration

Representative/s of IICA form a part of the core group of people leading the development of the National Strategy.

In February 2010 IICA and the Ministry organized and executed the first ever National Rural Development Forum.

IICA apart from technically being a part of the core group/organizers, financially paid for the recording of the proceedings of the forum.

Collaboration

The recording has resulted in the Forum Report.

In May 2010 the Ministry along with technical support from IICA (Ena Harvey) conducted training for Ministry Staff, National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) and The Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR) personnel in Village/Community Development Planning.

Collaboration

Personnel was given the opportunity to attend a forum in Costa Rica on the Formation of a program for capacity development in the implementation of ECADERT.

IICA continues to be an integral part of Committee for the development of Belize Rural Development Strategy and Action Plan.

Thank you!!!!!