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Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) for Dominica

Dominica Banana Trees

The Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) is an initiative by the European Union (EU) designed to support banana-exporting countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific (ACP) as they adapt to evolving global trade dynamics. Dominica, with its significant reliance on banana exports, has been a beneficiary of this program, utilising BAM funds to enhance its agricultural sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Objectives of BAM in Dominica

Aligned with Dominica’s Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS) and the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS), the BAM program in Dominica aims to:

  • Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Increase the share of banana farmers producing seven tonnes per acre from 23% to 80% and boost the contribution of non-banana crops to GDP from 8% to 10% by 2018.
  • Foster Competitiveness: Achieve a 25% increase in export volumes by 2018 through the implementation of improved quality standards and the promotion of technological development and innovation.

Key Initiatives and Activities

To realize these objectives, several strategic activities have been implemented:

  1. Promotion of Entrepreneurial Development: Encouraging farmers to adopt business-oriented approaches, enhancing their capacity to operate competitively in both local and international markets.
  2. Improvement of Physical Infrastructure: Upgrading roads, irrigation systems, and packing facilities in key agricultural regions to streamline production and distribution processes.
  3. Enhancement of Agricultural Information Systems: Developing robust data collection and dissemination platforms to provide farmers with timely information on market trends, weather forecasts, and best practices.
  4. Strengthening Risk Management Systems: Implementing measures to mitigate risks associated with climate change, pests, and diseases, thereby ensuring the resilience of the agricultural sector.

Impact on Dominica’s Agricultural Sector

The BAM program has yielded significant benefits for Dominica:

  • Increased Productivity: Farmers have reported higher yields due to improved farming techniques and better access to resources.
  • Economic Diversification: While bolstering banana production, there has been a concerted effort to promote the cultivation of other high-value crops, reducing the economy’s overreliance on a single commodity.
  • Capacity Building: Through training and technical assistance, farmers and agricultural workers have enhanced their skills, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices.

Collaborative Efforts

The success of BAM in Dominica is attributed to the collaborative efforts between the EU, the Government of Dominica, and local stakeholders. The Office of the National Authorizing Officer (NAO) has been instrumental in coordinating these initiatives, ensuring that the programs align with national development goals and effectively address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.

Looking Ahead

As Dominica continues to navigate the complexities of global trade, the foundations laid by the BAM program provide a robust platform for sustained growth and resilience in the agricultural sector. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital are essential to maintaining competitiveness and ensuring the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture.