Assistance on Resilience Building and Sustaining Livelihoods of Small Farmers in the Post-COVID-19 era in the Seychelles - TCP/SEY/3801

Abstract

The sudden and severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the abrupt closure of borders at the end of March 2020, have significantly contracted the economy of the Seychelles. The collapse of the prime tourism industry, a major source of foreign exchange, and the discontinuation of imports for approximately 12 weeks have particularly set back the national agricultural sector. The closure of borders disrupted the importation of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, and plant protection products, which are predominantly secured through imports. Consequently, local supplies have dwindled, creating a situation that threatens the continuation of agricultural activities, thereby endangering the livelihoods and incomes of the 575 registered farmers and their families. Each farm typically employs three persons and sustains approximately five individuals from the farm family, meaning that around 4 500 people are directly impacted by these circumstances out of a total national population of 95 000. Furthermore, the decline in national agricultural production threatens the country’s food and nutrition security at a time when food imports are restricted, given that Seychelles imports 80 % by weight of the food it consumes. The assistance provided through this project aims to build resilience among farmers against the post-COVID challenges, ensuring continued local food supply and meeting the needs of the country by maximizing local capacity and capability.