The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is set to provide Cuba with a financial aid package of $680,000 to help mitigate the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar in the province of Guantánamo. This funding is aimed at revitalizing the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sectors, benefiting over 140,000 residents across the municipalities of San Antonio del Sur, Imías, Maisí, and Baracoa.
Boosting Agricultural Resilience
This initiative, supported by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), focuses on rejuvenating short-cycle crop production, restoring livestock and fishery yield, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and fishers. According to an FAO statement, the aid will include the provision of seeds, irrigation systems, solar-powered pumps, greenhouse materials, and agricultural tools to the impacted areas.
Supporting Local Livestock and Protein Production
Efforts will also be directed towards revitalizing facilities for small livestock breeding, particularly sheep and goats, which is expected to benefit 1,629 people across 24 production units, with the ultimate aim of boosting local animal protein output. Additionally, support will be extended to coffee, cocoa, and coconut growers, alongside agroforestry reforestation actions.
Enhancing Skills and Resources
Approximately 6,850 farmers will receive training on efficient soil, water, and energy management, especially under emergency conditions. In the fishing sector, the FAO has committed to restoring the livelihoods of workers by rehabilitating seafood processing capabilities at the Baramar Basic Business Unit and the fishing bases associated with the Pescaguan company in Baracoa.
The Cuban government has been the recipient of several donations from various organizations and countries as it strives to alleviate the impact of Hurricane Oscar, which battered the eastern part of Cuba in October. The storm resulted in eight fatalities, two missing persons, and caused millions of pesos in damages, particularly affecting housing and agriculture.