5 Ways United Way Helped Jamaica's Farmers Rebuild

United Way of Jamaica launched a transparent, donation-based crowdfunding campaign to support smallholder farmers. Contributions came from across the globe and around the corner. They included everything from donations from Citibank and Scotia Bank Canada to the proceeds of a bake sale by the girls of Saint Hugh’s Prep School.

The campaign raised over JMD $12 million, surpassing its initial JMD $10 million target. Program Manager turned Acting CEO, Kerry-Lee Lynch says, “We operate with a high level of transparency, which has earned the trust of many companies, international and local stakeholders, and donors who confidently entrust us with their funds.” 

To ensure support went where it was needed most, United Way partnered with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). All recipients were screened and registered through JAS, giving them access to future assistance as they rebuilt their livelihoods. Over 300 farmers received support. 

Farmers received the tools to restart cultivation and care for livestock, including baby chickens and their feed. They also received seedlings for watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber, as well as fertilizer and planting supplies, and greenhouse materials to protect crops from future storms. The support helped farmers like Kyacian get back to planting and earning an income. 

After providing initial relief, United Way also invested in the infrastructure necessary to ensure the community’s long-term recovery. Through the Farmers’ Rehabilitation Fund, a collaboration between United Way of Jamaica and the Jamaica Agricultural Society, the first round of support focused on women farmers in Manchester.

Ms. Wisdom and Ms. Reid each received JMD $250,000 to support the restoration of their homes and farms. The funds were made possible through the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), a sub-committee of United Way of Jamaica.

WLI Chair Grace Burnett said, “We don’t want this to be just a cheque; we want to stay in your life and offer support as a sounding board to discuss strategy and provide assistance.” 

Kerry-Lee’s team recognized that for farming families, recovery also meant keeping their kids in school despite the disruption of the storm. “We allowed these farmers to bring their book lists to us, we saw how much it cost for textbooks,” she explains. “So we gave book vouchers to local bookstores where they could go and collect some of the books and stationery required for their kids to go back to school.”

United Way of Jamaica’s work after Hurricane Beryl strengthened more than just farms and homes. By helping families regain income, keep children in school, and prepare for future shocks, this effort reinforced the foundations every community needs to thrive. Then CEO Taneshia Stoney Dryden said, “We know this is just the start, and we hope it will inspire others to join us on this journey to help our farmers recover with dignity.”