“We’re Planting Hope”: Jamaica and Mexico unite for Agricultural Recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
When Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica in late October 2025, it didn’t just flatten crops. It shook the very foundation of rural life. Farmers woke up to fields turned into wastelands, poultry houses empty, and roads impassable. For many, the question was simple yet overwhelming: Where do we start?
On December 2, Jamaican agricultural experts and private sector leaders joined counterparts from Mexico in a heartfelt exchange of lessons and ideas. The tone was not just technical; it was deeply human. Stories of resilience emerged alongside strategies for recovery.
Jamaican participants spoke of neighbours sharing seeds, families pooling resources, and communities finding strength in solidarity. “We’re not just rebuilding farms,” one representative said. “We’re planting hope.” Plans include moving production to safer areas, introducing greenhouse farming, and reviving poultry operations. It’s a long road: some crops will return in months, others in years, but the spirit of collaboration is strong.
Learning from Mexico’s experience with hurricane recovery
Mexico’s experience – in the aftermath of multiple hurricanes impacting the country over the past few years, from Hurricane Otis to Erick to John – offered reassurance and inspiration. Civil society groups described how, after their own disasters, communities came together to map risks, rebuild homes, and restore traditional farming practices. They spoke of seed banks, cooperative structures, and the power of trust. Universities reminded everyone that recovery isn’t only about crops, it’s about nutrition, dignity, and protecting the most vulnerable.
The conversation was candid. Participants acknowledged gaps in communication, financing challenges, and the need for flexible government programmes. Yet, what stood out was a shared belief: recovery is possible when people work together. Platforms like the OCHA-UNDP Connecting Business Initiative (CBI) and regional networks will help keep this dialogue alive.
As the session closed, there was no illusion that the journey would be easy. But there were optimism and a sense of purpose. In the words of one participant: “Disasters test us, but they also teach us. If we listen and learn, we can build something stronger than before.”
And as seeds go back into the soil, so does hope: rooted in resilience, watered by solidarity, and destined to grow.
Peer-to-peer exchanges like the one described above are one of the value ads offered by CBI. Whether it’s between chambers of commerce or business associations, or other key partners in disaster management, we connect the private sector, government entities, and UN agencies to build trust, exchange knowledge and insights, and facilitate partnerships to foster resilience. Interested in finding out more? Contact Annik.Tiedt@un.org.
