Men and women are affected by climate change in different ways, often shaped by social and cultural norms. For example, women and girls are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events, reducing their ability to perform their everyday tasks and creating greater vulnerabilities. Women, however, are agents of change who, when involved in decision-making processes, create positive change in their communities.
In Jamaica, the community of Portmore, St. Catherine, is placing women and young people at the centre of their efforts to adapt to climate change. I-SEEED Youths Limited (an acronym for I – that is, is self – with Social, Educational, Entrepreneurial and Environmental Development) is supporting 600 individuals affected by gender-based violence to break the cycle and create sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods for themselves.
With the support of the UNDP-Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator, I-SEEED has built a solar-powered greenhouse, an innovative initiative for the country which aims to create a safe learning environment for women and young people in vulnerable positions. So far, they have brought 40,000 square feet of land under sustainable management, installed ten water tanks and planted over 90,000 seeds.
An aerial view of the greenhouse and the surrounding plot. Photo: I-SEEED Youths Limited
A greenhouse serving as a safe house
Jamaica has a high prevalence of gender-based violence, with an increased domestic violence rate of 15.6 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year. Young women are especially vulnerable, with those 18 years or younger being twice as likely to experience severe violence when they are married or have begun living with a man.
Using a community-based approach, I-SEEED engages women who are survivors of gender-based violence, and young people at risk of becoming involved in crime and violence.
"Before joining the I-SEEED Youths initiative, my life felt like a constant struggle, fraught with uncertainty and fear for my children’s future. The initiative not only provided me with a safe space to rebuild my life, but also equipped me with vital skills and support." - Tamara, a local community member.
The greenhouse offers education and employment opportunities that help women break free from the cycle of violence. To date, it has sold 70,000 seedlings and 45 participants have reported an increase in income through their new agricultural and business skills.
Two farmers tend the rows of pak choy in the I-SEEED plot. Photo: I-SEEED Youths Limited
Tracey-Ann Kemesha Harriage, founder of the organization, believes the greenhouse offers a safe place for change. Women can come to access employment opportunities, to learn about sustainable farming and climate change, and to find a safe place for deep conversations. Tracey-Ann sees that discussing non-controversial topics can gently give space to other more sensitive conversations that benefit their wellbeing.
“When you speak about gender-based violence it is a lot... We use education to break down the barriers. Achieving a change in mindset is important.” - Tracey-Ann Kemesha Harriage, I-SEEED Founder
Tracey-Ann holding pak choy grown by the community. Photo:I-SEEED Youths Limited
Many of the people who come to the greenhouse live with long-term effects of gender-based violence and other traumatic experiences. One community member, Sandy, suffered from a stress disorder and was initially hesitant to participate in the greenhouse initiative, fearing retaliation for becoming involved. Recognizing her need for support, the organization took on an unexpected but vital role – working with her family to ensure her safety and well-being. Showing them that Sandy’s involvement could help the family thrive provided the necessary reassurance to move forward and allowed Sandy to create a meaningful livelihood for herself, while benefiting everyone around her
As part of their work to break down barriers, I-SEEED slowly started sharing information that equipped women and youth with vital knowledge and skills. It took time and a lot of iterations to meet the communities’ needs and literacy levels, but, over time, they were successful and saw tremendous support given by other community members. One standout example is the ‘Empower Her & Him’ workshop series, which attracted growing interest from partners inspired by its impact.
Education for empowerment
The greenhouse in Portmore has become a sanctuary for women and young people – a space to learn valuable agricultural skills while contributing to climate adaptation and strengthening community resilience. Sessions have ranged from crime and gender-based violence awareness, to entrepreneurship through sustainable farming practices, crop care and disaster risk management. For many in the community, farming was not seen as lucrative, but they are now learning how to operate the greenhouse as a profitable enterprise. The learning process is ongoing, as there are always new emerging techniques.
"The workshops, mentorship and opportunities for personal growth have transformed my self-confidence and opened doors I never thought possible. Thanks to I-SEEED, I now have a clear vision for my future and the tools to achieve it, turning my dreams into reality and inspiring others along the way." - Steadman, a greenhouse community member.
Thanks to the newly gained knowledge, the greenhouse community has helped women at risk to increase their average monthly income to US$550. I-SEEED also joined the UNDP-AFCIA MBA Internship Programme, through which interns from top global business schools support the development of their local marketing and social media strategies. This MBA Internship programme is implemented jointly between UNDP and the Global Resilience Partnership.
Today, the community continues to grow. Members of the greenhouse teach backyard farming to their friends, many of whom have also seen a rise in their earnings. Others have used their skills to secure new employment. In fact, a local supermarket chain has begun employing many of the members from the greenhouse community. These trainings have given women and young people the opportunity to build a climate friendly, sustainable livelihood for themselves.
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Supported by financial contributions from the Adaptation Fund and the European Union, the UNDP-AFCIA programme has awarded 44 micro and small grants to locally led organizations across 33 countries worldwide, accelerating their innovative solutions to build resilience in the most vulnerable communities.
UNDP-AFCIA is one of two featured programmes under the Adaptation Innovation Marketplace (AIM), a multi-stakeholder strategic platform that promotes scaled-up adaptation at the local level.
