-benefitting 450 farmers
The government’s Black Belly Sheep Project has grown from an initial importation of 1,000 sheep in 2022 to more than 5,000 animals, directly benefiting over 450 farmers and transforming small-scale livestock production across Guyana.
During a live programme on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr. Dwight Walrond, said the initiative is creating new income opportunities for farmers, including women who have become full-time breeders.
“It is important for me to separate the different levels that can be used in the production system. You can be a breeder, or you can either get involved in fattening. So we have a number of females who are involved in that. And for 2025, two of the most outstanding farmers in the country were female breeders, and they are making a lot of money. They are now full-time farmers because of this project,” he said.
Dr. Walrond said the project has now reached its third generation of breeding, with fresh genetics being introduced to improve meat production through crossbreeding with Dorper sheep while maintaining the Black Belly breed’s adaptability and high reproductive performance.
He highlighted that farmers have reported strong lamb growth rates, frequent twin and triplet births, and increased profitability, with several beneficiaries significantly expanding their flocks since receiving breeding stock under the programme.
Several beneficiaries shared firsthand accounts of the project’s success.West Coast Berbice farmer Diane Singh Chifoun, who received a Black Belly ram under the programme, said the initiative has significantly boosted her livestock business.
“I am profiting tremendously because as a farmer, you have to bring your eggs into farming,” she lamented.
Singh Cheefoon revealed that she has already sold around 70 sheep and still maintains a flock of approximately 200 sheep and lambs. She said the Black Belly breed consistently produces twins and has proven to be resilient under local grazing conditions.
Another beneficiary, Yvonne Morris of Golden Grove, said the programme has exceeded her expectations since receiving two Black Belly ewes, a breeding ram and a Dorper ram.
“I have gained 15 lambs from the Black Belly and 5 lambs from the Dorper Ram. So far, the crossing is wonderful,” she said.
Farmer Lakhan Ramnaghan also praised the initiative, noting that the offspring have demonstrated excellent growth and productivity.
“The offspring grew quick… the result was good,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Ram Nadechu of West Coast Berbice described the project as a major boost to his farming operation, saying, “So far, it’s helped me a lot… I’m really happy that the Government gave me this animal to produce such nice lambs.”
He added that the lambs are born strong and healthy, standing within a short time after birth and showing impressive weight gains during their first month.
The project was launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in 2022 as part of the Government’s efforts to modernise Guyana’s livestock industry, strengthen food security and increase local meat production. Through a partnership with Barbados, Guyana imported 1,000 purebred Barbados Black Belly sheep, which were distributed to established sheep farmers as breeding stock.
Now in its fourth year, the Black Belly Sheep Project continues to expand Guyana’s livestock industry, equipping farmers with improved breeding stock while supporting the Government’s broader agenda of increasing agricultural production, strengthening food security and generating sustainable incomes in rural communities.