New Zealand’s Agricultural Waste Recovery and Reuse Initiative Shows Strong Progress in The Bahamas

Nassau, Bahamas – December 2025

A ground breaking partnership between the Government of The Bahamas, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and New Zealand’s Climate Smart Agriculture programme is delivering tangible results in agricultural waste recovery and reuse, reinforcing the region’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture.

The initiative targets improved manure management and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation within small ruminant farming systems. Technical leadership is provided by Ternes Agricultural Consulting in collaboration with IICA. The project’s first milestone - a comprehensive review of livestock management practices across New Providence, Cat Island, and Eleuthera - has been successfully completed.

Initial findings highlight strong farmer interest in adopting sustainable manure management practices, including composting and crop application, which promise to reduce waste and enhance soil fertility. The Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC) has emerged as a key player, positioned to serve as a national hub for climate-smart agriculture training and demonstration, ensuring knowledge transfer to local producers.

The programme also lays the foundation for a robust train-the-trainer system, equipping Bahamian extension officers with tools to guide farmers on GHG mitigation strategies and more environmentally sustainable practices. This approach aligns with regional Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) standards and supports The Bahamas’ commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Looking ahead, a consolidated report scheduled for early 2026 will outline investment opportunities for scaling adaptation technologies and exploring carbon credit aggregation in voluntary markets. As climate challenges intensify, this partnership between The Bahamas and New Zealand demonstrates how targeted international cooperation can transform agricultural systems, reduce emissions, and create economic opportunities for Bahamian farmers.

For further information, please contact:
Lee Nelson at lee.nelson@ag-emissions.nz