Guyana Water Management Technology for Agriculture

U.S. companies with affordable water management solutions within the agricultural sector should consider the Guyanese market.

Following the energy sector, agriculture is a major export earner for Guyana. It employs 17 percent of the workforce and makes up 19 percent of the non-oil GDP. Climate change presents challenges to agricultural output across the globe and Guyana is no exception.  In fact, in 2023 the country recorded its hottest year in the last 50 years and the Ministry of Agriculture predicts unpredictable rainfall due to the El Niño weather pattern in 2024. These conditions have severe implications for both plant and livestock production, something of which the country is dependent and a part of the economy that the government is keen to grow.

To date, agriculture is one of the most water-intensive sectors in Guyana, as farmers currently use flood or submersion irrigation systems, particularly for the key crops of rice and sugar cane. The Government of Guyana (GOG) is cognizant that there is a greater need to rationalize water consumption and improve water management efficiency, especially in livestock and crop production.

Therefore, the GOG has implemented policies that are aimed at protecting food productivity through a range of initiatives, such as building and upgrading drainage systems, distributing farming inputs and equipment, expanding access to farmlands, increasing freshwater availability, and providing technical assistance to farmers.

Opportunities for U.S. Companies

There exist opportunities to equip the Guyanese agriculture sector with better water management solutions. While the procuring entity could be farming cooperative organizations, a handful of more mature producers, or the GOG for distribution to small scale farmers, U.S. companies should consider working with a local partner.  

U.S. companies that have experience in emerging or frontier markets will find similar operating characteristics within the Guyanese market. Providing cost-effective drip/pivot irrigation systems, efficient irrigation water management solutions, and high-precision agricultural equipment will find strong demand in the Guyana market.

For more information and to share information of your company’s solution, please contact CS Guyana Commercial Assistant Tocoma Alexis.