Introduction of Climate Smart Agricultural Technologies in the District of Coronie to Increase Climate Resilience

Suriname is increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns and prolonged droughts. Data from the Meteorological Service indicate that national temperatures have increased by approximately 1–2°C, while recent observations show longer dry seasons that extend beyond historical averages. Climate projections also indicate increasing aridity, declining precipitation and rising sea levels, contributing to saline intrusion into coastal aquifers and agricultural lands. These trends pose growing risks to water resources, agricultural production and the livelihoods of rural communities, particularly along Suriname’s coastal strip where most of the country’s agriculture is located.

The project focuses on the District of Coronie, historically the driest region in Suriname. The district has consistently lower rainfall than other parts of the country and faces continued risk of drought stress, making water management critical. Coronie is home to approximately 3,391 residents, many of whom depend on agriculture—particularly coconut farming—as their primary source of income and sustenance. However, prolonged dry seasons, declining freshwater availability and increasing salinization are threatening agricultural productivity and the long-term viability of farming in the district.

The project aims to increase the climate resiliency of Coronie through the implementation of climate-smart agricultural technologies and improved water resource management. Activities will include climate change risk and vulnerability assessments to guide land and water management planning; capacity building for farmers and local institutions to strengthen understanding of climate risks and adaptation strategies; and the introduction of micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems to enhance resilience to drought and salinity. The project will also support the identification and testing of climate-adaptive agricultural practices, including drought- and salinity-resistant crops and diversified farming systems. Demonstration activities with 50 farmers covering 7,375 hectares of farmland will support the adoption and replication of these practices across the district.

Overall, the project is expected to benefit approximately 3,300 people in Coronie, strengthening water and land management while supporting more resilient agricultural livelihoods.

OUTCOME 1: Strengthened technical and institutional capacity for resilient climate change adaptation management at the national and local levels.

Output 1.1: Assessments of climate change risks and impacts Coronie, to guide land and water management planning by local authorities.

Output 1.2  Vulnerability analysis to better understand adaptative capacity and underlying vulnerabilities to climate change at a plantation level.

Output 1.3 Public Policy analysis to align land and water Management with ecosystem based and climate smart adaptation strategies.

Output 1.4 A Strategy and an intersectoral platform to sustain and replicate CSA are developed and institutionalized.

OUTCOME 2: Introduced micro-irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems to enhance resilience against drought and salinity.

Output 2.1. Support in assessing existing irrigation systems in the Coronie District and their exposure to climate risk while assessing potential investment needs including technical capacities and investment option for their rehabilitation.  

Output 2.2 Direct support in water collection methods implemented and adopted by farmers in Coronie.

Outcome 3: Climate resilient agricultural livelihood opportunities identified and implemented for sustained agricultural based income among project communities.

Output 3.1. At least 5 climate adaptive strategies to drought and salinity (technological packages) are identified for Coronie and systematized in a manner that allows replication within the district.

Output 3.2 Implementation of adaptive practices among 50 demonstration farmers covering 7,375 ha of farmland.

Output 3.3 Climate resilient agriculture options are sustained and provide enhanced income opportunities to Coronie communities.