From a distance, rice farmer Jagdesh (only name given) stands pointing at lands that were once bountiful and suitable for rice cultivation on the island of Leguan in the Essequibo River.
Lands for the past three to four crop cycles have been abandoned by farmers because of changing weather patterns on the island. Cultivating rice has become tougher, pushing traditional farmers to find alternative means of survival. “If you look across there (pointing to the empty fields), all there used to be rice fields waiting to be cut or already prepared for the next crop around this time,” Jagdesh explained as he spoke of the challenges they have been facing due to unfavourable weather conditions.
During a visit to the island in December, from a drive around it was observed that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands. The unfavourable weather patterns have led them to rack up losses crop after crop.
