Tafara Farm in Westmoreland, Jamaica serves as the pilot site for the Build Back Again initiative. Like many small farms across the parish, Tafara was directly impacted by Hurricane Melissa—disrupting production, damaging infrastructure, and exposing long-standing vulnerabilities in energy, water, and supply systems.
Rather than rebuilding the old way, Tafara Farm allows us to demonstrate a smarter, more resilient model: integrating sustainable infrastructure, improved farm systems, and knowledge exchange between local farmers and international partners. What we implement here becomes the blueprint—refined, documented, and ready to scale across dozens of small farms throughout Jamaica.
This isn’t theory. It’s a working farm, a real family, and a real opportunity to show how climate recovery can become long-term economic strength.
Now
Then
Caitlin Van Zijll de Jong- Owner/ CEO: Tafara Farm
At Tafara Farm, we are implementing the first pilot of the Build Back Again initiative—rebuilding smarter after Hurricane Melissa by strengthening farm infrastructure, improving resilience, and creating a scalable model for 50+ small farms across Jamaica.
What’s Being Implemented at Tafara Farm
Tafara Farm
Climate-Resilient Rebuild
Targeted upgrades to farm infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Melissa, focused on durability, efficiency, and long-term resilience.Sustainable Energy & Water Systems
Introduction of renewable and low-impact systems to reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and support off-grid or hybrid farm operations.Improved Agricultural Systems
Practical enhancements to growing, storage, and processing workflows that strengthen productivity while remaining accessible to small farmers.Local + International Knowledge Exchange
Blending indigenous farming knowledge with technical expertise from global partners, volunteers, and suppliers.Training & Capacity Building
On-site learning, skills transfer, and documentation to ensure improvements can be maintained and replicated locally.Scalable Pilot Model
Every system implemented at Tafara Farm is designed as a proof-of-concept—refined for rollout across 50+ small farms in Jamaica.Impact Documentation
Ongoing filming and reporting to capture lessons learned, measure outcomes, and share a replicable blueprint for climate-resilient agriculture.
