FOR farmers of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP) in St Catherine, the impact of prolonged dry conditions and rising temperatures is being felt through higher operating costs and shrinking returns, whether or not they have access to reliable water sources.

Susanne Uter, the organisation’s St Catherine representative, said while some farmers have irrigation systems that make accessing water easier, others are forced to grapple with limited supplies. Despite the varying degree of access to the vital commodity, however, she said farmers across the board are feeling financial pressure due to the drought.

“Persons working within the Agropark area, persons within the Amity Hall area and in Hartlands, they would have irrigation water, but persons in areas like Guy’s Hill, they would not have access to irrigation water, and so they have to depend on rainfall or river where that is available.