Agritourism Policy Drafted to Boost Non-Oil Sector Growth

Guyana unveiled the Caribbean's first agritourism policy, aiming to integrate its agricultural heritage with its growing tourism industry. The policy, developed in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, seeks to create sustainable tourism experiences, increase investments, and promote local food production.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted agritourism's potential to diversify the economy beyond oil. Recent government initiatives, such as building ecolodges and supporting rural communities, underscore the policy's vision for sustainable growth and development.

Linden Housing Initiative Allocates 600 New House Lots at Wismar Development

In a significant move to address housing shortages in Linden, Region 10, the government has allocated 600 house lots under its "Dream Realised Housing Drive." Located in the New Wismar Housing Development, the lots will feature essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal emphasized the administration's commitment to equitable access to housing, with another 400 allocations planned next week. The initiative reflects broader plans to allocate 50,000 lots nationwide. The development promises a boost in economic activity while enhancing the quality of life for Linden residents.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Agritourism Experiences in Hinterland Communities

   • Opportunity: Create niche agritourism experiences like guided tours, eco-lodges, or farm-to-table dining in collaboration with the government's new agritourism policy. Leverage Guyana’s agricultural heritage and expanding tourism sector.

   • Notes: Focus on affordable setups using existing agricultural or eco-tourism assets. Target domestic and international tourists seeking unique, sustainable experiences.

2. Construction Support Services for Housing in Linden

   • Opportunity: Offer construction-related services like carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping to support the 600 new house lots being developed in Wismar and Amelia’s Ward.

   • Notes: Small enterprises can focus on quick, low-cost services to homeowners or contractors. Establish partnerships with local building supply companies to streamline procurement.

3. Processed Agricultural Goods for Local Markets

   • Opportunity: Develop small-scale processed agricultural products, such as packaged cassava bread or preserved fruits, to supply local markets or Guyana’s emerging agritourism sector.

   • Notes: Small enterprises can use cost-effective production methods and align with the government’s push for sustainable practices. Target community markets and regional fairs.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Water Infrastructure Installation and Maintenance

   • Opportunity: Provide water infrastructure services, such as pipeline installation, repair, and treatment facility maintenance, to support GWI’s projects along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

   • Notes: Position your business as a subcontractor to the larger firms handling these projects. Build expertise in environmentally friendly solutions to align with long-term sustainability goals.

2. Renewable Energy Solutions for Housing Projects

   • Opportunity: Supply and install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or energy-efficient water heaters, for homes in Linden’s new developments.

   • Notes: Capitalize on eco-friendly housing trends and government incentives for green technology. Offer financing options to attract individual homeowners and small developers.

3. Agribusiness Partnerships in Karasabai

   • Opportunity: Collaborate with local communities to develop scalable agribusiness projects like swine or egg production, as suggested by President Ali.

   • Notes: Provide equipment, training, or market access to rural farmers. Use government co-investment opportunities to minimize capital risk.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Oil and Gas Audit and Compliance Services

   • Opportunity: Offer specialized auditing, compliance, or supply chain management services to support ExxonMobil and other stakeholders as scrutiny intensifies over cost oil audits.

   • Notes: Position as a trusted local partner to international auditing firms involved in ExxonMobil's operations. Use advanced technology for real-time tracking and analytics.

2. Large-Scale Agritourism Resorts

   • Opportunity: Invest in developing high-end agritourism resorts that combine luxury accommodations with sustainable farming experiences.

   • Notes: Target international eco-tourism markets. Integrate Indigenous culture and culinary experiences to create premium offerings aligned with Guyana’s tourism push.

3. Construction of Water Treatment and Housing Facilities

   • Opportunity: Bid for contracts to construct large-scale water treatment plants or master-planned housing developments in Guyana’s underserved areas like Linden or East Bank Demerara.

   • Notes: Leverage Guyana’s infrastructure boom and the government's commitment to regional development. Offer integrated solutions, including utilities and community facilities.

General Notes for All Business Sizes

• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Many initiatives, particularly in housing, agritourism, and infrastructure, encourage government collaboration. Small and medium enterprises should pursue co-investment opportunities where possible.

• Prioritize Sustainability: Across sectors, there’s a clear push for eco-friendly and sustainable development. Businesses that align with this trend will likely benefit from long-term government and consumer support.

• Focus on Rural and Hinterland Development: Many opportunities revolve around uplifting underserved regions like Linden, Wismar, and hinterland communities. Businesses that address these areas’ unique needs stand to gain early-mover advantages.

• Invest in Capacity Building: Whether offering training in construction, agribusiness, or technology, investing in skills will add value and differentiate your offerings.

By strategically aligning with these opportunities, businesses of all sizes can contribute to and benefit from Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Agritourism Micro-Experiences

   • Overview: Develop small-scale agritourism offerings such as weekend farm tours, fishing excursions, or "pick-your-own" produce experiences. With the government’s push for agritourism and growing interest in authentic experiences, this is an untapped market.

   • Execution: Partner with local farms or leverage family land to host short activities. Incorporate cultural elements like traditional cooking lessons or storytelling to attract both locals and tourists.

   • Why It Works: Low initial investment, especially for those with access to land or connections to farmers. Targets the growing tourism market while creating a unique, memorable offering.

2. Sustainable Water Filtration and Delivery Services

   • Overview: Provide affordable, portable water filtration systems or clean water delivery to underserved areas, leveraging the ongoing GWI infrastructure projects. Offer services tailored to rural or informal communities where access to treated water is limited.

   • Execution: Import or locally assemble filtration units and market them as a cost-effective, health-conscious solution. Pair with delivery services for those who lack access to transportation.

   • Why It Works: Addresses a real and immediate need while riding the wave of public interest in water access improvements. Scalable depending on available time and resources.

3. Premium Sorrel-Based Products

• Overview: Use sorrel (hibiscus) to create value-added products such as syrups, cordials, jams, or chutneys. With its cultural significance and growing demand during the festive season, sorrel can be transformed into premium goods that appeal to both local and diaspora markets.

• Execution: Partner with local farmers for fresh sorrel supply. Focus on small-batch, artisanal production with attractive packaging to stand out. Market the products through social media, local markets, and boutique stores.

• Why It Works: Sorrel is widely available and culturally relevant, especially during holidays. High profit margins and the ability to diversify product offerings make this a scalable and profitable venture.

Why These Ideas Are Ideal for Side Hustlers

• Flexibility: All these ideas can be scaled based on available time and resources, making them manageable for individuals with full-time jobs.

• High-Value Potential: They target growing markets (tourism, clean water, healthy living) and offer opportunities for sustainable income.

• Alignment with Trends: Each idea aligns with Guyana’s current economic expansion, sustainability focus, and government priorities, ensuring relevance and demand.

These side hustles can generate substantial extra income while contributing to Guyana’s evolving economy.