Sandra Ferguson honoured as IICA Leader of Rurality of the Americas

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Grenada has proudly announced Sandra Ferguson as one of the 2025 Leaders of Rurality of the Americas, an honour that recognises her decades of transformative leadership and dedication to advancing rural development in Grenada.

The award was officially presented to Ferguson by Gregory Delsol, Technical Specialist at IICA Grenada, on behalf of IICA’s Director General Dr Manuel Otero, and Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States Gregg Rawlins, during a brief ceremony held at the IICA Grenada Office on 21 October 2025.

“It is indeed a pleasure to hand over to Sandra her certificate as one of the Leaders in Rurality of the Americas,” said Delsol. “Sandra has given sterling service to the rural community, both individually and through her leadership of the Agency for Rural Transformation (ART). Today, we acknowledge her excellent service over the years.”

The Leaders of Rurality of the Americas Award celebrates individuals whose innovation, perseverance, and community leadership have improved the lives of rural populations and strengthened food security and sustainability across the Americas. The initiative, launched in 2020, shines a light on the “unsung heroes of the countryside” whose work sustains agri-food systems and promotes inclusive development.

IICA Grenada’s nomination of Ferguson was made in recognition of her more than 30 years of tireless service and visionary work with the Agency for Rural Transformation (ART), where she led programmes that expanded access to credit, strengthened technical support for farmers, and promoted empowerment among women and youth in rural communities. Her advocacy and leadership have also contributed to landmark national movements such as “Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow” and “Eat Local. Eat Healthy” fostering food sovereignty and nutrition awareness in Grenada.

“I accept this award less on my own behalf than on behalf of the Agency for Rural Transformation and the partners who worked alongside us to make these initiatives successful,” Ferguson said in her remarks.

Reflecting on ART’s accomplishments, she acknowledged several impactful initiatives, including the revitalisation of Grenada’s beekeeping sector — one of ART’s most successful micro-projects — and the introduction of community-based food security programmes that encouraged composting, local production, and healthy eating habits. “We are proud that through collaborative efforts and strong community partnerships, our projects have inspired positive change and strengthened resilience among rural families,” she added.

Delsol expressed deep gratitude to IICA headquarters for endorsing the nomination and commended Ferguson for her lifelong dedication to sustainable agricultural and rural development. “Her recognition as a Leader of Rurality of the Americas is a powerful affirmation of her commitment to building resilient communities and empowering rural people,” IICA Grenada noted. “Her example continues to inspire efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for Grenada and the wider Caribbean.”

Since the inception of the Leaders of Rurality of the Americas in 2020, the award has recognised dozens of outstanding individuals throughout Latin America and the Caribbean whose stories exemplify hope, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of rural life.

IICA