From Farm to Flavor: How One Session Transformed Ameer Rahim’s Agricultural Journey

Introduction

In the heart of Blairmont, a farming village along the fertile West Coast of Berbice, Guyana’s largest agricultural region, Ameer Rahim’s, story stands as a compelling example of how inclusive market systems and access to critical information can transform a smallholder farmer into a thriving agro-entrepreneur. This case study explores the systemic changes that empowered Ameer to overcome persistent agricultural challenges and build a sustainable business, illustrating the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in rural development.

Background

In the quiet farming village of Blairmont, nestled along the fertile West Coast of Berbice in Region 5, Guyana’s largest agricultural hub, you will find a young and ambitious farmer named Ameer Rahim. Long before the first rays of sunlight touched the rooftops and the village began to stir, Ameer was already in the fields. His boots pressed into the cool, dew-laced earth as he moved purposefully between rows of vibrant peppers and hearty leafy greens. Though his farm was modest in size, his dreams were anything but small. For Ameer, farming was more than a livelihood. It was a legacy, a passion, and a vision of growth rooted deeply in the land he called home.

Like many farmers in his community, Ameer faced a familiar struggle: despite his tireless work, the fruits of his labor rarely translated into prosperity. Market prices fluctuated wildly, inputs were costly and scarce, and without proper storage or processing facilities, his harvests lost value before they could reach customers. He sold what he could at local markets, but the cycle of uncertainty persisted. Yet, Ameer never lost faith in agriculture—he just hadn’t yet found the key to unlock its true potential.

That key came in the form of a simple invitation to an Access to Services session in nearby Blairmont.

The Day That Changed Everything

Walking into the bustling hall in Blairmont, Ameer felt a surge of hope. Around him were farmers like himself, agro-processors, government officials, and representatives from organizations eager to support agricultural growth. It was a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity, a living market system where connections sparked innovation and growth.

Here, Ameer met the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), which introduced him to agro-processing facilities right in his region—shared resources where farmers could transform raw produce into value-added products. For the first time, Ameer saw a path beyond just selling fresh crops. He imagined crafting his own line of pepper sauces and fruit preserves, products that carried the authentic taste of Berbice to new markets.

The Small Business Bureau (SBB), which was also at the Access to Service Session, stepped in as a vital partner, guiding Ameer through the maze of business registration, helping him apply for a small grant, and connecting him with a mentor who would walk alongside him on this new journey. They also invited him to other sessions that opened doors to customers and networks far beyond his village.

Green Agro introduced Ameer to innovative agricultural practices, enrolling him in a micronutrient trial that soon boosted his crop yields. Meanwhile, extension officers from NAREI continued to visit his farm, offering expert advice on soil health, crop diversification, and post-harvest handling.

Suddenly, what had seemed like isolated challenges began to unravel as a system of support came alive around him. This was the power of a market systems approach, where farmers, service providers, and institutions work together to create sustainable, inclusive growth.

From Farmer to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Country Side Flavours

Armed with new knowledge, improved yields, and access to processing facilities, Ameer took bold leap.

He launched Country Side Flavours, a brand that embodied the rich, rustic essence of rural Berbice. 

His pepper sauces, processed Morianga and other herbs, and coconut oil were more than products; they were stories bottled with care, flavors crafted from the land he loved.

With SBB’s help, Ameer showcased his products at Berbice Expos and Christmas Village, and other business forums, gaining visibility and credibility. He wasn’t just a farmer anymore; he was an entrepreneur controlling his entire value chain—from seed to shelf.

Recognition, Growth, and Giving Back

In 2024, Ameer’s hard work was celebrated at the Ministry of Tourism and Small Business Bureau Annual Awards Ceremony, where he received an award recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit and impact. But for Ameer, the real victory was the transformation he saw in himself and his community.

By 2025, he stood confidently at the Farmer to Business Symposium at Splashmins Resort, sharing his story with aspiring farmers. His message was clear: “I didn’t start with a big business plan. I started with a farm, a dream, and the decision to show up. Showing up changed everything.”

Today, Country Side Flavours is growing, with plans to expand into dehydrated snacks and seasoning blends. Ameer has created jobs for three part-time workers from his village, mentoring others and inspiring a new generation of farmers to believe in their potential.

A Story of Systemic Change

Ameer Rahim’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of a market systems approach. It shows how, when farmers gain access to the right services, knowledge, and market linkages—and when institutions collaborate to support them, agriculture can become a thriving business, not just a way of life.

His story reminds us that change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when communities connect, when opportunities are accessible, and when one person’s decision to show up unlocks a thousand possibilities.

And so, from the quiet fields of West Coast Berbice, Country Side Flavours continues to grow—one bottle, one job, and one dream at a time.

The End or is it the Beginning?