LAUNCH AND POLICY DIALOGUE
REGIONAL FAO-IFAD ProjectSTRENGHENING DECENT RURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN IN THE CARIBBEAN
7 - 9 September 2015 Bridgetown, Barbados
An overview of who we are , where came from and what our experience has been
Ivor BelgraveTRINITY VALLEY INC.
Trinity Valley Inc.
What and who we are:• Youth Empowerment
• Environmental impacts
• Mental Health
• Family health & welfare
Background
HIGHLIGHTS
2006 - Trinity Valley Inc. conceptualised2007 - GEF SGP UNDP grant for initial project:
“Offsetting Carbon Emission By Creating Carbon And Alternative Livelihoods.
2007 to 2010 – Grant funding to offset climate change in Barbados (networking opportunities)
2010 – Funding boost for mental health services in education system
The Organization’s Focus
Our focus areas from inception are:– Environment
Focus
– Eco-Tourism (hikes & tours)
Focus
– Counselling (schools, families)
Focus
– Agriculture (specialty product – rabbits)
Agriculture operations
Two locations – St. George (administrative arm); St. Lucy (farming arm)
An acre of land with opportunities for expansion
Other poultry livestock are also at the location.
Relevant environmental practices are observed.
Agriculture Focus: Why rabbits?
• Higher in protein
• High reproduction
• Don’t need a great amount of space to thrive
• High demand for meat & fur
• A low disease rate
Long-term Value
• A strong sub-sector to egg and poultry sector
• It’s a billion dollar industry world-wide
• Vast export options
• Major foreign exchange earner to the Barbados/region
Youth Employment Opportunities• Care of rabbits
Facility expansion to house and care for animals
• Tour guidesYouth will be trained to conduct tours (long-term)
• Counsellors
• Mentoring Opportunities for challenged youth in rabbitry.
Challenges & recommendations• Funding
Out of the box thinking for projects
• Sustainability Rabbits
• Access to local and overseas marketsMeetings with local and overseas buyers aided by trade
shows etc
• Export access issues Inspection, certification, testing, etc
THANK YOU
