CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCES IN DEVELOPING FAMILY FARMING

REGIONAL DIALOGUE ON FAMILY FARMING: TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FAMILY FARMING 1 Santiago, Chile October 30-31, 2013

Prepared by;Vernet JamesSaint Lucia

INTRODUCTION

In most Caribbean countries the concept of family farming is relatively new with most farmers because many are not familiar with the term.

In the livestock sector, most of the enterprises have been predominantly family farming.

INTRODUCTION (cont’d)

However, efforts are underway to change this because of the role it plays in our current food and nutrition security needs with the current global economic crisis facing us all. Also to ensure that there is a continuum in the Agricultural Sector of our various countries.

INTRODUCTION (cont’d)

These traditional systems contribute directly to the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and their families in our sub-region, which makes it possible to access vegetables, meat products and fish on their tables.

PRODUCTION ENTERPRISES

Crop & Seedling Production Livestock Aquaculture Fisheries Forestry Ornamentals Agro-Processing, Craft, Agro-tourism

CARIBBEAN POLICY STATEMENTS

Two main policies which govern our agriculture in the region, have been used to strategically reposition the concept of family farming and to revitalize the small-scale farming sector.

CARIBBEAN POLICY STATEMENTS

The Regional Food and Nutrition Policy and Action Plan (2011)

To strengthen agricultural production, marketing systems and enterprises including building up institutional capacity to support their development.

To promote the consumption of safe and nutritious food.

To ensure stability of food supplies.

CARIBBEAN POLICY STATEMENTS

The Community Agriculture Policy (CAP). The policy supports several issues of

interest to small farming including innovative approaches to agriculture. credit production (credit and market credit), risk management and disaster, agriculture research and quality control, extension services, value chains and agri-business.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES Sustainable Land Management

Plans - Zoning: The proper use and development of

lands for crops, livestock and aquaculture. Ensuring sustainability of our natural resources and environment.

- Land Bank Programs: Government led initiatives for young farm families, through the acquisition of agricultural dormant lands.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

Improved Technologies & Capacity Building:

- Green House Technologies- Aquaculture - Farmer Field School- Irrigation & Rain Water Harvesting Practices

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

-Tissue Culture (Most countries are focusing on the use of improved germ-plasm, through tissue culture and or well managed plant seedling nurseries.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

Improved Technologies & Capacity Building

- Farmer Certification program/ Good Agricultural Practices

(capacity building in food safety and fresh produce quality control).

- The use of modern facilities for rearing of small ruminants and Poultry, with establish feeding regimes.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

The development of our Health & Wellness agro-sector, through the production , education and processing of herbs & spices, in order to combat nutrition-related health problems.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

The Food Based Dietary Guidelines developed and instituted through our Caribbean region;

It fosters further growth and sustainability of our small scale farmers, (by developing demand-side drivers) from the rising educational demands of a populous who have been caused to shift its habitual eating patterns.

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES School Agriculture:- School Base Learning programs- School Feeding /School Garden Programs- Food & Nutrition Programs- School Gardens/ Home Garden Initiatives

CARIBBEAN INITIATIVES

Backyard Gardening Programs; Several Governments through their

Ministries of Agriculture, and other NGO’s have dedicated substantive resources to promote and to provide technical support to the practice of home or backyard gardening in the region.

Backyard Gardening - Vegetables & Rabbits

CHALLENGES

o In general, water for irrigation is a major constraint for most small scale farmers.

o While the challenges to access available water are most severe for hillside farmers , the majority of small farmers are exposed to the potential risk of crop loss and poor pasture performance due to drought conditions.

CHALLENGES

Rainwater harvesting in DominicaSmall farmer using harvested rainwater in Jamaica

CHALLENGES

In addition small scale farmers experience serious loss of harvest in crops, livestock and fisheries including freshwater aquaculture from theft (praedial larceny)

Some other factors that pose challenges are;

- High input cost- Access to credit, especially low interest.- Farm access roads, transportation of

produce and inputs.

REFERENCES