Marcus N. A. Ramdwar

Exploring the Barriers and Opportunities to the Development of Farmers’ Groups in Selected Caribbean Countries

Farmers’ groups are being targeted as an important sector to hasten Caribbean agricultural development. The region however, has a recorded history of high levels of failure with farmers’ group development; many are formed but few are sustained to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development. A focus group assessment was conducted with extension officers from St. Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad, three neighbouring independent islands in the Southern Caribbean, to identify the issues related to the failures of farmers’ groups and the actions critically needed for success. The main issues that limit group development include poor leadership, weak task cohesion and low levels of farmer motivation and lack of trust. There was consensus among the participants that improved group dynamics, good governance, increased government involvement and improved farmer motivation can impact the formation, functioning and survivability of farmers’ groups. The findings help extension officers and policy makers to plan interventions that can promote the successful organization of farmers into groups, a key pre-requisite to meet regional agricultural development goals.

The influence of commercial food grade essences on the efficacy of metaldehyde for the control of Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich)

Abstract The highly invasive giant African snail (GAS) has been found in several agricultural areas of Trinidad. Because this snail is able to feed on many different types of crops, it is proving to be a serious threat to the economic viability of farmers in this country. The results presented in this study are the most recent of several pest control strategies attempted. Five cotton pads, soaked with 1:1 mixtures (by volume) of each of five food grade essences (Aniseed, Banana, Coconut, Lemon and Vanilla) and metaldehyde, and a sixth pad of only metaldehyde (the control), were placed at strategic distances from each other in each of five blocked patterns at various sites in each of two locations, known to be infested with GAS. The number of snail deaths was recorded for each pad and the maturity stages of snails were noted. Summary statistics, stacked horizontal bar graphs, GLM models of the total number of snail deaths and of the deaths for each maturity stage all point to the same trends. The Banana: metaldehyde preparation was the most significantly effective in killing snails of all maturities at both locations. The immature snails were much more attracted to the essences than either the neonates or the adults. Some essences were more effective at one location and others were more effective at the other location, possibly because of odours from the crops at the two locations interacting with those of the essences and either enhancing or muting the attraction of the latter.

Evaluation of bucket traps baited with selected foods for attracting giant African snails, Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich) in Trinidad

Abstract The giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, is a known agricultural pest with some public health concern; it was introduced in Trinidad in 2008. The purpose of this study is to highlight results obtained from the evaluation of the attractiveness of L. fulica to selected food baits in a bucket trap set up. Selected food baits (banana, breadfruit, cabbage and papaya) were evaluated for their use as a potential attractant for L. fulica in two different locations in Orange Grove, Trinidad. All food baits used in the traps showed some level of attraction. Data suggests that small and medium sized snails appeared to be associated with a more significant contribution to total snail counts than large snails for the food baited traps used in the study. Being an agricultural and public health pest, the management of giant African snail is a serious concern at the farm and national levels. Thus it is important that various management strategies are explored whether intended to complement current baiting strategies or to assist in the monitoring of populations in infested areas over time.

The preferential feeding habits of Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops grown and weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the preferential feeding habits of the Giant African Snail (GAS) Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops and selected weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies. The intraspecific plant vulnerabilities such as vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers and pods/fruits) of ochro, pumpkin, seim, papaya and eggplant were investigated. Additionally, the preference for leaves of selected weeds (Amaranth spp, Portulaca oleracea and Cleome spp) and root crops (cassava, sweet potato and dasheen) were investigated. In determining the intraspecific preference for the parts within a crop, 10 g of each component (leaves, flowers and pods) were placed into a chamber with three adult GAS, averaging 5 cm in length and replicated five times for each crop. The GAS had the option to choose between vegetative and reproductive structures. Similarly, 10 g of leaves for each weed were placed into a chamber with three adult snails and replicated five times. In determining the vulnerabilities for the leaves of the selected root crops, the treatment and replicates were similar to the weeds in that the GAS also had the option to select among the leaves of the root crops presented. The amount of plant material consumed after 24 and 48 h was recorded and statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Student of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The results of the study showed that the GAS exhibit significant preferences (p < .05) for components of plant parts within a plant and for consuming more leaves of one type of weed and root crop over another. The study concluded that by knowing the specific vulnerabilities of a crop to the GAS, the crop protection approaches to controlling the GAS in a cropping system can be more appropriately redesigned and precision based.

Estimating the potential consumption level of amaranth for food security initiatives in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract Most commercially grown produce in the Caribbean is cultivated from imported hybrid seeds. Consumers’ preferential demand has caused traditional indigenous vegetables to be edged out by these exotic varieties. In this study, we investigated the patterns of Amaranth (an indigenous vegetable) consumption in Trinidad and Tobago. A structured survey was used to capture information from 678 residents (58% women, 63% aged 21 to 40 years) about current consumption, awareness of nutritional and other benefits, and possible increased future consumption under different circumstances. Most (96%) were aware of amaranth but fewer (66%) of its nutritional value. Only 41%, however, reported consuming it regularly. Still, 80% liked its taste and 78% found it easy to prepare. Chi Square tests revealed significant correlations between some demographics and amaranth use. Exploratory factor analysis of a scale on potential consumption of amaranth yielded two latent multidimensional components. Statistical tests (t and ANOVA) of demographic impacts on these factors estimated that income class does not influence use; men and younger people are more conscious of Amaranth’s diet potential and taste; older people, afro-Trinidadians and those identifying as Christians would consume more amaranth because of its nutrient benefits and if packaged conveniently, with good storage properties.

An evaluation of Sargassum seaweed media compositions on the performance of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling production

Abstract There has been a massive influx of Sargassum in the Caribbean causing devastating consequences. The current study investigated the utilization of Sargassum (a mixture of the Sargassum flutens and Sargassum natans species) as a substrate formulated with imported promix. Experiments were conducted during April to May in 2016 to evaluate the performance and quality of hot pepper seedlings using Sargassum-promix formulations. The seedlings were visually evaluated on the 45th day after sowing by an independent panel to visually score seedling quality. At the same time, the sample mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of nine seedling physical characteristics. A one-way MANOVA analysis, with formulation ratio as the independent variable and these nine characteristics as correlated dependent variables, was carried out using SPSS V.22. Introducing Sargassum into the formulation caused statistically significant differences in the majority of the seedling characteristics. However, these actual differences are small and are unlikely to practically impact seedling production except with one characteristic, where the change is beneficial. The treatment formulations of Sargassum significantly improved the sturdiness of the seedlings. Sargassum can be successfully utilized to reduce the reliance on 100% imported commercial promix.