Wayne Ganpat

Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Small Island Developing States

With the potential to impact weather patterns, agriculture, and habitability of certain regions, global warming is a topic of interest to environmentalists, scientists, as well as farmers around the world. The threat of food shortages and famine especially becomes a major concern as a result of recent climate shifts.Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Small Island Developing States discusses the repercussions of a shifting climate on food production and availability in small island nations. Comprised of research-based chapters on topics relevant to crop management, sustainable development, and livestock management on island territories, this advanced reference work is appropriate for environmental researchers, food scientists, academicians, and upper-level students seeking the latest information on agricultural concerns amidst a changing climate.

Compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) by state-registered and non-registered vegetable farmers in Trinidad, West Indies

If Trinidad farmers are to meet consumers’ demands for safer food and also the requirements for export of produce then they must embrace Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on farms. This study assessed the extent of compliance with GAPs among smallholder vegetable farmers (n = 196) across Trinidad, West Indies. Farmers were randomly selected and surveyed using a structured interview schedule designed to capture personal, demographic and farm related data as well as the extent of compliance with GAPs from the recommended protocols governing production and post production practices. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and categorical regression. Overall, compliance was low among all farmers; farmers registered as exporters with the state owned national marketing company had lower compliance levels than those not registered; the level of compliance with GAPs was different based on gender, education, farming experience, number of extension visits received, size of farm, land tenure status and export status (all at p ≤ 0.05 of level of significance). Categorical regression results showed that the status of land tenure, number of extension visits received and the institution at which farmers were trained were the most important factors determining the extent of compliance with GAPs. Land tenure and number of extension visits were consistently the most important factors among the entire sample and subsamples (registered as exporters and non-registered with the state owned national marketing company). If Trinidad farmers are to produce vegetables of higher quality, which are safe to eat and meet all international safety protocols then urgent actions are needed i) to better educate the extension service in order to improve GAPs compliance and ii) for governmental intervention to improve farmers’ land tenancy arrangements.

Farmers' Attitude towards a Participatory Research Method Used to Evaluate Weed Management Strategies in Bananas.

Abstract In this study, farmers were engaged in a participatory research project and their attitudes evaluated. The purpose was to identify the characteristics of farmers who are favourably predisposed towards meaningful participation in the process. Several cover crops were tested for possible use in the management of watergrass (Commelina diffusa), a noxious weed in banana cultivation. Small, limited-resource farmers were exposed to the essentials of systematic research through a process of experiential learning using participatory techniques. Thirty-six farmers evaluated three cover crops against the current weed control practice of farmers, which served as the control. Farmers and researchers collaborated on the experimental design, treatment allocation, data to be collected and the form of the analysis. Summary data were subjected by the farmers to the Overlap Test to evaluate differences among the treatments. Results indicated that one cover crop, Desmodium heterocarpon, was better than the others in controlling watergrass. These results were confirmed by ANOVA. A Likert-type scale, used to assess farmers’ attitude, showed that overall, farmers were generally favourable towards the process. Differences in responses to attitudinal statements were based mainly on farmers’ differing education levels. Some level of attrition was experienced in this process, mainly by the older and more experienced farmers. The younger, less experienced farmers completed the trials to a large extent. The results provide useful information for the selection of farmers to be involved in future participatory technology development initiatives.

Toward a model of promoting youth development in the Caribbean through agriculture investment

For young people to be fully vested in society, they must be given the resources to become empowered for productivity. A model for engagement based on an analysis of a selection of youth agricultural programs with emphasis on those living in developing nations is presented. The model takes into account the social, cultural, ethnic, and resource diversity in the Caribbean region and argues that a flexible, rather than a fixed model is more contextually appropriate. After a review of select youth programs in the Caribbean and Africa, we offer a model with components that compliments particular circumstances within a country and would allow for flexible implementation. From this perspective, the face and, more importantly, the engagement of youth in Caribbean society can be significantly enhanced if these young people are supported by appropriate interventions that allow them to fully engage in the agricultural sector.

Exploring Youth Development Workers in the Process of Civic Youth Engagement in Trinidad and Tobago

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of civic youth development within the wider context of Caribbean youth, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. It is important to understand youth development from this perspective given the critical social and developmental changes within the Caribbean. A qualitative research methodology was used to examine these issues. Eighty-two adult youth development workers from across the country were asked a series of questions on their knowledge and understanding of civic engagement, barriers to involving youth in community activities, and what they feel motivates youth to participate. Data collected were analyzed using the NVIVO statistical software. Several themes emerged for each question in the data set. These included creating positive civic experiences, teaching youths to be good citizens, empowering youths, engaging youths in community activities, adult mentoring, parental and community involvement, generation gap, time and social constraints, incentives, adult involvement, and youth participation. The results provide a foundation upon which a model can be built for the full engagement of young people in programs and activities that can impact positively on their quality of life.

Integrated Weed Management Practices for Adoption in the Tropics

These sustainable farming methods have been described in pejorative terms as drudgery, laborious, and inefficient. Many have been rejected and new technologies and other high energy based inputs have been embraced. These technologies are costly and heavily foreignexchange dependent. They also disturb the delicate ecological balance resulting in increased occurrence of pests and diseases, shift in noxious weed populations, soil erosion and pollution of the air and water resources.

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.

Demand for organic produce

Purpose - – The differentiation that takes place in the Trinidad market only classifies tomatoes on the basis of its size. Farmers in many countries have been making an effort at agronomic differentiation strategies in order to receive better incomes. The purpose of this paper is to determine Trinidadian consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) and the market potential for organic tomatoes when marketed as a differentiated product. Design/methodology/approach - – A survey research methodology was used in this study. A total of 405 consumers to be surveyed were randomly chosen using proportionate sampling. A logistic regression was used to estimate the factors affecting consumers’ WTP for organic tomatoes. An ANOVA model was used to determine the mean maximum WTP for organic tomatoes based on selected factors. Findings - – Most consumers were willing to pay premium prices for organic tomatoes. Results indicated that consumers’ area of residence, educational level, income range, and their perception of the health benefits derived from organic tomatoes significantly influenced their WTP for organic tomatoes. Research limitations/implications - – Empirical results suggests a differentiated organic market should be implemented in Trinidad. Originality/value - – Given an informed consumer base, farmers can expect to receive a premium price for their produce. Consumers can benefit from having more choices in the agricultural market.

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.

Connecting Small Farmers in the Caribbean to Knowledge, Networks, and Institutions Through ICTs

ABSTRACT Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to be useful in agricultural knowledge systems to improve communication linkages among research, extension services, and farmers. The end result would be new information and technologies being made available to those who need it the most in larger numbers and in a timelier manner. While the role of ICTs in stimulating technological, organizational, institutional, and policy innovations in developing countries has been recognized, in many Caribbean States where ICTs are becoming readily available, the development and use of ICT in agricultural research and innovation systems remain underexploited, despite the fact that the agricultural sector in these developing nations accounts for a significant amount of the total employed labor force. This article traces key developments in ICT use in the agricultural sector in the Caribbean region, while highlighting the challenges as well as the potential of this technology. Several initiatives in the region are described and suggestions made for the development of innovative, appropriate, and efficient information and communication systems.