Wendy-Ann P. Isaac

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.

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.

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.

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.

Herbicide Use and Increased Scourge of Parthenium hysterophorus in Vegetable Production in Trinidad and Tobago

This chapter highlights a survey of vegetable-producing areas to determine the occur‐ rence, distribution and importance of Parthenium hysterophorus in Trinidad. The weed can significantly reduce crop yields and quality due to its aggressive growth habit, competi‐ tiveness and allelopathic interference. Due to its invasive capacity and allelopathic prop‐ erties, Parthenium hysterophorus has the potential to disrupt the natural ecosystem and threaten the biodiversity. It is a difficult weed to manage, and a wide variety of methods, starting with prevention and containment, is necessary to reduce the incidence and spread of this weed. An integrated approach using cultural, physical, chemical and bio‐ logical techniques is necessary to be successful. Focus is made on specific herbicides cur‐ rently being used to manage this weed in vegetables. Despite the negative impact of this weed on the biodiversity, this chapter also explores the potential of the beneficial proper‐ ties of Parthenium hysterophorous as a mechanism of management.

Weed Management Challenges in Fairtrade Banana Farm Systems in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean

The banana (Musa sp.) is the foundation of the agricultural and rural-based community life of the Windward Islands where about 8000 farmers are involved in its production. Banana is primarily grown on small farms in hilly areas averaging two hectares in size, usually owned by local family farmers and exported mainly to Britain and Europe. These farmers have limited financial resources, farm part-time and grow other crops and/or livestock in their system of farming. With the loss of preferential European market arrangements and higher production costs than Latin America, many banana growers have turned to alternative marketing arrangements such as Fairtrade to maintain their profitability.

Commelina diffusa Population Dynamics in Banana and RuderalHabitats under Mechanical and Herbicide Management Regimes

Commelina diffusa is a colonising species of banana orchard habitats in St. Vincent in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. In the present study, the population dynamics of C. diffusa were investigated in response to mechanical weed management with either a rotary string trimmer or glufosinate in ruderal and banana habitats. The study focused on density and size distribution of the weed over time and their response to two weed management strategies. The population dynamics of C. diffusa differed between the two habitats. Seedling establishment appeared to be an important factor influencing the dynamics of C. diffusa in banana orchards as there was little recruitment of seeds with less flower production compared with ruderal habitats where plants produced more flowers. Plants of C. diffusa in the banana orchard habitat had a longer growth cycle. In the banana orchard habitat, the C. diffusa population was greater and the plants were shorter with mechanical management than in areas treated with glufosinate. The results suggest that it is possible to manipulate the dynamics of C. diffusa in banana orchards as there is less chance of seed recruitment. Further research is necessary to refine an IPM approach for the management of C. diffusa.