CARICOM FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Agricultural Extension Division (AED) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs (MAFBA) held a seminar named Antigua and Barbuda upscaling L3F (Lifelong Learning for Farmers) COL (Commonwealth of Learning) Implementation plan consensus Capacity Building Workshop. This two-days meeting was held on November 21st and 22nd, and the aim was to:

• Gather Information on commodities (Cassava, Sweet pepper, Tomatoes, Onion, Broilers) (Chicken for Meat)

• Develop a Plan using a range of data

• Use this plan to develop a draft policy

• The draft policy will be submitted by COL to the Government and Stakeholders

• Seek approval of the policy

• Implementation.

In the opening speech, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Barbuda Affairs, Hon. Samantha Marshall expressed her and the government’s commitments in regard to” Food Security and Food Sovereignty” (FS & FS). Quoting the infamous Marcus Garvey “There is no height to which we cannot climb by using the active intelligence of our own minds. The mind creates, and as much as we desire in nature, we can have through the creation of our own minds.” Minister Marshall expounded on this quote by explaining “the boundless ability of our people to collectively unleash, strengthen, and maintain our organisations, industries, economies and society as a whole successfully. In other words, as farmers and agricultural stakeholders, we must sow the seeds of sacrifice and reap the harvest of success by developing and expanding your capacity. More so, when we talk about capacity development, we are essentially talking about obtaining knowledge and skills and applying them to better our productivity, better at solving problems, and set then fulfil better objectives.”

Additionally, the minister spoke and encouraged everyone to be onboard in the quest of FS & FS, by supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, some of which are No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being for people, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Responsible Consumption and Production.

In closing, the Minister reminded all present of the MOU pertains to a 25% decrease of importation within the region by 2025 and referred to MAFBA strengthens which is the partnerships with international, regional organizations, farmers, fisherfolks, stakeholders and individuals. “We have to begin to achieve our goals”, said Minister Marshall.

Topics presented were:

· Food Security in Antigua and Barbuda; this topic was presented by Maud Vere Bradford, Senior Research Officer in MAFBA. The four pillars of Food Security were explained these were Availability, Accessibility, Food utilization and stability of food supply.

Additionally, Bradford informed the participants that the agricultural outstations assist with the increasing of production, research, data collection and improvement of seeds.

 

· Land use and value of Land in Agriculture; Kevin Edwards, Development Planning and Design Coordinator within the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Renewal, stressed on the importance of a Land Use Policy, the adequate allotment and the sustainable use of lands on Antigua.

· L3F Approach to Agriculture and Policy Development was presented by Petranilla Estreada-Joseph, Agricultural Assistant III (MAFBA) and COL Program Assistant. She precisely explained the intentions and benefits of this exercise. Additionally, she outlined the importance of the stakeholders input and support were essential going forward”. Estreada-Joseph expressed that “as a COL assistant, I use every opportunity to motivate farmers to further develop their livelihoods and encourage stakeholders to support, co-operation and collaborate with the Agricultural sector as it is very viable for our economy and our wellbeing. My personal motto is – “You only fail if you stop trying”.

· The role of Extension in Food Production and Agro-processing was presented by Owolabi Elabanjo, Acting Chief Extension Officer (MAFBA) and COL Project Lead. In his presentation he reiterated that one of the main functions of the AED was information dissemination and training.

· Gender Gaps in relation of food sufficiency and the SDGs was presented by Raisa Charles who explained the antiquated and perceived notion on the roles of females and children in the society. During her deliberation she advocated more involvement and input from women in the sector is crucial and prudent.

There were approximately forty persons in attendance. Representatives and stakeholders from several sectors such as farmers, agro-processors, backyard gardeners, other pertinent government ministries and agencies such as Customs, Tourism, Intellectual Property, Bureau of Standard, Health, Education, Information also present were Youth Parliament, Antigua & Barbuda Development Bank, Diabetes and Persons with Disabilities Associations.

During the two days, these participants were divided into four working groups and given the tasks of answering questions. The answers and information submitted would be analyzed and used for the intended policy. “I believe the workshop was a success. We had many stakeholders who gave various contributions. Going forward farmers who grow and rear the selected commodities will be contacted to ascertain what they require to upscale and maximize their production. Thereafter, a national plan will be drafted and forwarded to Cabinet for approval through the COL. Once this is done then the Implementation will begin,”. Estreada-Joseph said.