AARRTT HHiigghhlliigghhttss 1100tthh CCWWAA,, DDoommiinniiccaa OOccttoobbeerr 22001111

tthhee FFoooodd aanndd NNuuttrriitt iioonn cciirrccllee ccoonnnneeccttiinngg tthhee ddoottss

AARRTT iiss aa ppllaattffoorrmm tthhaatt......

Photos: Brent Theophille/CaRAPN

(1) Brings together a diverse group of

stakeholders. . .

(2) in an open, unscripted and free-flowing

dialogue on . . .

(3) important issues and initiatives in agriculture,

food and nutrition to. . .

(4) identify good practices and explore

possible ways forward. . .

(5) that could lead to genuine benefits for

stakeholders.

ootteess

SSppeecciiaall RReeppoorrtt 1166 NNoovveemmbbeerr 22001111

ppooll ii cciieess ffoorr

aaggrr iiccuu llttuurree

ffoorr

pprrooggrreessss

Caribbean

Regional

Agricultural Policy

Network - growing

as a vehicle and

platform for

networking on

issues, initiatives

and information

sharing for

agriculture, food

and nutrition

security in the

Caribbean.

CaRAPN’s main

focus is to:

#1: Foster net-

working and

collaboration

among institutions

and stake-holder

groups in

agriculture;

#2: Build capacity

for and support

the policy

dialogue, analysis

and formulation

process;

#3: Generate and

facilitate access

to information

and analysis to

support evidence

- based policy

and planning

TThhee FFoooodd aanndd NNuuttrriittiioonn CCiirrccllee .. .. .. CCoonnnneeccttiinngg tthhee DDoottss

DDeeaarr AAllll::

On behalf of our partners, IICA and CTA, our collaborators in the ART/Policy Forum the

ACM, FAO and CARICOM Secretariat, other strategic allies, partners in development

(pid) and the rest of the Network,

TThank YYou MMerci

for your open mind, full participation and contribution in

ART, CaRAPN‟s preferred form of dialogue and networking. Your genuine willingness to

engage, share experiences and enhance knowledge deeply enriched the dialogue,

information sharing and Caribbean perspectives on important issues in food, nutrition

and agricultural development.

For our local participants, including the farmers, students, Dominica Food and Nutrition

Council, staff of the Extension and Forestry Divisions of the Ministry of Agriculture, and

all others, thanks you for facilitating us and sharing your time, experiences, ideas,

information and genuine camaraderie with us.

For the external participants, we know that you left Dominica recharged and with

wonderful, green and some wet memories of the nature isle. We hope that the

experience was in some way meaningful, both professionally and personally.

Thanks to Lennox, Erle, Brent and Moses, you can all share those memories with us. Visit,

look and reminisce on the following facebook locations: Lennox:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10150348134222834&type=1

Erle:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150365501363566.372664.698048565&ty

pe=1&l=efe5d3d6b1

CaRAPN:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CaRAPN/189382034445974?sk=wall

Continue the journey with us. Become a CaRAPN pid Diane and the team

This report seeks to highlight the main issues discussed and to acknowledge the

contributions of all. CaRAPN is responsible for all errors and omissions.

1 -

INTROduction

ART was hosted within the week-long events of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA).

The 2011 CWA theme “Caribbean Food and Nutrition Security in a Changing Climate – the

Nature Island Experience” provided the backdrop for ART on „the Food and nutrition circle-

connecting the dots‟ and a platform for promoting the Regional Food and Nutrition Security

and Action Plan (RFNSP& AP).

True to form and in its usual unconventional manner, ART tackled the issue of food and

nutrition security (FNS) in the Caribbean through a mixed format of (a) traditional „workshop‟

(kept to an absolute minimum), (b) open forum Round Tables and (c) field experiences.

Although a very topical issue in the region and around the world, there is still much

misinformation, misunderstandings, misinterpretations about FNS and the interface with

agriculture, industry, public health, education, services, the environment, and a number of

other cultural, socio-economic and political-institutional dimensions of equitable and

sustainable development.

The ART thus sought to raise awareness of the intent and contents of the RFNSP & AP and to

ground the policy into the realities and issues of producers and practitioners.

Merci tout moun! (Thanks everyone!) For keeping the dialogue open, frank and dynamic!

WELCOMING WORDS from our Sponsors & Collaborators

CaRAPN‟s principle supporter is the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation

(CTA) in partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

IICA representative and CaRAPN Coordinator, Diana Francis, welcomed the participants

and briefly placed the ART in its historical context (details available in the ART Resource

Brief).

Director of the CTA, Mr. Michael Hailu, underscored the CTA‟s commitment to supporting

the policy process in the Caribbean and in particular, issues related to food and nutrition

which has been identified as a priority in the CTA‟s Strategic Plan 2011-2015.

The Association of Caribbean Media workers (ACM), which collaborates to host ART,

represented by Julius Gittens, welcomed participants, expressed satisfaction at being

present as an equal partner and invited all to engage freely in the open dialogue, advising

all resource persons to „speak in simple language‟ so that the message would be clear.

Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), collaborators in the Policy

Forum, emphasised the importance of understanding the FNS issue in its entirety and in

particular, the concept of the Right to Food, an inalienable human right.

2 -

SEEing the BIG picture

Panoramic view of the village of Soufriére (the location of Field Visit #2 and Round Table #4) to Roseau in the distance,

from the Southernmost tip of the Island, Scotts Head. (photo - Moses Mike)

ART

The ART theme gave recognition to the fact that FNS is a complex issue with "no

particular menu to deal with it'. Dealing with FNS also requires input from a wide cross-

section of stakeholders at all levels. The 1/2 day Policy Forum was a new addition to the

ART and its main purpose was to promote and enhance awareness that a regional

policy does exist and to provide a backdrop for the national consultations that are to

come towards the development of national FNS policy and Action Plans

The important role of policy in establishing the framework for action cannot be

understated. This set the context for a discussion on the RFNSP and Action Plan, the roles

and actions of producers in policy formulation and implementation, situation with both

external and domestic resources to finance policy implementation and issues related to

utilisation and nutritional adequacy.

Having adequate resources to finance and implement actions is as equally important

as having a policy. The main sources of such financing does exist include donors,

domestic savings and foreign direct investment. However, there is increasing

competition for such resources, particularly donor resources, which placed more

pressure on Caribbean countries to be more creative and strategic in how they go

about mobilising resources for policy implementation.

Policy implementation could be facilitated by emphasising a Nutrition Policy instead of

a Food and Nutrition Policy. This issue, tabled at a previous ART in St. Lucia in July this

year, resurfaced and opened the door for discussions on nutrition promotion

campaigns. The opportunities to replace the common 'an apple a day' slogan with

local foods, using internationally recognised Caribbean personalities, are hugely

underutilised. The experience of Jamaica in the „peel proud‟ (a pun on feel proud)

campaign targeted at encouraging school children to consumer bananas was briefly

recognised as an example.

School feeding policy and programmes must factor in any long-term FNS solution,

particularly to nutrition security. The Policy Forum provided a platform for sharing of

experiences in school feeding programmes in the region and their linkages to local

farm produce. Experiences from Jamaica, Grenada, St, Lucia, Dominica, among

others, revealed similar challenges but more importantly, novel approaches which

became the germ of ideas to those nutritionists and school-feeding managers present.

Cultivating good eating habits in the home was a good and essential place to start

and build from.

3 -

Essential to a long term solution is the need to ensure sustainability and stability of food

systems, i.e., food security. The issues and challenges experienced by farmers in

Dominica mirrored that in all CARICOM countries. The age of the farmers, both men

and women, averaged over 65. Of significance is that when these farmers „retire‟, there

is no family member waiting in the wings to continue the farming enterprise. There is a

strong likelihood that retired farmers' lands could be sold to housing, hotel or some

other activity that is totally disconnected from agriculture. This perhaps remains among

the several under-appreciated issues with respect to stability of the food system.

Lack of succession planning in farming is serious enough to warrant urgent attention in

FNS policy. While hurricanes and other factors often disrupt food production and

distribution systems, loss of farm lands to a declining farming population is linked to the

apparent lack of youth involvement in agriculture. Extensionists in the Ministry of

Agriculture, Dominica, noted that there do exist a number of initiatives to get youth

involved in farming, such as including agriculture in curriculum at primary, secondary

and college levels and the National Association for Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), among

others. However challenges such as lack of access to capital, land, resources etc, still

hinder youth from entering and staying in the farming business.

Healthy forests and ecosystems are indispensible to productive agriculture and

sustainable and stable food supplies. There is need to bridge the gap in terms of linking

forestry and sustainable food production. Forestry experts from St. Lucia and Dominica

and a Permaculture practitioner from Trinidad all underscored this point in the context

of climate change, which is contributing to extreme weather variability and worsening

the vulnerability of agriculture and food production systems. As a result, the need to

balance the economics of agriculture with the health of eco-systems, including

effectively addressing the problem forests and watershed protection, soil conservation,

and in the case of the farmers in Syndicate, excessive parrot feedings on citrus fields, is

more important than ever before.

Diane (the ART-ists) saying ‘bon jour’ and

making sure that each one was

comfortable ....

(photo Erle Noronha)

...and on the same page

,...in the ART Resource Brief, that is

(LOL)!

(photo Brent Theophille)

4 -

Getting up close and personal with Mr. Charles

at his farm in Syndicate Participants are captured by the real life

experiences of Josepha on her farm in Syndicate Photos; Brent Theophille

Opportunities to balance economics with sustainable eco-system management are also

practical ways of connecting the FNS dots. The initiative taken by the Waitikubuli (Y-tee-

Ku-boo-lee) Trails that has inter-woven hiking and nature trails close to farmers‟ fields is

one example. The only and perhaps critical area of caution, as recognised by a few

participants, is attention to bio-security measures to minimize adverse effects on both

farmers‟ fields and indigenous forest species from the introductions of harmful invasive

alien species, which in the long run, could adversely impact both food availability and

food system stability.

Good policy is essential to channel the development process and particularly, to

mobilise action on the ground. Extension as the frontline of policy and interface

between government and producers must be used more effectively in the policy

implementation process. Enhancing effectiveness will require attention to better and

integrated planning and coordination of extension services. It will also require a

remodelling of Extension professionals as agents or change. In the case of agriculture,

Extension services were considered the ideal agency to reach farmers on issues

touching FNS and the broader agriculture environment to create a functional sector.

In reaching and teaching farmers and other stakeholders, language must be as simple

as possible. This was the main emphasis and message from the final Round Table, which

sought to ensure that the RFNSP and any other regional policy, is not relegated to

„collecting dust on the shelf in an office‟. The conversation was steered in the direction

of the „how to‟ in getting the real message across. This touched the heart of the ART –

communicating in a manner that brings enlightenment to inspire change.

Understanding the differences between issues and concerns and ‘building courses for

horses’ provided the base for animated final discussion. The common denominator in

the discussion was „information‟ – its availability, appropriate use and effective targeting

– to guide decision making and drive actions at all levels. Without the right information,

available in a timely manner, and messaged to the right people in the right language,

communication would be ineffective.

5 -

In Conclusion:-

the ART Round Tables, combined with the site visits provided this crop of ART-ists ART-

istes, ART-isans and the very few who consider themselves to be ART-efacts (like

Steve), an opportunity to ground the intent and content of policy into the realities

and expectations of the stakeholders, in this instance, small-scale producers,

traditional farmers, women in agriculture and professional farmers.

there was general agreement that all the issues in the FNS concept were integrally

connected. Some of the connectors in the FNS dots can be summed up in the

following inter-connected 'p' words: "policy parenting production promotions

projects public-private-partnerships" each important on its own merit, but critically

connected within the FNS concept. While there may not be any particular starting

point to making these connections, good integrated policy, „producing food while

taking care of the environment‟ and „enabling a healthy start‟ targeting children,

would be make some excellent starting points.

there was a concern that not all the dots in the FNS issue are recognised, well

understood or effectively connected. For example, conflicting trade policies that

enable imports of 'cheaper food', especially fast-food franchises, do so at the

expense of enabling local food producers and supporting the development of

'affordable local food products. High consumption of imported processed foods has

been linked to a similarly alarming rise in Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

(CNDCs) in the region.

There was enhanced awareness that while the FNS concept is indeed multi-sectoral,

the RFNSP and AP were undeniably linked to the CARICOM Community Agriculture

Policy (CCAP) where most, if not all of the food production related issues would be

more comprehensively addressed, including issues related to seed policy, soil

conservation and small farmer production.

The issues and challenges in FNS are not unique to the Caribbean, as indicated by

Sithembie Mwamakamba of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy

Analysis Network (FANRPAN) a sister network to CaRAPN in Southern Africa. Ms.

Mwamakamba noted that the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development

Programme (CAADP) 'changed the face of Agriculture in Southern Africa, making it

a top priority for the region'. CAADP can be considered to be the equivalent to the

RFNSP + CCAP in CARICOM.

good communication is central to informed and collective actions. In this regard,

CaRAPN made a start by preparing a special, easy on the eyes and brain document

that provides the basic information on the policy in contribution to the process for

'rolling out' the policy and action plan, once the latter is approved by COTED in

principle during the CWA (Friday 14th October). UWI's Faculty of Food and Agriculture

which will come on stream in 2012 is also positioning itself to support this 'roll out'

through outreach and other collaborative activities.

The bottom line message is that each ONE of us is a DOT with a concern

that collectively connects to become an FNS ISSUE that should be

EVRYONE‟s business!

6 -

SYNopsis Policy Forum The Policy Forum resembled the more traditional „workshop‟. The aim was

to introduce and raise awareness of the food and nutrition topic and the

RFNSP (2010) and Action Plan (2011). This was facilitated by the circulation

of a CaRAPN Summary of the CARICOM RFNSP & AP and presentations

from the CARICOM Secretariat, the Food and Agriculture Organisation

(FAO), the Caribbean Farmers Network (CAFAN), the Dominica Food and

Nutrition Council (DFNC) and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) from South Africa.

“You can lead a reader to the water but you can‟t make him think” Words of wisdom and caution that moderator

Julius Gittens (ACM) extracted from the New

York Times to place the ART in context and

kick-off dialogue on the absolute need for

policy makers, stakeholders and even the

media, to think critically on development

issues, such as FNS. He underscored that the

media must play a direct and explicit role in

guiding such critical thinking so that all

stakeholders are aware, knowledgeable and

involved in the processes that bring about

meaningful change. This is essentially a

governance issue and must take prominence in FNS. Julius challenged all stakeholders to use

ART and any other available platform and avenues to agitate change -a type of quiet green

revolution. Such change must include the need for (a) more friendly articulated policies, (b)

actions that make the implementation process less difficult and uncertain and (c) adopting

responsible policy directives that do not dis-enfranchise vulnerable stakeholder groups for

political expedience.

“there are different varieties of parents”

This simple, yet profound statement positions parenting as a major dot

in the F&N circle. In placing the FNS topic in context, Mrs. Lambert

raised a number of fundamental issues, including, the role of parents,

particularly mothers, in building the foundation for healthy food

choices, the role of the education system for both complementing

and/or replacing that function, particularly in vulnerable households.

The role of policy makers is also critical in clearly understanding the

task ahead and responding through the design and implementation

of effective policies and programmes. In using the current experience

of the DFNC in formulating a national F&N policy, Mrs. Lambert

underscored the importance of good policy, in terms of a fully

participatory process, meaningful and well communicated content

and practical actions that can be implemented for real impact.

Mrs Eleanore Lambert

Chair,

Dominica Food and

Nutrition Council

(DFNC) (Photo: Brent

Theophille)

Julius Gittens, ACM

(Photo: Lennox Lampkin)

7 -

SYNopsis of Presentations

Do something very new and very creative; don‟t just think outside the

box, kick away the box

This was the advice of a CARICOM Minister of Agriculture in

relation to the drafting of a regional Action Plan to implement

the RFNSP. The CARICOM representative introduced the RFNSP

focus areas and action plan and underscored the general

sentiments that policy has to be friendly and move with the

times. She provided information on the regional process, the

goals and objectives of the RFNSP and its Action Plan. She also

agreed that “civil society groups are a great way to influence

these policy makers. It is these types of forums that lend

themselves to making decisions on how to make nutritious foods

more readily available to the populace.” (The RFNSP & AP

available from CaRAPN and CARICOM Secretariat websites)

Ms. Johan David

CARICOM Secretariat

Agriculture and Industry

Programme

(Photo: Brent Theophille)

Dr. Vincent Little

Food Security Advisor,

FAO

(Photo: Brent Theophille)

“there is money out there to finance actions for food and nutrition security, but the region must be strategic to access it”.

Financing policy is a critical and sometimes defining connector

of the FNS dots. Dr. Little noted that the situation with respect to

the four main available sources for financing, including external

sources and government budgets and domestic savings, was

volatile, offering limited prospects as economic recession in

developed countries is once again being projected. He noted

that in terms of internal sources, the „buying habit‟ that

characterises Caribbean economies has contributed to low

domestic savings. Also, government budgets for agriculture,

which have been historically low, continue to decline and often

what is budgeted is not driven by the country‟s strategic needs.

Despite the apparent sombre financial situation, he is confident

that there is money out there to finance actions for agriculture,

food and nutrition security, but the region must be strategic to

access it.

Najja Gallion (r), student of agriculture in the

Dominica State Colleges believes that by 2026,

(the Action Plan Vision), he won‟t be in a state

of good health since „unhealthy foods are more

easily accessible‟. Looking on is one of State

College lecturers.

(Photo Moses Mike)

8 -

SYNopsis of Experiences:

Ms. SIthembie Sithembile

Ndema-Mwamakamba

from the Food,

Agriculture & Natural

Resources Policy

Network (FANRPAN)

South Africa

(Photo: Brent Theophille)

“the Caribbean and South Africa can learn from each other in dealing with the issue of food and nutrition security”

„Thembi‟ for short, represents a sister network to CaRAPN in

Southern Africa – FANRPAN, which is very engaged and

influential in policy making in that region. The FANRPAN

experiences so far validate the importance of collective and

coordinated response to development issues in a region. She

confirmed that South Africa shared similar problems and

challenges with the Caribbean, such as, the usual silo approach,

lack of commitment among key players and the „speaking to

ourselves‟ syndrome. In 2003, the formulation and consensus on

the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme

(CAADP) changed the face of agriculture making it a top priority

in South Africa. Since then, priority has been given to partnerships

and coordinated actions for „a food secure Africa‟. The

FANRPAN 2012 Policy Dialogue has already chosen as its theme,

„Investing in intra-African trade for a Food Secure Africa‟. Visit

FANRPAN at http://www.fanrpan.org/.

“without the stakeholders, whoever they may be, the policy won‟t go forward”

CAFAN represents a network of farmers numbered at

around 500,000 operating on farms of varying sizes around

the Caribbean. The group is moving towards a more

formalised network and over the past two years, have been

directly involved in the regional policy process through

membership on the CARICOM Agriculture Programme

Technical Working Group (TWG). Given a voice in regional

policymaking, farmers themselves are now better

empowered to implement FNS actions at both the national

and regional levels. CAFAN has also been defining actions

to support the policy implementation developing: (a) a

basket of crops (livestock to come later) for exchange and

trade throughout the region and (b) two projects aimed at

promoting Caribbean foods and enhancing farm to market

linkages. CAFAN, comprised mainly of volunteers, will

continue to mobilise support and financing through

strategic partnerships and project development in order to

meet its objectives and contribute to food and nutrition

security and regional integration through agricultural

development.

Mrs. Stacy Rose-Richards

Representative of the

Caribbean Farmers

Network (CAFAN)

(Photo: Brent Theophille)

9 -

Some of the other key points that emerged from the Policy Forum included issues of:

Scope:

- The region still has not solved the problem of food availability and the focus on food

production in the RFNSP & AP, including preservation of soil and other natural resource

bases for agriculture, is welcomed.

- But there is need for a more inter-sectoral approach. In the past policies usually looked

at one side or aspect of the issue and similarly the RFNSP is largely of an agricultural

orientation and there appears not to be clear enough distinction between what is in the

agricultural policy vs the RFNSP. Also, the overlap in priorities, objectives and actions is

significant;

Nutrition and Safety Focus:

- nutritional aspects of food and investment in nutrition promotion must be central points of

the policy given the situation of poor diets in the Caribbean, contributing to CNCDs and

deteriorating health which is adversely impacting countries in the region. Food must be

seen as providing the basic protein and energy requirements for health and not limited

to just satisfying hunger. This should be the basis premise of the Right to Food principle.

- there is need for caution in promoting food availability and utilization. The region has

moved from with one type of malnutrition in the 70‟s (under-nutrition) to another (obesity

or over-nutrition). Fruits and vegetables are healthy but only in the right quantities;

- Food safety needs to be emphasised at all levels, including in locally processed foods

and removing labelling discrepancies between imported and local foods;

Society and Policy Interface:

- the policy has to address the changing environment and culture in the Caribbean (e.g.

convenience, large population of working mothers, etc.) to develop a strong base for

implementation;

- the level of private sector involvement (policy formation and implementation) should be

built upon;

- in communicating the policy and promoting nutritious food and lifestyle choices, the

language must be simple and the strategy should consider use of local celebrities and

popular culture in order to reach all stakeholders;

Some areas that could be covered and/or strengthened in the policy include the issue of:

- physical exercise, is an important part of a healthy lifestyle that requires policy

intervention;

- seed germplasm as an important action;

- specific measures in relation to agro-chemical use which may compromise the safety of

healthy foods. To that end, the following were proposed: (i) some form of chemical

register and traceability list that keeps record of proper agro-chemical use and (ii)

addressing the issue of banned agro-chemicals being sold to the Region which have the

capacity to destroy the natural environment and affect health;

While the latter issues are valid and important, they are being accommodated in the CARICOM

Community Agriculture Policy (CCAP) which was subsequently tabled at the COTED during the

Caribbean Week of Agriculture.

10 -

Synopsis Round Table #1: Tackling Nutrition and Utilisation

The focus of this first RT was nutrition, seen as the starting point of the RFNSP to guide decisions on appropriate

policy and business activities. Moderator Julius Gittens from the ACM ensured that the dialogue was as witty as it

was thought provoking.

RT#1: Guests / Main Message. . .

Ms. Helen Constance

Robertson

Director of School

Feeding Programme,

Ministry of Education,

Jamaica

(Photo: Brent

Theophille)

“We eat with our eyes; if food is not attractive we won‟t buy it to eat”

Helen promoted the need for product development and

transformation to meet consumer requirements for safe, nutritious

and convenient foods is essential. This is especially as it relates to

options for marketing healthy foods to children and their parents

(in particular). There is need for better inter-sectoral cooperation

on the nutrition and food availability issue. The link between

agriculture and education was a focal point in early education

on healthy food choices. An understanding and appreciation for

agriculture and the resource base that supports it must also be

tied into the formal education process. This also provides an

opportunity to address proper (balanced) nutrition while

supporting an early involvement in agriculture that may

encourage the number of skilled persons entering the field,

agribusiness development and innovation. Interestingly, specific

legislation was not advocated as being essential to adopting

healthy consumption options at pre-natal and early childhood

stages when health is a major factor in lifestyle choices. This offers

scope for agribusiness development that is largely under-utilized

and would support FNS.

“in promoting foods for healthy choices, people need to understand WHY; don‟t give

them half the story!”

Lisa noted that actions for FNS require targeting households as the

essential step in tackling nutrition and improving the utilization of

healthy foods, especially local foods in supporting local agribusiness.

There is a critical paradox issue where persons are choosing less

nutritious food options while taking in too much food without proper

nutritional balance or exercise. This is essentially the crux of the

matter, evidenced in the growing number of cases of chronic non-

communicable diseases (CNCDs, e.g. diabetes, hypertension). If we

want to achieve balanced diets, local fruits and food stuffs in many

instances are nutritionally better, especially in their fresh form,

relative to the highly marketed imported and often preserved

options for balanced diet and food choices. Interventions that

breach social and economic barriers to utilizing local foods would

then be essential to improving the current situation.

Ms. Lisa Hunt

Chief Nutritionist,

Ministry of Health,

Saint Lucia

(Photo: Brent

Theophille)

11 -

Key points emerging from Round Table #1 are that:-

the FNS issue is a complex one that will need:

- novel and varied approaches from collective or multiple starting points in tackling FNS

challenges in a systematic and continuous manner;

- to definitely target early nutrition of children to encourage healthy and nutritious food

choices (in education and child care): e.g. developing baby foods and purees;

- to properly identify and effectively respond to the need to the vulnerable, such as

young children, the aged and women. Women/mothers have been identified as

vulnerable in the context of encouraging poor consumption choices. This group should

be considered amongst the first-level interventions for FNS.

greater efforts should be made on utilisation of local foods, through, inter alia:

- higher consumption of in-season food crops and appropriate food processing and

storage systems, especially in households and communities, to strengthen home

utilization of healthy and nutritious foods, reduce wastage and enhance year round

availability;

- support to continuous adult education/skills training programmes to build capacity for

utilisation of local food items (e.g. home economics, life-skills training).

- building alliances with Local agro-processing awareness to encourage greater use of

local content and produce affordable, healthy and safe local food products that cater

to the convenience and acceptability factors of consumer choice;

- support to programmes, such as, school feeding, particularly to vulnerable groups,

including extending such provisions to vulnerable pockets at tertiary level institutions,

school gardens, summer activities (e.g. within summer school) that give greater reach

and food access to students;

- innovative and appropriate information systems to reach housewives and those at

home towards greater awareness on health and nutrition options using local food items.

This could counter the constant messages encouraging unhealthy food choices as

given by commercials, etc.

there is a critical need to promote and maintain balance in FNS actions, through, inter alia:-

- scientific investigation on the benefits and risks of imported, mainly processed foods that

contribute to deteriorating health and poor food utilisation. Special attention was drawn

to the absence of appropriate ingredients labelling;

- identifying the economic value of nutrition on development and defining measures for

protection of local food industry and encourage investment;

- reducing the time-span between policy articulation and implementation especially

where investment (e.g. from farmers, agribusinesses, lending institutions) are motivated

by policy directives;

- paying greater attention to youth entrepreneurial development in areas of product

development utilising local foods;

There was a general consensus that on the need for the „average Joe‟ to push national

authorities to implement suitable actions from the RFNSP at the national level, based on a

recognition that this would probably be the most effective way for the policy to gain

acceptance, traction and give „teeth‟ to the RFNSP and make it more instrumental in

agriculture development.

12 -

Synopsis Round Table #2: Tackling Availability and Stability

Media consultant, Chester Connell, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the errors in

development thinking and action in equating food availability with simply producing more food,

often times without careful consideration of the sustainability of natural systems (e.g. native

fauna and flora, environmental services, water, soil, etc) that support the process.

RT#2: Guests/Main Message. . .

Mr. Erle Rahaman-

Noronha,

Director, Wasamaki

Ecosystems Ltd. Trinidad

(Photo Lennox Lampkin)

“feed the soils, not the plants; creating healthy soils will lead to healthy foods”

Erle introduced and explained permaculture as an option for

creating sustainable food production systems. Permaculture

focuses on stabilizing food systems by practicing agriculture in

such a way that is not tied to increasing oil prices. Rising oil prices

are felt in inputs, transportation and other costs. Reducing

vulnerability to volatile prices will, eventually, help to moderate

increases in the price of food. „Permanent agriculture‟ takes

advantage of, and protects the natural environment in

supporting the growth of crops – particularly in areas of pest

control and soil health. This effectively reduces production costs

and food losses while maintaining the irreplaceable natural

resources that support agriculture. The basis behind this system is

to ensure that food is continuously (permanently) available from

the farm as opposed to waiting on one crop or a few crops over

extended periods of time.

“adaptive strategies, including choice of crops, farming systems and more

youth involvement are needed”

Kean believes that crop choice and crop stability are

important to develop stability and resilience against issues

such as climate change, storm virulence and preventing land

degradation. The ability to incorporate these into existing

systems would better steady farming activities (e.g. income,

natural resource preservation and farm-loss reduction) and

encourage a shift at the farm level towards more stable food

supply. These will require adaptive strategies, and maybe

more challenging, management of agriculture to limit the

shocks to food production. Kean used of work (measured as

the product of force and distance in Physics) to illustrate the

need for working smart. This was used to convey the message

that steps must be taken to cover more distance as opposed

to being force-intensive so that meaningful results can be

achieved for agriculture. This also requires an understanding

that sometimes it is improvements in the little things that make

the biggest difference.

Kean Stephenson

Extension Office, Ministry of

Agriculture, Dominica

(Photo Lennox Lampkin)

13 -

RT#2: Guests/Main Message. . .

Mr Cecil John

Chief Forestry Officer,

Ministry of Agriculture

and Forestry,

Saint Lucia

(Photo Lennox Lampkin)

We need to be less conventional in developing plans for using our biodiversity, that includes commercialising forest products for food

Cecil is an adamant advocate for strong management and the

need for a holistic or integrated strategy that harmonizes the laws

and interests of the numerous sectors seeking to sustainably use

the natural resource. There is need to identify and develop options

for sustainably using the extensive biodiversity and indigenous

species of the Caribbean, instead of always relying on wholesale

'imported' commodities and varieties. Cecil used the example of

forest products that could be grown more commercially as a

source of food or for non-food product development, such as the

Pasiflora glandulosa known locally as pomme dilliene. This is a local

wild fruit whose potential for food and nutrition is not being

harnessed in conventional farming and agribusiness. According to

Cecil, P. glandulosa is very sweet and savoury, with commercial

applications in juicing, confectionery and ice-cream food

processing. This will require research and development, a cost that

we have to bear in commercialising our indigenous species.

SSppeecciiaall TThhaannkkss

to the Management of the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT) Project

(l to 2)Giant fern; WNT Signage; WNT‟s Eddie Henry briefing ART; and Forester Albert Gallion under a Gommier tree

standing tall and proud in the field of Ruby Joyce in Syndicate (photos Erle Noronha).

The WNT is developing through a project of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica in

partnership with the Regional Council of Martinique and funded by the European Union. The WNT is expected

to be a major tourist product in Dominica with linkages to Health Tourism, Community Tourism, Culture Tourism

and Agro-Tourism. The WNT will meet international standards with required facilities and proper operational

guidelines. The trail has the potential to expand Dominica‟s tourist market and significantly contribute to the

rural economy. This development initiative also promotes environmental conservation, historical and cultural

preservation and sustainable development at all levels. In addition walking the trail can deepen citizens and

visitors appreciation for Dominica as the Nature Isle. It can help to foster a greater sense of national pride as

citizens discover themselves through journeying the trail. Nature lovers, hikers, cultural enthusiasts and others

are encouraged to hike the WNT. For each trail there are stories to tell and experiences to sell. The Waitikubuli

nature trail (an island-long path for hikers) skirts their farms, as well as several streams and natural run-offs from

the mountainous interior. The Syndicate area is also an important habitat for the Sisserou parrot – the national

bird of Dominica.

(See more at: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/files/wntp_Booklet_final.pdf)

14 -

Key points from the discussion were that:

Attention needs to be given to:

- the whole system that provides environmental services (e.g. water catchments such as forest and

soil)as these are essential to a stable environment for agriculture;

- identifying and discouraging tourism development options (e.g. converting tropical dry forests to golf

courses) that are unsustainable at the scale being pursued in small island states of the Caribbean;

- identifying and building synergies between agriculture (e.g. agro-tourism and ecotourism) and

sometimes competing industries that support solutions to problems in the existing operating system;

- identifying and discouraging bad practices in agriculture that degrade forests and contaminate

water courses, including type of crops grown and accompanying cropping system (e.g.

permaculture) to ensure stable production (e.g. against hurricanes and drought) and food supplies,

and the nutrition value of foods coming out of these systems.

- recognizing other external factors (e.g. environmental services) that are directly attached to

agriculture in building stable food production systems;

- the small, operational issues that bring early meaningful results and that pave the way for further

development in efforts to reconcile issues and their consequent actions;

- demonstrating the economic cost and value of sustainable systems, important to gaining public and

political support and to motivate personal changes by showing the benefits of adopting alternative

approaches.

It is important to:

- giving equal treatment to forestry issues in discussions on food and agriculture, since healthy forests

are a critical part of the solution for sustainable food production and adaptation to climate change;

- maintain forested hillsides to help curb severity of natural disasters through forest functions, such as,

slope stabilization and moderation of water flow into the river systems. However, the effects of more

virulent storms associated with climate change produce additional gaps in the forest space that

make it more vulnerable;

- strengthen cooperation between ministries (Agriculture, Environment, etc) and administrative offices

to remove gaps that hinder overall management to form consensus on appropriate actions. Linkages

between policies and operations of these institutions is severely lacking;

- integrate and facilitate formal and informal groupings of youth in agriculture, since youth are more

inclined to new ideas and adopting alternative farming systems.

a group of ART-explorers armed with

their cameras and curiosity, on the

Syndicate trail in search of 70+ year

old Ruby Joyce a fiercely

independent female farmer of

coffee, dasheen, citrus and

bananas, who continues to

persevere in the face of labour and

market difficulties. (photo: Brent Theophille)

15 -

There is need to find innovative and sometimes unconventional solutions for:

- making more effective use of native forestry resources in the region. There are many opportunities to

introduce wild species of flora and fauna into structured farming systems as a means of increasing

utilization for food production and agribusiness. An appropriate structure would ensure sustainable food

sources without compromising the stability of the natural environment;

- balancing ecology with economics, especially in situations where natural and protected species

conflict with farm production, such as with the e.g. Sisserou parrots feeding on crops can be turned into

a tourist attraction in compensating the loss of revenue. In some situations, the problem can be made

part of the solution;

- sustainable food production that should include alternative systems, such as, permaculture, the utilize

or sustain services provided by the natural environment and native species (e.g. growing „immortelle‟

for shade, soil stabilization and nitrogen fixing and palm leaves for incorporating trace minerals via

mulching);

- indigenous research and development and models of adaptation to climate change and building

resilience in farming systems.

SSppeecciiaall TThhaannkkss

CCaabbrriittss -- FFoorrtt SShhiirrlleeyy NNaattttiioonnaall PPaarrkk

ppaarrtt ooff SSeeggmmeenntt 1144,, tthhee FFiinnaall SSeeggmmeenntt ooff tthhee WWaaiittuukkuubbuullii NNaattiioonnaall TTrraaiill ((WWNNTT)) PPrroojjeecctt

Photos: Erle Noronha

The Cabrits Fort Shirley National Park

provided the idyllic setting and

backdrop for Round Table #2 –

Tackling Availability and Stability.

Special Thanks to Dr. Lennox

Honeychurch (below), who has been

painstakingly resorting the site to its

former glory.

16 -

SYNopsis Round Table #3: Innovating Extension for Implementing FNP

This session started with focus on the value of good policy to development by guiding activi ties

on the ground. To that end, extension as the first line of interaction between government and

farmers is an important area for intervention on current development areas. Christopher Sirju of

the Jamaica Gleaner moderated.

Guests/Main Message. . .

“all the experiences pointed to a need for better planning and coordination of extension services...”

Alain brought unique examples from Haiti that touched on

strategic planning of extension efforts, institutional

cooperation and political support to improve the

effectiveness of extension in a country with some 1 million

small farmers with an average of 1.5 ha and a responsibility

to feed about 10 million. His contributions highlighted

avenues for other Caribbean institutions to draw on the

Haitian experience in managing large-scale initiatives as

well as farmer organization to enable extension and other

institutions to better support development at the farm-level

for coordination of food production and supply. On that

point, he advocated for more dialogue and cooperation

for comprehensive planning before seeking

implementation or action.

Mr. Alain Thermil

Project Manager,

IICA Haiti

(Photo: Brent

Theophille)

Mr. Steve Maximay

Director, Science Based

Initiatives

(Photo: Brent

Theophille)

“farmers are not resistant to change; just cautious of drastically altering their operations at the request of „experts‟”

Steve broadened the conversation into areas of training

and implementation of extension support with the focus

being on having the strategic scope for extension to be

what farmers need as opposed to what is traditionally

understood. The discussion was sobered in reflecting on

the need for institutions and trained professionals to guide

an iterative policy implementation process through

dialogue with the primary stakeholders. In the case of

agriculture and the ART, extension services were

considered the ideal agency to reach farmers on issues

touching FNS and the broader agriculture environment to

create a functional sector.

17 -

The discussion recognised that:

as the demands on Extension continue to grow and change, there is need:

- to change the way we perceive and plan Extension, away from the traditional „telling

farmers about what they‟ve already been doing‟ to encouraging farmers to understand

and apply technologies that add value to the farming operation, comply with

production and food safety standards, among others;

- for more strategic focus/plan in extension services to develop core competences in the

main development areas. This plan could include parties outside of solely extension (as

partners) who can contribute to the overall process;

- more clearly understand the differences between the job description of an Extension

officer and expectations of the farmer. Lack of understanding hinders the ability of the

Ministry of Agriculture to interact with farmers on development issues while farmers‟

concerns are generally left unanswered;

- to upgrade and expand the type, frequency and scope of training provided to

extension officers, including exploring additional uses of available technology, to keep

Extension current and relevant to their clients with respect to the range and dynamics of

issues that now confront food production, trade and nutrition security;

- to involve farmers in defining the solutions to the problems through methods such as,

farmer field schools, that have good and proven successes. Effective and efficient

communication between farmers and extension personnel in getting actions from the

RFNSP understood and implemented at the farm level (e.g. in translating calorific or

nutritional requirements into nation-wide food production systems) is also key. This may

be achieved in forums that give farmers the opportunity to come up with the answers

on how best F&N actions may be implemented;

- recognize that farmers are not resistant to change but rather cautious of drastically

altering their operations at the request of „experts‟ with changing information, opinions,

advice and suggestions. Inconsistent „messages‟ and information creates tensions and

distrust between farmers and extension officers. There is need therefore, for some

strategic review to identify a long-term and non-transitory basis for engaging farmers

and to validate research and technologies so that farmers are less hesitant to

adopt/adapt;

- to promote and foster group/cooperative development and manage the dynamics in

order to maximise on good communication, information sharing, enhance project

management involving activities with large number of farmers, as well as empowering

farmers to act on issues of importance to them;

- for greater inter-agency cooperation in identifying the message (through individual

information repositories) and appropriate medium (asking the who, what, where and

how) for getting the message across;

- for other agricultural institutions to get on the ground and support front-line activities that

are meaningful in improving the way that technical support is delivered. This may

challenge the traditional concept of how extension works by giving more support at

different stages to the process of getting a message across that would effect change;

There was a general sentiment that while Extension is perceived as the lowest position within

the Ministry of Agriculture, there is a high expectation from Extension to get things moving

on the ground.

18 -

SYNopsis Round Table #4: Strengthening Communication and

Knowledge-sharing for FNP

Guests/Main Message. . .

Mr. Adissa Trotter

Ministry of Agriculture,

Dominica

(Photo: Moses

Mike)

“Because to the farmer if it does not make economic sense for him, then it is a problem for him to actually take up that technology and see the usefulness and the benefit of it.” Speaking on the challenge of communicating to farmers on

adoption of new technologies and interventions, Adisa

reconfirmed the recurring problems in getting reliable and

consistent data as the base to develop programmes. All

Ministries want information from agriculture but the issue of

making this an additional responsibility of Extension may be

difficult under the existing modus operandi of extension. The

process of data gathering and verification is also not well

coordinated. Communication with farmers must focus on

communicating the monetary benefit of adopting alternative

farming systems. The economic sense of the message is a major

factor in his decision making. Strategies for targeting younger

farmers can be difficult for extension as many of the young

farmers are part-time and may operate on the farm outside of

the normal working hours of extension. While the message is the

same, the tool/transport for communicating the message may

not be adequate for all.

Effective communication means that we need to understand the difference between an issue and a

concern and then framing the message to suit.

Steve gave several clear examples of separating the concern

from the issue in much the same way the symptom would be

distinguished from the cause. This will help to de-bungle the real

development challenges that need to be understood so that

effective responses can be developed. There is a serious need to

focus on the development issues of importance in the messages

as opposed to just the concerns of individuals or specific groups.

Similarly, policy-makers should be approached with the issues

and not the concerns. There is a need for framing issues affecting

agriculture and not venting concerns when communicating to a

wide audience because once we deviate towards concerns,

the issue may be effectually lost to the overall policy

development process and agenda. In that light, the message

communicated must address the needs of the target audience

and not simple relay problems.

Mr. Steve Maximay

Director, Science Based

Initiatives

(Photo: Erle

Noronha)

19 -

Guests/Main Message. . .

Mr. Julius Gittens

Association of

Caribbean Media

(ACM) workers

(Photo: Erle

Noronha)

“News is not what people say; It‟s what people do!” Getting the message across means having the right message for

the right people so that it could be understood and could

accomplish the desired intention of the message. Generally the

idea of communication is that of reporting on what the Minister

or ruling government has done. Agriculture needs to go beyond

this and should keep upgrading its techniques and approaches

being used. Communication has to be appropriate! Exactly

what goes into this process can vary, but must include

everything from correct and up-to-date information to central

communication strategies and agencies to ensure consistency.

There is need therefore, for programmes that develop

communication skills in Extension officers so that the nature of

messages is appropriate for the target audience. The

Commonwealth of learning provides training in communication

which some agricultural professionals have been already

received. We need to avoid making assumptions on the

effectiveness of the methods of communication we use. If there

is no meaningful response to the message then the effectiveness

of the communication approach is in question.

Communication is not just one dot but a collection of dots” – speaking on identifying the message of importance to agriculture

stakeholders and getting that message across to them;

Nicole wrapped up the final Round Table by recognising that the

expanded demands of agriculture call for sophistication in

agriculture. It also similarly requires that communication becomes

more sophisticated, considering meaningful avenues for reaching

the youth and encouraging their practical involvement in

different areas of agriculture (e.g. food utilization and nutrition).

We need to build relationships with journalists where information

can be shared and both sides can be better sensitized on how to

communicate. The mindset to form relationships and bridge

existing gaps is the biggest dot and part of the entire „connecting

the dots‟ process. “Let‟s not demonize farming” so that the youth

can be encouraged to become involved in agriculture.

Mrs. Nicole Best

Freelance Journalist/ACM

20 -

SYNopsis: Field Experiences Site #1: Syndicate

ART took participants to visit five (5) farmers, four in Syndicate, the Northern Forest Reserve and one in Soufriére, in

the South. For these ART-ourists the experience was both enriching and a great break from the usual „hotel

conference room‟-based meetings!

We thank the Extension Division, particularly Dianna Henry and the team of Extension Officers, and Albert Gallion,

Stephen Durand and the rest of the team from the Forestry Division for arranging and facilitating the Farm Visits.

We would particularly like to thank the farmers, profiled below, for the unconditional access to their farms, their

thoughts, feel and tastes of their fruits and a glimpse in the life and times of farming in Dominica.

Witnell Louis (Photos: Lennox Lampkin (bottom left)

Louis is knocking the door of 80 years and still going

strong in his farming enterprise. Farming is all he

knows and what he has spent his entire life doing.

His farm is 29 acres, relatively large by Dominican

standards in the Syndicate, in the vicinity of the

Waitikubuli Nature Trail. He has owned this farm since

1979. His farm is filled with well organised and

maintained stands of citrus varieties interspaced

with dasheen, cocoa, sugar-cane, among

others. Louis and six workers do all the farm work.

Louis has dealt with all the usual challenges that

farmers in the Caribbean face, except one, -

competition for his fruits from Dominica‟s national

bird, the Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis),

protected by law. Since Hurricane David (in 1979)

which destroyed the forests, the parrots‟ natural

food source, the birds have taken a liking to citrus

seeds. Since 1982, the birds have been steadily

pecking away at his profits. Louis‟s frustrations are

obvious in his voice and gesticulations. He needs a

solution, and fast, since he has a keen interest in

exploring juicing, especially using his pineapple

orange, a very sweet variety that he thinks is a good

choice for fresh juice.

Ruby Joyce (Photos: Erle Noronha)

Ruby is 72 years, and like Witnell, has been

farming all her life. Her farm, walking distance

from Witnell, also borders the Waitukubuli Nature

Trail. She has more than 200 citrus trees, mainly

grapefruit and orange and root crops, such as

dasheen, yam and tannia.

In an interview with Dixie-Ann Dixon representing

the Trinidad and Tobago, Guardian newspaper,

Joyce commented that her production and

labour are low since, among other reasons, “it‟s

just my husband, a couple workers and

myself.” Her average weekly production is 900

grafted oranges. Joyce, who has been in

farming since she was a little child, finds it difficult

to persuade any of her nine children-the

youngest being 32, to step into farming. Joyce

said unlike her children, farming is all she has ever

known.

“I grew up in farming and prefer to work for

myself, but it‟s a challenge for the youth to get

involved.” Farming in Dominica, she said, is

looked upon as a last resort for people who

cannot find a job or have limited education.

21 -

Field Experiences Site #1: Syndicate

Ross Charles

(Photos: Erle Noronha)

Ross is a 61-year one-year farmer also in the Syndicate

areas. Charles said he has been farming since the

age of 20. He has three daughters, all educated and

none interested in agriculture.

His main produce is eggs. He has 700 layers on his

almost seven acres of land. For most of the ART-

ourists, the „bespectacled‟ hens, according to Lennox

and Chris Sirju, were a first time experience. Mr.

Charles explained that the „blinders‟ were used to

prevent the hens from pecking each other to death

and in rare situations, from damaging the eggs, the

main source of his livelihood. These „blinkers‟, chicken

feed and a major part of his inputs are all imported.

The feed, as is the case for all other poultry producers,

is expensive and is purchased mainly from Trinidad.

Noticing the padlocked hen houses, some

participants assumed that Mr. Charles suffered from

praedial larceny. But according to Ross, the main

problem was with the wild animals, including feral

cats who used his hens as their food source. As Bob,

explained, cats are essentially invasive alien species,

which, when abandoned, in the wild, can become

pests, hence the term feral cats.

Ross felt generally satisfied with his production levels,

since his eggs are all sold locally market. Targeting the

export market is not in his immediate plans at the

moment since at the price he would have to sell he

may not be able to competitive or cover his costs.

Josepha Charles (Photos: Erle Noronha)

Josepha, (no, not Ross’s wife or immediate

relation) also over 60 female farmer, also

operates in the heights of Syndicate. She owns a

mixed farm where she rears pigs, chicken and

grows a mix of dasheen, banana and several

fruits. But her primary product is pork.

As with all small farmers, she confronts the same

issues of labour availability and cost, other farm

inputs, farm roads and other infrastructure and

markets. She must consider her options for being

able to both attract and properly pay labour as

a result of shortage brought on in part by the

serious decline in the banana industry and

growing disinterest amongst youth in traditional

farming.

Despite the challenges, she has plans to build her

business and is interested in improving the quality

of her cuts so that she can expand her options

within the circle of consumers that she supplies.

She in fact slaughters and butchers herself, selling

the choice cuts to local restaurants and

households. She reflects that among the issues of

most importance to her are the high cost of feed,

timely technical advice and cost-saving options

with respect to treatments and fertilizers. Many of

the inputs are costly at the retail level on account

of the small volumes coming into Dominica which

raise the transportation cost. As a result,

alternative options for keeping costs down are

very important to her.

22 -

Located lock, stock and barrel in one of the 14 Trails of the Waitikubuli Nature Trails, the four farmers are

somewhat interested in exploring opportunities in „agro and eco-tourism. Further investment in tourism and

improved access to the Syndicate nature trails could provide additional avenues to expand and diversify

their operations to accommodate tourists, ease the farm to market transportation through improved roads,

and perhaps encourage the interest of youth to get involved in modern farming experiences. However, this

has to be well thought out, planned and managed, especially as it relates to introduction of pests and

diseases, particularly invasive alien species which has the potential to devastate their livelihoods.

Field Experiences Site #2: Soufriére Soufriére brought an entirely new experience and different perspective to the ART-ourists. Soufriére also

hosts Segment 1 of the Waitikubuli National Trail. The farms in the Soufriére valley are a legacy of the

traditional L.Rose and Co. Ltd., a firm from the United Kingdom which owned and successfully operated the

lime and citrus (mainly grapefruits) estates in Dominica in the pre-Hurricane David (1979) era. Since the

Hurricane, the Government of Dominica which bought over the destroyed juicing plant and the estates,

struggled to maintain the operations, and eventually sub-divided and sold the estates to former workers. Dr.

Moise is one such recipient of this sub-division programme.

Vivian Moise (Photos: Erle Noronha)

Moise, a retired medical doctor and now successful „professional farmer‟ operates a 4.25

acre farm in the volcanic soils of the Soufriére valley. Of this, 3 acres are currently under

pineapple, two of the Taiwanese varieties T-4 and T-11 and the smooth Cayenne. He is a

member of the 12-year old Nature Island Pineapple Producers (NIPPA) association which

was involved in the recently concluded FAO value chain development project.

Dr. Moise is positive that pineapple is a very profitable crop. His 4-yr old field requires very

little maintenance and thus keeps costs down. For health and safety reasons, he is also

moving towards a low-chemical operation. Hence having standards in agriculture is fair;

they ensure product quality and guarantee safety to the consumer. This is also beneficial

to farmers as roughly80% of NIPPA‟s product is exported to the USVI, Martinique, Antigua,

St. Kitts and Nevis, using Geest Shipping. But the cost is prohibitive. Through NIPPA, the

farmers are able to engage LIAT for more favourable terms for shipping. NIPPA recently

engaged with local processor, Bello and co. Ltd. in developing 3 value-added products:

jams, concentrates and ready-mix drink.

For Dr. Moise, succession planning is not a problem. One son, who has taken an interest

in cuisine and cooking and is also into healthy eating and organic has expressed interest

in continuing the farming business. The other son is also warming up to the farming

prospect.

23 -

(l) WNT Signage (c) one of the „secluded‟ hot tubs and (r) mediART making merry in the hot pool

in the Soufriére volcanic hot springs (photos: Erle Noronha)

ART-ists (l) sharing a light moment at the last Round Table and (r) sharing a joke on the Scotts Head point

(Photos: Lennox Lampkin)

ART participants getting ready to hit

the tables, with a hearty, healthy,

all-local meal prepared by our

resident host, Euvilla Lewis (extreme

right) and family.

(Photos: Erle Noronha)

SSppeecciiaall TThhaannkkss ttoo::

RRooddnneeyy‟‟ss WWeellllnneessss RReettrreeaatt ((RRWWRR)) KKaannaawwaa,, BBrrooookkllyynn

iinn tthhee vviillllaaggee ooff SSoouuffrriiéérree,,

tthhee vveennuuee ffoorr oouutt ffiinnaall lluunncchh aanndd RRoouunndd TTaabbllee

The Rodney family has converted their plot of land, acquired

under the government‟s sub-division of the Soufriére Estate into

an agro-tourism enterprise. Entrepreneur, Bevin Lewis indicated

that though this work-in-progress is a true family and integrated

business. Food and fresh juices served at the restaurant is either

harvested on the spot, from amongst the varied fruit, roots,

vegetables and herbs grown in the sprawling and beautiful

gardens or purchased (mostly meat products) from village

farmers. The gardens also host the adventurous „camper‟ who

is welcome to bunker down in the camp sites and tents pitched

primarily for this purpose. Euvilla, Bevin‟s sister commended the

IICA Dominica office for its continued guidance and support

throughout this process.

Visit them at: http://rodneyswellness.com/

24 -

Connecting the dots Food for thought!

If anything, the discussions taught us that there is no one menu or recipe for addressing the food and nutrition

challenge, and as a result, the ingredients and the way in which they are used will change according to the

circumstances. What this means is that although the specifics may vary, the central focus remains on linking the

core issues that mark the most important to the pillars and associated aspects of FNS.

The illustration below seeks to indentify and link some of the critical dots (from policy to operational) between

issues, opportunities and outstanding concerns that tie the various segments of the inter-connected Round

Tables, The strong (bold) arrows highlight linear connections which remain fairly fixed across the board, whereas

the softer (curved) arrows highlight the more dynamic interconnections that are at the heart of the FNS issues and

solutions.

Linear connections

Dynamic connections

Communication

1. Policy Focus on

Nutrition

Adequacy

Availability

Safety

Determination

(R&D)

Acceptability

Changing socio-

cultural realities

Labelling

Agro-chemical

regulation

Production

Planning

Sustainability of

Supply

Utilization

Preservation of

genetic material

Conservation of

the natural

environment

Extension

Support

Process Planning

Innovation &

product

development

Coordination &

training

Expanded

agriculture

Market

development

25

Thank you to

Mr. Kingsley Thomas, General Manager/Consultant,

and the staff of the

Dominica Agricultural Industrial Development Bank

for sponsoring what turned out to be

a ‘Wet but Wonder-filled Wednesday’

first taking to the high seas with Anchorage Whale Watching

then soaring like eagles on the Rain Forest Arial Tram

Photos courtesy Lennox Lampkin, Erle Noronha and Brent Theophille

26

List of Participants - External NNaammee RReepprreesseennttaattiioonn EE--mmaaiill

1. De Sormeaux. Afyia Agribusiness Society, UWI, Trinidad afiyades@gmail.com

2. Mike. Moses Agribusiness Society, UWI, Trinidad mosesmike_395@hotmail.com

3. Carr. Tsian Agribusiness Society, UWI, Trinidad;

CaRAPN

tsiancarr@gmail.com

4. Ramnanan. Naitram CABI, Trinidad - IAS Specialist N.Ramnanan@cabi.org

5. Theophille. Brent CaRAPN, Research/Project Assistant Brenttheo@gmail.org

6. Fonseca. Jose CTA,Programme Manager, The

Netherlands fonseca@cta.int

7. Evelyn. Eric Dept. of Agriculture, Nevis -

Communications

eric_evelyn@hotmail.com

8. Ndema-Mwamakamba.

Sithembile

FANRAPN, South Africa sndema@fanrapan.org

9. Rawlins. Gregg IICA, Representative, Trinidad and

Tobago & Coordinator, Regional

Integration-Caribbean Region

Gregg.Rawlins@iica.int

10. Budhram, Dowlat IICA Director, Headquarters Dowlat.Budhram@iica.int

11. Thermil. Alain IICA Haiti, Project Manager alain.thermil@iica.int

12. Hodge. Geselle IICA Trinidad, Technical Secretary geselle.hodge@iica.int

13. Best. Nicole Journalist; ACM/CMC; Grenada nicole.b.best@gmail.com

14. Gittens. Julius Journalist; ACM; Barbados gittensj@gmail.com

15. Wilkinson. Relwick, Bert Journalist; ACM; Guyana bertw5086@gmail.com

16. Daniel. Theresa Journalist; ACM; St. Vincent vincelonian@yahoo.com

17. Sirju. Christopher Journalist; Jamaica Gleaner cserju@hotmail.com

18. Dickson. Dixie-Ann Journalist; the Trinidad & Tobago

Guardian

shortpix@hotmail.com

19. Connell.Chester Media Consultants, St. Vincent mediaconsultants@chesterconnell.com

20. Campbell. Onika Min. of Agriculture, Antigua -

Communications

onika.campbell@gmail.com

21. Peters. Zane Sharon Min. of Agriculture, Antigua,

Permanent Secretary speters0204@yahoo.com

22. Thoms. Cecil Min. of Agriculture, Jamaica -

Communications

cethoms@moa.gov.jm

23. John. Cecil Lundon Min. of Agriculture, St Lucia - Forestry lynjohn1@yahoo.com

24. Robertson. iHelen Min. of Education, Jamaica - School

feeding

helen.robertson@moe.gov.jm

25. Agard-Simmons. Yolande Min. of Food Production, Trinidad,

Communications ysimmons@fplma.gov.tt

26. Hunt. Lisa Min. of Health, St. Lucia - Chief

Nutritionist

lhunt2000@hotmail.com

27. Lampkin. Lennox St.Vincent Chamber of Agriculture &

Nutrition

lennoxlampkin@gmail.com

28. Rahaman-Noronha. Erle Wasamaki Permaculture, Trinidad wasamaki@tstt.net.tt

29. Maximay. Steve Science Based Initiatives, Trinidad smaximay@sbi-tt.com

30. Baccus-Taylor. Gail UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad gail.baccus-taylor@sta.uwi.edu

31. Edwards. Brian Breekat Enterprises Ltd breekatenterprises1@gmail.com

32. Little. Vincent FAO Food Security Advisor Vincent.Little@fao.org

33. Rose-Richards. Stacy CaFAN member stacyanan23@yahoo.com

34. David. Johan CARICOM, Agriculture and Industry

Programme

johandavid@caricom.org

27

List of Participants: Local NNaammee RReepprreesseennttaattiioonn EE--mmaaiill

We wish to thank the following local participants for accepting our invitation and for participating and

contributing to the discussion in one or more of the ART sessions held on the Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th and

Thursday 13th of October. Your time with us was greatly appreciated!

1. Laudat. Ing. Taletha Agronomist Soil3@msn.com

2. Benjamin. Kelvin CALLS, Student callsdom@yahoo.com

3. Henry. Jermaine CALLS, Student callsdom@yahoo.com

4. Honore. Tousley CALLS, Student callsdom@yahoo.com

5. Leslie. Sherian CALLS, Student callsdom@yahoo.com

6. Shem. Victor CALLS, Student callsdom@yahoo.com

7. Roberts. Claudine Dept. of Local Govt. & Community

Dev. Local Govt. Commissioner (Ag)

localgovernment.gov.dm/

Clauds_143@hotmail.com

8. Gregoire. Thomas DEXIA, General Manager dexia@cwdom.dm

9. Pacquette-Anselm. Nadia DEXIA/National Export Strategy/

Trade Promotion Officer/

Agriculture/Agribusiness

dexia@cwdom.dm

10. Joseph. Stephen Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry josephsa@dominica.gov.dm

11. Alexander. Norman Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer lll (Ag)

normanalexander72@hotmail.com

12. Anthony. Cyrille Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer ll (Ag)

tonyc_2@hotmail.com

13. Bertand. Bryan Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer lll (Ag)

Brytosis@hotmail.com

14. Casimir. Caren Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Trainee

deeangle_2@hotmail.com

15. Constance. Edward Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer ll (Ag)

econstance@hotmail.com

16. Henry. Dianna Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer llI (Ag)

dianazee@hotmail.com

17. Phillip. Marcus Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer ll (Ag)

mphillip55@hotmail.com

18. Trotter. Adisa Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

Officer l (Ag)

adisatrotter@gmail.com

19. Stephenson. Keian Division of Agriculture; Agricultural

officer ll

keians@hotmail.com

20. Williams. Delroy Division of Agriculture/NAYA;

Agricultural officer ll (Ag)

sewotoy@hotmail.com;

naya_da@hotmail.com

21. Obonyo. Olu DOAM, President olu.obonyo@gmail.com;

inquiry@doamdominica.org

22. Seaman. Lesia Dominica Grammar School;

Teacher/ Home Economics

grammar@cwdom.dm

23. Dublin-Prince. Josephine Dominica National Council of

Women; President

dncw@cwdom.dm/joe851@hotmail.co

m

24. Harris. Errol Dominica Poultry Association;

President errolmar@cwdom.dm

25. Allicock-Joseph. Sharon Dominica State College; Lecturer allicocksharon@hotmail.com

26. Gallion. Najja Dominica State College; Student hidden-lion@hotmail.com

27. Laurent. Giselle Domnitjen Magazine; Editor domnitjenmag@gmail.com

28. Charles. Josepha Farmer

29. Charles. Ross Farmer

30. Daniel. Morril Farmer

31. Darroux. Wendell Farmer

28

List of Participants: Local NNaammee RReepprreesseennttaattiioonn EE--mmaaiill

32. Gussie. Deles Farmer

33. James. Royer Farmer

34. Jean. Mac-Morris Farmer

35. Joyce. Erickson Farmer

36. Julien. James Farmer

37. Laudat. Petterson Farmer

38. Louis. Whitnel Farmer

39. Nicholas. John Farmer

40. Peter. Henson Farmer

41. Prosper. Phillip Farmer

42. Shillingford. Richmond Farmer

43. Shillingford. Wilmot Farmer

44. Shillingford. Cumming Farmer

45. Shillingford. Bellot Farmer

46. Vidal. Pat Farmer

47. Lambert. Eleanore Food and Nutrition Council; Chair elambert@rossmed.edu.dm

48. Harvey. Nigel Forestry Wildlife & Parks Division;

Forest Technician

harven@dominica.gov.dm,nigguie2@h

otmail.com

49. Gallion. Albert Forestry, Wildlife & Parks; Assistant

Forest Officer

forestry@dominica.gov.dm/galliona@d

ominica.gov.dm

50. Maffei. Francisco Forestry, Wildlife & Parks; Forester maffeif@dominica.gov.dm

51. Durand. Stephen Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division;

Assist. Forest Officer, Protection Unit

1

durands2@dominica.gov.dm

52. Titre. Marynese Ministry of Health; Nutritionist mtitre@hotmail.com

53. Thomas. Esther Ministry of Social Services;

Permanent Secretary

pssocialservices@dominica.gov.dm

54. George. Mornette Ministry of Trade; Trade officer lll foriegntrade@cwdom.dom.dm

55. Harris. Marcella National Pig Producers Cooperative;

Manager/ Member

errolmar@cwdom.dm

56. Cyrille. Norma The Social Centre; CEO Social_centre@cwdom.dm

57. Hilaire. Rosie Toloma Women in Action, Delices;

Secretary

dncw@cwdom.dm

58. Henry. Eddison Waitukubuli National Trail; Project

Manager

projectmanager.wntp@cwdom.dm

59. Paul. Roselyn Waitukubuli National Trail; Promotion

and Community Animator

Communityofficer.wntp@cwdom.dm

60. Royer. Roland Waitukubuli National Trail; Project

Officer

royee22@hotmail.com

61. Pascal. Jules Youth Development Division; Chief

Youth Development Officer

tccentre@cwdom.dm

/julespascal@hotmail.com

29

Dear All,

I would like to join Diane in thanking each and every one of you for your participation

and support in making ART at CWA 2011 a success.

I would also wish to place on record my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Diane and

her team (Brent, Tsian, Geselle and the IICA T&T Team) for all the hard work, the

dedication, the commitment to pull together the ART in very short time given some

limitations which were outside of our control. I have to single out the "champion" Diane

Francis for once again demonstrating her outstanding creativity and capacity to do so

much in so little time. Diane.....you are truly an ARTIST. Your hard work has kept the

CaRAPN Network alive and well and we applaud and thank you for your efforts.

To all the presenters, moderators and everyone who in anyway contributed, I wish to say

thanks on behalf of IICA Caribbean and look forward to your continued support and

participation in the future.

To our partners - CTA, FAO and CARICOM Secretariat, we welcomed the opportunity to

collaborate and thank you for your willingness to work with us in staging the Policy Forum

and Round Table sessions. Special thanks to our friend José Fonseca of the CTA who has

been at our side walking stride for stride with us as we continue this journey......your

unstinting support and dedication are greatly appreciated. I also wish to recognize Mrs.

Florita Kentish, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean for leading the

collaboration on behalf of FAO and the contributions of her colleagues and we look

forward to even closer relations with FAO as we undertake these activities. We also

appreciated the inputs of our friends at the CARICOM Secretariat, the leading regional

institution engaged in the policy formulation processes.

A special word of appreciation to the IICA Representation in the ECS, more specifically

the Representative, Ms. Una May Gordon and the Office in Dominica, Kent Coipel and

Maureen Dominique, for the support provided with logistics.

Once again thanks to everyone and we look forward to working with you we foster

dialogue, the sharing of experiences and networking towards improved policies and

agricultural development and food and nutrition security.

Gregg C. E Rawlins

CCaaRRAAPPNN .. .. .. aa „„nneettwwoorrkk--iinn--pprrooggrreessss‟‟

CaRAPN has/is working, as far as its focus on adding value to

agriculture policy and regional consensus-building processes through

policy research, communication and information dissemination,

CaRAPN is still a „network in progress‟, as far as fostering and

strengthening networking among stakeholders in agriculture policy in

the region and between the Caribbean and other regions in the ACP.

CaRAPN is working to …

- strengthen its networking functions within and outside of the

agricultural community in CARICOM. Placing efforts on networking

is based on the premise and acknowledgement that agricultural

policy networking is important in the Region.

- consolidate and widen its central hub, establish firm links with

existing public, private sector and non-governmental networks in

the region and forge relations with similar networks in the African

and Pacific regions.

Continue the journey with us.

Become a CaRAPN PiD Keep in touch on:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CaRAPN/189382034445974?sk=wall

website being upgraded. Soon come!

filling the gap good agriculture policies