to the Caribbean Region

Fulfilling our commitment
to the Caribbean Region
2011-2012
Special Report on
Key Projects and
Achievements
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). 2012
Fulfilling our commitment to the Caribbean Region 2011-2012: special
report on key projects and achievements is published under license from
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 unported
Available in PDF format at www.iica.int.
IICA encourages the fair use of this document. Proper citation is requested.
Editorial coordination: Victor Del Angel, Ena Harvey and Alfredo Valerio
Editing: Doreen Preston
Layout: Karla Cruz
Cover design: Karla Cruz
Cover photograph: IICA Grenada
Printed: IICA Print Shop
San Jose, Costa Rica, 2012
Table of Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. Summary of key achievements and projects. . . . . . . . . . . 7
Antigua and Barbuda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bahamas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Barbados . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Commonwealth of Dominica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dominican Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Grenada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Guyana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Haiti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Saint Kitts and Nevis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Saint Lucia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Suriname. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Trinidad and Tobago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2. Results and Achievements Regional Level. . . . . . . . . . . 37
3. Externaly Funded Projects by Country. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4. Competitive Fund for Technical Cooperation. . . . . . . . . 49
5. IICA-CONACYT Scholarship Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3
Foreword
T
he Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on
Agriculture (IICA) is pleased to present this Special
Report for the Caribbean Region, which provides
information on the projects and initiatives undertaken by
our IICA offices across the fourteen (14) Member States in
the Caribbean during the period 2011- 2012.
Through our efforts, positive results and impacts are
already being realized, including improvements in
productivity, greater involvement of stakeholders across
the value chain, increased visibility of women and youth,
access to local and export markets, and the sustainable
management of natural resources.
The Report highlights results achieved at the policy and
institutional levels with Ministries of Agriculture and
national authorities in strengthening their capacity for
strategic planning, and in delivering timely information
and high quality services to the agricultural and rural
sectors. It also showcases the many initiatives where,
through local actions with rural communities, women
and youth networks, as well as with the private sector,
we have sown the seeds of new knowledge, through
training and capacity building. …. seeds which are being
realized in a harvest of new skills in applying innovations
in agricultural production, agribusiness management,
adopting “climate smart” agriculture, and controlling
economically important pests and diseases.
All of this has been made possible through the hard
work, commitment and dedication of the excellent
team of professionals and support staff in the offices
in the Member States, IICA Staff at Headquarters, our
international specialists, and our partner agencies in Latin
America and the Caribbean.
The Institute will continue in its efforts to provide relevant
and tangible support to the Region´s agricultural and
rural sectors, and to fulfil its commitment to promoting
competitive and sustainable agriculture in the Americas.
Víctor M. Villalobos
Director General
5
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
1
Summary of
key achievements
and projects
The IICA Country Strategies represent the technical
cooperation programmes developed by our IICA Offices
in the Member States, in collaboration with the Ministries
of Agriculture and key stakeholders, and approved for
implementation during 2011-2014. In total, the IICA
Offices are implementing some 44 projects across the
four Technical Concentration Programmes of Agribusiness
and Commercialization, Innovation for Productivity and
Competitiveness, Agricultural Health and Food Safety,
as well as Agriculture, Territories and Rural Well-being,
and the two Cross-Cutting Programmes of Agriculture
and Food Security, and Agriculture, Natural Resource
Management and Climate Change.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Antigua and Barbuda
Low Cost Energy Options On-Farm
The capacity of technicians in the Ministry of Agriculture,
pig farmers and other livestock producers to manage
waste and increase energy efficiency on farms, was
strengthened with the introduction of low cost biogas
technology to Antigua and Barbuda. One complete
biogas unit was constructed on a farmer’s holding and
complemented with a series of theoretical and practical
demonstration sessions by professionals of the Institute.
One technician from the Ministry of Agriculture was also
supported to visit an integrated farm in Costa Rica, in
an effort to strengthen the Ministry’s internal capacity to
support the livestock sector with the further development
and implementation of this low cost technology.
Women, Youth and Agribusiness
The members of the Antigua Agro Processors Association
(AAPA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture
Forum for Youth (ABAFY) are now better organized and
more efficient because of assistance from IICA with
strengthening of management and operational structures.
AAPA participated in the national pineapple and mango
festivals and won the award for the best booth display at
the mango festival.
Climate Change, Food Security and Health
The profile and image of the Institute were significantly
enhanced with the effective collaboration and hosting
of the first national workshop on Climate Change and
Health in Antigua and Barbuda. This workshop was a
joint initiative among the three Inter-American Agencies
operating in the country and a National Institution
namely: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO),
the Organization of American States (OAS), InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
and the Ministry of Health.
Sustainable Livestock Production
Following the visit of an IICA livestock specialist,
recommendations have been provided for the sustainable
development of the small ruminant sector in Antigua &
Barbuda. Plans for the sector include the establishment
of demonstration units with improved management on
selected farms, improved legislation on dog predation
and control of larceny.
A National Agricultural Information System
(NAIS)
With assistance from the Programme for Agribusiness
and Commercialization (PAC), the Ministry of
Agriculture has been provided with recommendations to
organize and develop a nation-wide system to provide
producers and other industry stakeholders with strategic
information to assist them in making sound marketing
decisions. The NAIS will be developed over the next 12
to 18 months.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Bahamas
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
for Handicraft
agricultural activities, through the organization and
hosting of two conferences on greenhouse technology.
Associations and individual female craft artisans in the
Bahamas have the tools needed to improve the quality
of their handicraft using local agricultural materials. This
has been made possible under a US$85,000 project,
financed by UN Women and implemented by IICA.
Investment in Agribusiness and
Tourism Linkages
Strengthening of SPS Measures
The Ministry has prioritised the strengthening of SPS
measures to guarantee the safety of local foods and to
facilitate exports. To this end, IICA is preparing two
PVS assessments in Food Safety and Animal Health
and a project to establish small slaughter houses in the
main islands. IICA also hosted a videoconference on
the new U.S. Food Safety Modernisation Act and Codex
Alimentarius.
Information Sharing on Greenhouse Technology
At least 5 project proposals have been prepared by
the IICA Office in collaboration with Bahamas Hotel
Association, Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Agricultural
and Industrial Corporation and the Ministry of Education.
A SWOT analysis and strategic workshops were held
in the 6 main islands (Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros,
Exuma, Long Island and Eleuthera) in collaboration
with MAMR, BAIC, BAPA and The Bahamas Chamber of
Commerce as preparatory work for the proposals. IICA is
also collaborating on a pilot project for the North Andros
High School to provide vegetables to Sheraton Hotel in
Nassau. IICA will also undertake a project proposal with
funding from the IDB for Abaco farmers and is working
with the BAIC on the marketing of sea sponges.
Local stakeholders have acquired technical information
from IICA, which has helped them to improve their
11
Photo: Rosmary Parkinson
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Barbados
Compliance with International Food
Safety Standards
The capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of
Health, and the Barbados National Standard Institute to
understand and comply with international standards and
agreements, has been enhanced as a result of attendance
and active participation of officers in international and
regional Codex Alimentarius meetings, facilitated by IICA.
Training of Trainers in HACCP
Twenty-one (21) officials of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Ministry of Health are now better able to comply
with international standards in food safety as a result of
training and international certification by the International
HACCP Alliance in HACCP. The training was planned
and executed by IICA Barbados, in collaboration with the
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the IICA PAC
(Programme for Agribusiness and Commercialization)
and Texas Tech University.
PhytoSanitary
of Agriculture
Toolbox
for
the
Ministry
The diagnostic capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture
in DNA-based techniques for the detection of plant
pathogens, has been significantly enhanced through a
3-day workshop that was planned and executed jointly
by the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill, Barbados
campus), IICA Barbados, and the Barbados Ministry of
Agriculture. Twelve participants from the Ministry of
Agriculture were trained in DNA-based techniques,
including molecular databases in primer design and real
time PCR, thereby providing personnel from the Ministry
of Agriculture with a variety of phytosanitary tools.
Capacity-building for Plant
Quarantine Inspectors
The technical capability of plant quarantine inspectors
has been improved as a result of advanced training in
plant quarantine inspection techniques. This training
was planned and executed jointly by a team of partner
agencies comprising USDA-APHIS, FAO, IICA, and the
University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus).
This is the second year of this course and it is expected to
continue as an annual training event.
Youth Farm Programme
Youth in Barbados have increased understanding and
improved skills in basic agriculture as a result of a highly
successful Youth Farm Programme planned and executed
by IICA, in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational
Education Training (TVET) Council of Barbados and the
Ministry of Agriculture. Delivered over a seven-week
period, the programme trained fifteen (15) young people
selected from three secondary schools in sustainable
farming methods, ornamental horticulture, and animal
husbandry. The programme also included modules on good
agricultural practices, post-harvest principles and agribusiness management. This is the inaugural programme,
and it is expected that it will become an annual fixture on
the Barbados agricultural calendar.
13
Photo: JTAS Tours
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Commonwealth of Dominica
National Farm Inspection and
Certification Programme
The capacity of personnel within the Ministry of Agriculture
and other public sector agencies, as well as farmers and
exporters, has been strengthened to effectively implement
the National Farm Inspection and Certification Programme.
Thirty farms were assessed against the requirements of the
recommended standards.
Strengthening the Institutional Framework
for Food Safety
Consumer confidence in agricultural health and food safety
systems has improved, following a national consultation on
food safety policy convened by IICA, in collaboration with
the Environmental Health Unit, Division of Agriculture and
Forestry, and the Dominica Bureau of Standards.
An advisory committee was also set up to spearhead the
establishment of a National Agricultural Health and Food
Safety System for Dominica. The Bureau of Standards is
one step closer to implementing the Fresh Produce Export
Quality Control and Inspection Act with the training of
twenty-five (25) fresh produce quality inspectors. Inspectors
received training in fresh produce standards, international
trading requirements, and SPS issues.
National Agricultural Policy 2012 – 2020
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has been provided
with a draft agricultural policy, based on three pillars of
Environmental Sustainability, Enhanced Competitiveness,
and Food and Nutrition Security with Sovereignty. The
design of this Policy was spearheaded by CAESPA and
included intense and wide-ranging consultations with
public and private stakeholders, as well as review of
international and regional initiatives and priorities.
Useful Tools for Farmers and Extension Officers
The capabilities and capacities of five agricultural service
providers, twenty farmers, and fifteen extension officers to
respond to market demands, were strengthened through
a training workshop on cost of production. Through this
workshop, the participants improved their ability to determine
cost of production for selected commodities, and determine
the market competitiveness of selected commodities.
Supporting Youth in Beekeeping and
Onion Production
The productive capacities of two agribusiness groups
were strengthened through the procurement of material
and equipment to enhance production and improve the
ability of members to engage in agricultural activities. Ten
members of the Agricultural Women’s Movement were
introduced to onion production, while the beekeepers’
cooperative received thirty functional beehives, along
with protective gear and honey extraction equipment, in
an effort to replace hives lost during the 2010 Mathieu
Dam Disaster. The latter activity afforded the opportunity
to introduce twenty young entrepreneurs to bee- keeping,
and to receive training in bee rearing, honey production
and construction of hives.
15
Photo: Martín Estrella
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Dominican Republic
Strengthened Border Quarantine Services
Integrated Farming for Food Security
The Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic
can provide high quality inspection services to facilitate
trade, through the implementation of a project to
strengthen international quarantine in Haiti and the
Dominican Republic, financed by the USDA.
Some 100 producers in the areas of Monte Plata and
Yamasá have strengthened their capacity to improve their
food security and that of their families, through animal
husbandry, processing of organic fertilizer, production
of vegetables and rain-fed rice, using the Integrated
Farm Model.
Innovations in Rice Production
and AgroForestry
Access to Export Markets
National rice producers have the information and tools
to achieve increased yields while limiting production
costs with reduced environmental impact, through the
application of innovative systems of rice intensification,
promoted by the IICA Office through the Ministry of
Agriculture and sector institutions. The Ministry of
Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment, producer
associations, and individual farmers throughout the
country have also received training in innovative intensive
silvopastoral systems, which they can use to increase
production capacity and reduce costs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and
Trade, as well as institutions involved in international
trade in agricultural products have strengthened
their capacity to manage trade agreements to
which the country is a signatory, through two IICA
training workshops. At the private sector level, 25
producer organizations and private producers
have improved their business and networking
skills to access the EU market through France,
with the implementation of a fourth edition of the
Agro-export platform.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Grenada
Agribusiness Development for Women SMEs
Twenty-five members of the national chapters of three
members of the Alliance (CABA, CAFY and CANROP)
have enhanced their capacity to develop and manage
small-scale projects, through participation in project
development workshops, organized and conducted
jointly by IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Local Market Access for Women Producers
The Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers
(GRENROP), which serves as the national chapter of
CANROP, has formulated and is about to implement,
a joint marketing venture with a major supermarket
chain in the city. Members of GRENROP are currently
in negotiations for its members to be granted supply
contracts to become the exclusive suppliers of
herbs and processed agricultural products to the
supermarket chain.
Cooperatives in Agribusiness with ICTs
Twenty agribusiness operators, drawn from two
community-based cooperatives, and the national
chapters of CABA, CAFY and CANROP have improved
their business management capabilities as a result of their
participation in a two-day IICA workshop entitled Small
Business Management using ICT. Participants were taught
how to store, retrieve, manipulate, and transmit/receive
information electronically, and how to use market reports,
and prepare basic financial statements.
Management of Nutmeg Wilt /
Root Rot Disease
Thirty-one local agricultural technicians and nutmeg
farmers have increased their capacity to diagnose and
treat the nutmeg wilt/root rot disease affecting Grenada’s
nutmeg trees. This was made possible through the
services of a Plant Pathologist (Dr Randy C. Ploetz, of the
University of Florida) contracted by IICA. The pathologist
engaged the technicians and farmers in a series of field
and classroom sessions related to the diagnosis and
treatment of the nutmeg wilt/root rot disease, and also
provided guidelines for management of the disease.
Management Plan for Government Estates
National authorities have a management plan for the
development and commercialization of four government
estate farms. The Plan was developed on the basis of site
visits undertaken by an IICA technical team and broadbased stakeholder participation. It has been submitted to
the Cabinet of Grenada for approval.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Guyana
Promoting Alternative Income-Generation
Activities through Agro-EcoTourism
Poor, rural communities have been provided with
opportunities for income generation in that community
through the construction and operation of an ecolodge, with associated rural enterprise development.
The operation of the lodge has increased the number
of stay-over visitors at Lake Capoey Village in the
Essequibo Region.
Marketing of Honey and Beeswax
Employment opportunities for youth in Aliki Village
on the Essequibo River have been created through the
establishment and operation of beehives. The hives have
begun to produce honey which will be marketed within
and outside of the community and the youth will soon
be involved in training to produce value-added apiary
products, including beeswax.
Partnerships Lead to Investment in Shade
House Production
IICA Guyana, together with CIDA, FAO, Partners of the
Americas and CASRI, have succeeded in establishing a
40ft x 20ft shade house for the cultivation of vegetables
at the Vocational Training Institute, as well as 30 small
commercial shade-houses at the community level. It
is expected that these investments would contribute to
productivity in agriculture, as well as train future farmers
in new technologies.
Skills Training for Women AgroProcessors
The organizational and processing skills of fourteen
of the members of the Women Agro-processors
Development Network (WADN) were enhanced,
through a programme of technical and logistical
support provided by IICA. IICA and the VSO also
facilitated the marketing of WADN products to Sterling
Products Limited, and this has increased the market
share of the relevant member groups, as well as their
income-generating capacity.
Management of Black Sigatoka Disease
Through participation in IICA seminars, the technical
personnel of the National Agricultural Research and
Extension Institute (NAREI), the New Guyana Marketing
Corporation (NGMC), and several fruit crop producers,
gained awareness in the diagnosis and treatment of Black
Sigatoka disease.
21
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Haiti
Strengthened
Institutional
Quarantine and Surveillance
Capacity
in
The Plant Protection Directorate of the Ministry of
Agriculture was provided with a plan of operation for the
strengthening of animal and plant health at the national
level, including quarantine, epidemiological surveillance,
laboratory and plant protection. This plan was based on
collaborative efforts of different donors (IDB, WB, USDAAPHIS, European Union), with technical assistance
from IICA, through the bi-national project to strengthen
international quarantine.
Technical Training in Protected Agriculture
115 executives from public and private institutions,
as well as universities, have improved their technical
capabilities in the area of protected agriculture. Intensive
training was provided for 44 officials, with funding
from CARDI and USDA, and with training provided by
four Mexican, four Dominican, one Jamaican and four
Haitian specialists.
Horizontal Cooperation in
Technical Programmes
The MARNDR has strengthened its horizontal cooperation
with other countries, with the support of IICA, through:
1) several technical activities (missions, activities and
projects) with the Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Mexico, Uruguay and Brazil; 2) cooperation with CARDI
in Trinidad on the implementation of two projects
that contribute to food security for the population and
training of Haitian professionals; and 3) IICA and CARDI
facilitated distribution in Haiti of maize seeds and peas
donated by CARICOM, benefitting a large number of
small producers.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Jamaica
Strengthening of Greenhouse Production and
Fisheries Sub-sector
The greenhouse and fisheries sub-sectors have been
strengthened through the successful completion of
the Improving Jamaica’s Agricultural Productivity
(IJAP) project, funded by the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA).
The major results
achieved included: construction of 40 greenhouses,
construction of 2 pack houses, rehabilitation of 6 fishing
beaches, deployment of lobster condominiums in 5
sites, deployment of artificial reefs in 2 fish sanctuaries,
training of greenhouse growers and extension personnel,
and training of fisher folk and fisheries officers.
The knowledge base of the Jamaica Greenhouse Growers
Association (JGGA) was also strengthened through the
visit of JGGA representatives to Mexico to learn about
strawberry production under protected agriculture
conditions. This was facilitated by the IICA Office in
Jamaica in collaboration with IICA Mexico.
Improved Capacity of Apiculture Sector to
Manage Economically Important Diseases
The capacity of the apiculture sector to manage
and contain American FoulBrood (AFB) disease was
strengthened through the successful completion of the
project “Strengthening Capacity of Stakeholders in the
Apiculture Sector to Control and Manage the American
Foulbrood Disease and Enhance Production,” which was
funded by the European Union. The project undertook
an island-wide inspection of apiaries for AFB disease
and burning of infected hives. The project also included
training for selected beekeepers and establishment of
commercial apiaries for the new national beekeeping
associations. A follow-up workshop on post-project
monitoring of AFB disease, and discussion of other
beekeeping diseases, was also facilitated by the IICA
Office during 2012.
The CharlesTown Bee Farmers Association was
strengthened through a group dynamics intervention
facilitated by the IICA Office, which resulted in the
election of a new executive and revitalization of the
association.
Youth in Agribusiness Awarded
The recognition of successes among youth involved
in Agribusiness at the commemoration of IICA’s 70th
anniversary during the Denbigh Agricultural and
Industrial Show, contributed to the increased visibility
and promotion of youth involvement in agriculture.
Institutional Strengthening for Agricultural
Health and Food Safety
Performance, Vision and Strategy (PVS) assessments, as
well as draft reports for the plant health and food safety
sub-sectors, were completed under the execution of the
PVS Project funded by the Inter-American Development
Bank (IDB) / Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries –
Agricultural Competitiveness Programme.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Strategic Plan for Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a mediumterm plan to promote agricultural diversification and
modernization, with technical support from IICA.
Information Management and
Communication System
The information and communication infrastructure
and systems at the Ministry of Agriculture have been
upgraded following IICA´s support, with an assessment
and survey of agriculture among key stakeholders, and
the design and management of a functional website for
the Ministry of Agriculture and its departments.
Youths Adopt Shadehouse Technology
in Schools
income for their schools, through the construction of
2 shadehouses financed by the Canada Fund for Local
Initiatives (CFLI) and executed by IICA, in collaboration
with the Youth Forum.
Agribusiness Management for
Small-scale Processors
Farmers and agro-processors have successfully
improved their business and management capabilities
through a series of workshops aimed at addressing
various technical topics, such as: cost of production
of commodities, development of business plans,
entrepreneurship, financial management, and the
sharing of best practices. Institutional support for
increasing the value-added to root crops has also been
strengthened through training provided by IICA to the
Ministry of Agriculture.
Young farmers have the capacity to manage vegetable
production under shadehouses, and to generate
27
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Saint Lucia
Nutrition Improvements in the Livestock Sector
Empowerment of Women and Youth
The productive capacity of agribusinesses in the small
ruminant subsector was strengthened through the
introduction of new forage species and training in the
production, management, and preservation of these new
feed sources. Twenty small ruminant farmers received
Tithonia ssp and mulberry cuttings for the establishment
of forage banks on their farms to address the issue of
insufficiency of high-quality feed, which is a longstanding problem. Over seventy small ruminant farmers
also benefitted from a major workshop on small ruminant
management and nutrition, in an effort to boost the
productivity of their enterprises and the standardization
of their products.
The knowledge and organizational capacities of
youth and women were strengthened through
training and knowledge transfer. The Saint Lucia
Agriculture Forum for Youth (SLAFY) finalized
a five–year strategic development plan, and
members gained skills in proposal writing and
accessing funds. Youth entrepreneurship was also
enhanced with the launch of the third phase of the
project “Helping Out Our Primary and Secondary
Schools (HOOPSS).
Value-added in the Small Ruminant Sector
The management and operational capabilities of
producer organizations were strengthened, mainly
through training initiatives aimed at specific deficiencies
in operational procedures and management within these
organizations. A major retreat was held for the Small
Ruminant Cooperative Society, to restructure its executive
and develop a strategic development plan for the group.
The Pork Producers Cooperative Society also benefitted
from two training interventions, both targeted at waste
management within the industry. The first focused on
water quality and the second targeted the construction
of low-cost biogas digesters, not only as a waste
management strategy, but also as a means of providing
cheap energy for farm and household operations, as well
as for the production of biofertilizers.
Medium-Term Strategic Development Plan
The Ministry of Agriculture benefitted from support
provided by the Institute in the design of a strategic
plan for the newly constituted Ministry of Agriculture,
Food Production, and Rural Development.
The
strategic alliances with agriculture and rural
development partners in the sub-region were also
strengthened during the period, through collaboration
with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS) Secretariat to develop a draft common rural
development policy for the member countries.
Farmers and Students Trained in
Protected Agriculture
Training has been provided to farmers and agricultural
science students in Saint Lucia, with the establishment
of two greenhouses funded by the Government
of Mexico.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Saint Vincent and
The Grenadines
Successful Management of Threats Leads
to Revival of Beekeeping Industry
The beekeeping industry has rebounded from
virtually no production in 2006, to over 900 gallons
of honey in 2012 due to timely intervention by IICA.
IICA´s strategic intervention involved assistance from
FAVACA to bring a Master Beekeeper, who undertook
three days of intensive field visits to apiaries to assess
the state and health of the hives, which was followed
by an IICA-organized workshop on innovative methods
in beekeeping, and information on the emerging
regional threat of the African small hive beetle.
The Beekeepers Association Inc. (BKAI) and other key
stakeholders in the beekeeping industry in St. Vincent and
the Grenadines have therefore enhanced their technical
competence in beekeeping, and have gained the
knowledge needed to counter potential challenges arising
from new external threats. They have also consolidated
the revival of their industry after its devastation in
2006 as a result of exotic pest infestation. Training was
also provided to the Ministry of Agriculture, thereby
strengthening the support provided to the industry.
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Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Suriname
Improved Skills in Ovine Breeding Techniques
The Suriname Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry,
and Fisheries (LVV) has improved its capacity in small
ruminant (ovine) production through training provided
by IICA. Six agricultural technicians, including
veterinarians, were trained in artificial insemination
using peri-cervical techniques during a week long Trainthe-Trainers Workshop led by Mexican Animal Breeder
Dr. Raymundo Rangel. During the training process, ewes
were inseminated and have produced healthy offspring.
The six trainers have begun to train other technicians and
producers in the breeding techniques.
Exports of Organic Chili Pepper to Europe
Vegetable farmers in Suriname have been enabled to
increase their production of organic chili pepper to meet
market demands for the product in Europe. Thirty-five
farmers were trained in organic chili pepper production
in the areas of seed production, selection and storage,
soil preparation, planting techniques preparation and
use of organic fertilizers and organic pest management.
Fifteen farmers have increased their production and the
first shipment to Europe is expected to be made before
the end of 2012.
Producing Neotropical Animal Species
Small scale producers in Suriname have increased their
knowledge of the different Neo-Tropical Animal Species
(NTAS), awareness of their value and have indicated their
readiness to produce and market products from NTAS.
Production information was provided to 16 stakeholders,
including policymakers and technicians, and 3 producers
have been identified and have initiated activities to
establish pilot projects to raise NTAS in captivity. Species
targeted for production include agouti, paca, capybara,
collared peccary, and Muscovy duck.
Low-Cost Protected Agriculture Systems
Twenty farmers in the Pierre Kondre community were
trained in the establishment and operation of lowcost protected agri-systems. In addition, technicians,
producers, and Agriculture students at the Anton de Kom
University have improved their competence in the use
of liquid and solid substrates in producing crops in the
greenhouse system, and in testing the efficacy of the two
techniques at two locations.
Value-added Products from Pineapple
and Cassava
Pineapple and cassava processors have improved their
capacity to process quality products. In collaboration
with the Pater Ahlbrink Foundation (PAS), a local NGO,
the Office supported factory rehabilitation and the
further commercialization of the cassava industry in the
Marowijne District. Increased output of processed cassava
products has been achieved. Pineapple producers in the
Para District have also been trained in organic pineapple
production and post-harvest and value-added techniques,
and are implementing the practices in their operations.
33
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Trinidad and Tobago
Farming Groups Trained in Agribusiness
Enhanced capacity for the preparation of project
proposals/business plans for the mobilization of
financial resources to support agribusiness activities
was achieved through a series of workshops
conducted for rural farming groups, including
Matura farmers group; Fishing Pond farmers group;
Manzanilla farmers group; Aripo farmers group; and
Tobago Agribusiness Cooperative Society.
Improved Agricultural Health and Food
Safety (AHFS) Practices
Greater awareness and adoption by producers,
processors, institutions and community groups of
improved agricultural health and food safety practices
was achieved through workshops and seminars that
covered areas such as: Production of value-added
products from goat milk; GMPs for the fresh-cut/
minimally processed fruits and vegetable industry;
Processing of fruits and vegetables; the Food Safety
Modernization Act; Biosafety and Biotechnology; and
Black Sigatoka disease.
Creation of New Business Opportunities
in Communities
Business, marketing and entrepreneurial opportunities
in agriculture for stakeholders, including women, youth
and community-based organizations were facilitated
by IICA through its support for the 4th Mango festival
and conference; visits by cocoa and coffee industry
stakeholders to the Dominican Republic; the preparation
and publication of an indigenous recipe book of the
Aripo community; and the preparation of 2 agro-tourism
projects for CDE funding in Matelot and Brasso Seco.
Provision of Accurate and Timely Information
for Decision Making
The capacity of public sector officials and private sector
producers to access accurate and reliable information
for effective decision making and planning, has been
increased. This was facilitated by IICA through the
development of a database of businesses involved in
the processing of root and tubers in both Trinidad and
Tobago; conduct of a market study on small ruminants
value-added meat and dairy products and a baseline
study of the livestock sector; as well as sponsorship
of a media/ awards competition for excellence in
Agriculture journalism.
35
2
Results and
Achievements
Regional Level
37
Photo: Rosmary Parkinson
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
The following FIVE MAJOR achievements were realized
at the Regional Level during the period:
•
IICA was identified as lead implementing
agency for two major EU-funded programmes
amounting to 20 million Euro over 4 years.
•
IICA has established a formal MOU with
the FAO and is also working closely with
development partners such as IFAD, CDE,
CTA, and Caribbean Export to implement
programmes and to collaborate in support of
regional programmes.
The factors responsible for this achievement have
included IICA´s successful completion of the EU Fourpillar assessment; our wealth of experience and good
track record as a technical cooperation agency in the
Region; our network of offices in the Caribbean countries
providing on-the-ground capacity for implementation;
the strong alignment between priority areas of need in
the region and the technical concentration programmes
of IICA, and the strengthening of relations between IICA
and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.
Photo: Rosmary Parkinson
1. IICA recognized as technical cooperation agency
and implementing “Partner of Choice” by
major donors and development partners in the
Caribbean region
39
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
2. Regional dialogue and integration initiatives
in agriculture and food and nutrition security
strengthened in the Caribbean through IICA support
•
CARICOM secretariat supported by IICA in
pursuing the Jagdeo Initiative.
•
Important regional fora on plant and animal
health convened with IICA support.
•
CARICOM Regional Food and Nutrition
Security Policy and Plan of Action and
Community Agriculture Policy formulated with
IICA support.
•
Effective policy dialogue, policy analysis
and information dissemination through
the Caribbean Regional Agricultural Policy
Network (CaRAPN) managed by IICA.
40
•
Expanded IICA/CARDI Cooperation Framework
developed.
•
CARDI provided with IICA financial resources
to fund R&D activities.
•
Stakeholders across the Region are benefiting
from CARDI research and development
initiatives at the national levels.
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
3. Agricultural research and development in the
region enhanced through strengthened IICA/
CARDI relations
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
4. Enhancement of the profile of agriculture in the
region and institutional collaboration through
IICA leadership
•
IICA participated actively in CWA planning
committee meetings and in providing
guidance to host countries.
•
The Alliance Constituents, CANROP and
CAFY continue to receive strong support
at national levels, as well as with their
participation in the CWA and the Agricultural
Round Table (ART) organized by IICA as part
of CWA activities, with funding support from
the CTA.
•
Operations of the CWA Secretariat and other
CWA support mechanisms supported by
IICA resources and IICA technical personnel.
•
Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2011
was successfully convened.
5. Institutions, both public and private, and
stakeholder capacities strengthened in strategic
areas of importance to the region through
IICA interventions
•
Capacity of regional public and private
sector stakeholders strengthened through
horizontal technical cooperation, regional
training
programmes
and
technical
assistance in areas such as plant quarantine,
market information systems, value chain
analysis,
agribusiness
development,
agro-tourism linkages, and disaster risk
management.
•
Competitive Fund projects developed for
Caribbean countries with focus on roots
and tubers, small ruminants and Carambola
Fruit Fly.
•
Effective dissemination of information
through workshops and sensitization
sessions on technical topics of importance
- food safety, agro-biotechnology and
biosafety.
41
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
3
Externaly Funded
Projects by Country
43
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Barbados
•
•
Self-production of fresh food project extension at
3 locations in the Northwest department of Haiti –
PROHUERTA
•
Construction of water tanks for rainwater collection
and storage in Haiti.
•
Financing system and agricultural insurance in Haiti.
•
Reforestation Project and utilization of energysaving stoves in Arreguy-Jacmel, Haiti
Barbados Youth Farm Training Programme (TVET)
Haiti
•
Project to support the strengthening of the Francique
mango chain in the Centre Department
•
Promoting capacity building
agriculture in Haiti (USDA-FAS)
•
•
Increased Production of Vegetables and Herbs
through the use of Protected Agriculture in the
Caribbean (CFF-CARDI)
Research Consortium for the Development of
Agriculture in Haiti.
•
Implementation of the commercialization of diseaseresistant bean varieties in Guatemala, Nicaragua,
Honduras and Haiti.
Availability of proposal and recommendation for the
establishment of the model “Escuelas de campo” in
Haiti (FIDA).
•
Project support to strengthen monitoring of food
security in Haiti through observatories.
•
for
sustainable
•
Avian Influenza control and human pandemic
preparedness and response.
•
Strengthening Animal Health at the National level
for technical support to the control of classical swine
fever and control of avian influenza projects.
•
Self-production of fresh food – PROHUERTA
•
Haiti post-earthquake support program and
employment generation in affected rural areas.
Jamaica
•
Performance Vision Strategy (PVS) Evaluation of
National Plant Protection. Organizations and
National Food Safety Management Control Systems
(AIC/IDB)
•
Promotion of community-based agrotourism for
identified communities and participating agencies.
45
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
46
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
•
Improving Jamaica’s Agricultural Productivity (CIDA
A-034263).
•
Expansion and mass production of the fish
production center Bombita – CEPROPIBO.
•
Improving the competitiveness of the small ruminant
sub-sector through the development of national
grading standards and enhanced market intelligence.
•
Diversification and expansion of the goat milk
production center “La cabrita”, Dominican Republic.
•
Consolidation of small farming plots with ecological
approach of small and medium producers in the
Nizaíto River Basin of the Municipalities of Paradise
and Enriquillo, Dominican Republic.
Saint Lucia
•
Helping Out Our Primary and Secondary Schools
(HOOPS) Phase 3.
Dominican Republic
•
Project for monitoring agro-tourism linkages in
Samana, Dominican Republic.
•
Project for strengthening international quarantine
between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
•
Innovative Policies for the Development of Rural
Areas in Latin America-PIDERAL.
Suriname
•
Carambola Fruit Fly Control and Eradication
Support Project.
Trinidad and Tobago
•
Enhancing the value-added processing of roots
and tubers in the Caribbean through the transfer of
improved technologies
47
4
Competitive Fund
for Technical Cooperation
49
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
The Competitive Fund for Technical Cooperation
(FonTC) is an initiative through which IICA uses its
own resources to finance multinational technical
cooperation projects, which can be complemented with
funds from other organizations of member countries or
international agencies.
The main objectives of the Fund are:
To contribute to the attainment of the goals
established in the IICA 2010-2014 MTP.
To encourage the provision of technical cooperation
of excellence by funding multinational projects with
innovative approaches.
To promote agriculture that is more productive,
competitive, and sustainable.
To strengthen the interaction among the Institute’s
technical personnel in all the member countries.
To develop and consolidate a network of strategic
partnerships with international, regional, and
national organizations whose mission and purposes
are similar to those of the Institute.
To provide an innovative and transparent form of
financing for technical cooperation.
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
51
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
Photo: Emmanuel Fenelon
52
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
In 2011, the Caribbean won the following two projects financed by the Fund:
1
Improving the Competitiveness of the Small Ruminant
Sub-sector through the Development of National Grading
Standards and enhanced Market Intelligence
Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago
2
Enhancing the Value-Added Processing of Roots and
Tubers in the Caribbean through the Transfer of Improved
Technologies
Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Dominica,
Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Peru,
St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad
and Tobago
In 2012, five (5) additional projects have been approved for implementation in the Caribbean Region.
1
2
3
4
5
Revitalizing a cherished crop: Mango chain development in Haiti.
Appropriate intensive small ruminant production systems for the Caribbean, based on local
feed resources.
Economic, social and environmental management of small- and medium-size rural properties in seven
(7) countries of Latin America.
Reducing the Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: Enhancing Institutional Capacity to Promote and
Support Climate Smart Agriculture in the Caribbean Region.
Establishment of innovative financing schemes to strengthen market access of rural women
entrepreneurs involved in community development in the Caribbean.
53
5
IICA-CONACYT
Scholarship
Program
55
Special Report on Key Projects and Achievements 2011-2012
Caribbean Participants In Scholarship Programme IICA CONACYT 2012
CANDIDATES
2012
PRE-SELECTION
2012
POSTGRADUATE
ADMISSION
2012
Antigua y Barbuda
1
1
0
Dominica
2
0
0
Grenada
2
2
1
Guyana
11
6
1
Haiti
6
2
1
Jamaica
3
1
0
Dominican Republic
13
4
0
St. Lucia
4
1
1
Total
42
17
4
COUNTRY
NAME
NATIONALITY
PROGRAMME
INSTITUTION
Alicia Lett
Grenada
Science and Food Technology
Universidad Autónoma
Chapingo
Onika Baptiste
Guyana
Renewable Energy
Centro de Investigación
Científica de Yucatán
William Joseph
Haiti
Natural Resource Use, Management
and Conservation
Centro de Investigaciones
Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C.
Gregg Evans
St. Lucia
Plant Protection
Colegio de Postgraduados
57
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