Agriculture is a major pillar for a nation’s food security, human nutrition and health, but with climate change impacts such as droughts, flooding and periods of extreme heat, the sector will require more than ever before robust science to inform farming practices. The MarVista Institute for Agriculture, Training and Development (MIATD) on 25th January 2024 delivered a comprehensive training package at a one-day workshop designed to engage Tobago farmers in the knowledge of Climate Change science and adaptation through practice. The training event was over-subscribed attracting well over 120 farmers from across Tobago.
The MarVista Institute for Agriculture, Training and Development, in partnership with co-sponsors Republic Bank Limited under its programme ‘Power to Make a Difference’, The Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Tobago House of Assembly and the Argyle Unified Farmers Development Group, highlighted the need for farmers to be aware of how to be ready, responsive, and resilient to climate change.
Specialists delivering the training sessions included Professor Michelle Mycoo, climate scientist of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Professor Wayne Ganpat, retired Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and Marcus Mycoo Agronomist and Lead Consultant complemented by Rayard Khan Consultant and the rest of his experienced team of MIATD, Trinidad.
Professor Mycoo tailored her presentation to highlight three key messages: (1) Climate change was global and its impacts were felt not only in the Caribbean, but were also being experienced in other world regions among them Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas; (2) The main climate change impacts which exacerbated Caribbean islands’ vulnerability were higher-than-average temperatures, heat stress, drought, floods, hurricanes and storms, and to a lesser extent sea level rise; and (3) The time had come for farmers to urgently act by embracing the scientific knowledge and a suite of emerging technologies which could help strengthen their ability to become resilient in coping with climate change. She noted that the World Meteorological Organisation confirmed in January 2024 that 2023 was the hottest year in human history. Professor Mycoo assured Tobago’s farmers that the international scientific community was working at a fast speed to develop adaptation technologies to cope with climate change. She gave examples of climate change adaptation technologies being employed by the agricultural sector around the world which included drones, mobile apps, and geographic information systems to facilitate community mapping and underscored that local training in their use is essential. The adoption of water management techniques was also highlighted to ensure national water and food security.
Professor Ganpat focused the first part of his delivery on the special risks to farming and fisheries in Tobago; mostly in the areas of landslides due to excessive rain over short periods, some flooding in low lying areas, extended drought periods, the effect of higher-than-average temperatures on crop performance, threats to coastlines from storm surges, and coral reef damage due to rising ocean temperature and acidification. He also warned about the need to keep a close eye on the Main Ridge and to ensure there is no encroachment as it is the source of a sustainable water supply among other benefits. The second part of his presentation focused on a wide range of adaptive strategies available to manage the risks associated with climate change. These include: re-examining crops produced at present and diversifying with climate resilient species; rain water harvesting; micro-irrigation techniques; installation of on-farm or communal ponds; protected agriculture, in particular shade houses linked to hydroponic systems and to consider controlled environment systems e.g. freight farms; the adoption of proper soil conservation techniques on hillsides; shifting farms away from proximity to water courses; and to adopt crop enhancing products as a key part of the production system to help crops during and after any stress periods.
Marcus Mycoo engaged Tobago’s farmers with knowledge distilled from agricultural practices used to encourage the use of proven technologies to manage crops through extremes of flood, drought and heat. He also focused on simple techniques such as improved nursery management and the use of earlier root dominant transplants as a method to help plants become more drought tolerant. Many of the technologies even have implications for establishing more resilient forest plantations and the cocoa industry. He emphasized collectively, all these approaches to crop production can improve productivity levels and cut farmers’ income loss. Mr. Mycoo and his team conveyed to farmers the success they had in the field with the application of technologies that helped minimize crop stress, facilitate crop growth, manage pest and disease, and promote higher yields all in an environmentally friendly manner.
Farmers are key to human survival and targeted training is geared to making farmers ready, responsive and resilient to climate change. The MIATD training focuses on transformation and development of farming as an activity and farmers as key stakeholders. Professors Mycoo and Ganpat are assisting in the delivery of training to help farmers cope with one of the biggest challenges they face.
The photo shows from left to right Ramish Radgman, President of the Argyle United Farmers Development Group, Professor Michelle Mycoo UWI GICSRD, Representative of Republic Bank Limited, Natisha Charles-Pantin, Tobago Housing Assembly, Secretary of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Marcus Mycoo Chairman of the MarVista Institute for Agricultural Training and Development (MIATD).
