FML and WUSC Caribbean Climate Smart and Small Equipment training

Farfan and Mendes, in collaboration with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, Agro-In and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC Caribbean) through the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project funded by Global Affairs Canada trained approximately thirty-nine (39) farmers on climate smart technology(Drip irrigation and shade house), small equipment use, care, management and servicing in region # 6 (East Berbice) and Region #2 (Pomeroon). The primary goal of these sessions was to equip farmers, especially women and youths with the knowledge and skills to promote and introduce climate smart technology, along with innovative use, care, and management of small equipment to enhance productivity in the Agriculture Sector.

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At the commencement of these session farmers were able to state problems they currently encountered; this was then followed by a general troubleshooting session. During this session, participants were able to practically identify serviceable parts which would deteriorate upon continuous usage of the equipment. These sessions provided farmers with the tools and expertise necessary to better care and use STIHL equipment which would extend the lifetime of the equipment.

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Farmers were also able to use the STIHL GTA 26 pruner and BT 131 auger, an equipment that can be utilized to prepare holes to poll plantain and/or banana suckers, post for fence and harbour making, participants indicated that this piece of equipment can be utilized to help conquer labour shortages. Farmers were also trained in general climate smart technology such as drip irrigation system, mulch and shade/greenhouse while identifying the positive impact this technology would have in their production system.

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The training was facilitated by Mr. Rory Holder, technical personnel attached to Farfan and Mendes and aligns with FML's goals of building capacity and providing client-driven solutions for sustainable growth, as well as WUSC's objective to enhance equitable access for producers, including women and youth (f/m), to goods, services, and knowledge in inclusive, sustainable and climate resilient agricultural market systems.