The first two instalments of the Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change workshop have been successfully completed.
Organised jointly by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the training sessions took place this week at CARDI’s facility at Betty’s Hope.
The event, facilitated by CARDI representative Paul Lucas, saw over 30 farmers learn about various techniques and technological interventions which can help to combat the effects of climate change and prolonged droughts.
Samples of drought resistant sweet potato varieties
“Participants were introduced to drought resistant varieties of plants and tubers such as sweet potato and cassava. These are varieties specially bred to survive in conditions with less water availability, where their otherwise standard varieties would not,” workshop coordinator, FAO representative, Mali Barnes stated.
He said the farmers were even given free samples of these hardier plant varieties which they can grow and experiment with on their farms.
Barnes described the farmers as “very enthusiastic” and expressed satisfaction with the high level of participation and engagement.
The event was opened with remarks from Director of Agriculture, Gregory Bailey, who highlighted the timeliness of the workshop and the need for farmers to employ creative means to counter the impacts of climate change.
The workshop series continues on 27th and 28th February and will culminate with a final training session in Barbuda on 6th March.
