Food security focus of one-day workshop

How can livestock farmers in Antigua and Barbuda protect their animals from the
effects of climate change and thereby helping to strengthen the country’s food
security.
That was a central theme running through a one-day workshop for livestock
farmers organized by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary and Livestock
division and the University of the West Indies Climate Change and Health Leaders
Fellowship Program. It was held Monday at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality
Institute.
In her opening remarks, Veterinary Officer, Dr Nneka Hull James noted that the
livestock sector in Antigua and Barbuda remains highly vulnerable to impacts from
climate change. “These impacts have been well documented: extreme weather
conditions; heat waves; more frequent strong and devastating hurricanes; recurring
and extended periods of drought followed by excessive rainfall; increased levels of
air pollution and sea level rise.,” she stated.
Additionally, she said these conditions negatively affect lifestyles, food security,
water security among other impact.
In delivering the featured remarks, Chief Veterinary Dr. Tubah Edwards noted that
the workshop aimed at teaching livestock farmers how to ‘climate smart’ their
business. “The Veterinary and Livestock Division will aim to teach farmers and
others several climate smart options that are available for land-based system which
would help building resilience along supply chains, improving energy use
efficiency and animal breeding, grazing management, improved feed conversion
and improved waste management,” he outlined.
During the workshop, presentations were made by panelists; Dr. Hull James, Dr
Chere Kellman, Climatologist, Orville Paige, NODS Director, Sherrod James,
Director of Agriculture, Gregory Bailey and Agricultural specialist, Craig Thomas.
Attendees included livestock farmers as well as staff of the Veterinary and
Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.