What's Happening?
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) is spearheading an initiative in Saint Lucia aimed at transforming traditional backyard gardening into more innovative and value-added systems. This effort is part of CARDI's annual
Open Day and Home Food Systems Conference, which seeks to empower Saint Lucians with practical solutions to improve food security, health outcomes, and economic opportunities. The initiative includes demonstrations of value-added products like plantain and sweet potato chips, and presentations on creative culinary uses of crops such as yams. CARDI is also focusing on youth involvement in agriculture by assessing training needs and exploring areas like robotics in farming, in collaboration with IT specialists and private sector partners.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses food security and economic resilience in Saint Lucia by transforming small-scale farming into income-generating systems. By promoting innovative gardening techniques and value-added products, CARDI aims to enhance the livelihoods of local communities and improve public health. The focus on youth involvement and technological integration in agriculture could lead to sustainable farming practices and increased interest in agriculture among younger generations. This approach not only supports local economies but also contributes to national food sustainability and resilience against climate change impacts.
