UTT's Programmes in Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technologies (BAFT): Answering a Present Need

The University of Trinidad and Tobago's BAFT programmes are intended to build human capacity and capabilities by producing a new generation of food and agricultural entrepreneurs and biotechnologists who can undertake the development of the agri-business sector with an aim to increasing wealth creation, food security and food safety within Trinidad and Tobago. UTT's BAFT programmes include:

Certificate in:

• Food Technology

Diploma in:

• Agriculture
• Animal Health, Production & Veterinary Public Health
• Agricultural Engineering
• Food Technology
• Forestry

Bachelor’s in:

• Animal Science and Technology
• Crop Science and Technology
• Food Science and Technology

Agriculture remains one of the most valuable industrial sectors on earth. It has inspired the development of true trade and has allowed for the growth of complex civilisations. Throughout history, agriculture has driven innovation and continues to remain at the forefront of industry. Issues such as sustainability and food security; protection and improvement of wild and cultivated plant and animal species; ingenuity in the use of traditional crops and products; stabilisation and diversification of economic growth; and the efficient usage of land and water resources, are some of the areas to be addressed when analysing agricultural development.

Trinidad and Tobago’s ability to meet and resolve many issues of concern will be heavily dependent on our nation's most important asset: its human capital. Proper training protocols to enhance and develop our food harvesting, processing and marketing systems will ultimately influence our ability to ensure sustainable food security. A rising agriculture economy will not only provide food security, but it will also serve to stabilise agricultural commodity prices, increase food safety, provide healthy food for import and export, as well as new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

It is within these parameters that the BAFT programmes at UTT exist and adequate focus must be placed upon rising to these challenges. UTT's pioneering instruction and applied research programmes are specifically developed to create thinking individuals who possess a high level of practical knowledge and a realistic portfolio of skills to support entrepreneurship and innovation in business. The University's agriculture instruction is designed to prepare graduates to face uncertainties associated with climate change and global economic downturns. Additionally, due consideration is placed on food quality and the nexus between human and animal nutrition and health. The importance of programmes in non-food related avenues, such as Forestry is also emphasised within the BAFT programme offerings. 

UTT’s BAFT programmes are diverse, flexible, innovative and uniquely designed to incorporate environmental and cultural considerations. BAFT programmes are easily translatable to other Caribbean territories and this fact is evidenced through the intake of regional students who reside at UTT’s ECIAF Campus. 

The Future of Agriculture

According to Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, "We need to transform the way we approach food security, in particular by unleashing the potential of millions of small farmers and food producers." In Trinidad and Tobago, UTT continues to offer crucial training to farmers. Sponsored by Atlantic and facilitated by UTT through the University's Professional Education Unit, the Basic Computer Literacy and Agricultural Enterprise Training course is open to farmers nationwide. To date, over one hundred and twenty five (125) farmers have been trained in modules, including: ‘Managing and Growing the Business', 'Computer Technology and the Entrepreneur' and 'Developing the Marketing Plan'.

Ultimately, training in this regard is designed to assist farmers in fulfilling their overall agri-business criteria in a practical, real-life setting. This collaborative initiative with Atlantic is in keeping with UTT’s Mission as an entrepreneurial University and its commitment to enhance the local agriculture sector through education and training.