ECIAF/BAFT hosts Agro-Ecological Workshop
May 28, 2018 | Views:208707 |
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On Monday 28th May, 2018 ECIAF/BAFT hosted an agro-ecological workshop comprising key stakeholders from the agricultural sector. The workshop comprised individuals from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries and, most importantly, local primary producer organisations such as the Sheep and Goat Association, the Beekeepers Association, among others, and farmers from across Trinidad and Tobago. With a history of over sixty (60) years, the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) is moving steadfast to reposition itself once again, as the leading agricultural institution in the Caribbean. The workshop’s primary function was to establish the baseline status with respect to compliance with FAO’s ten (10) principles of agroecology in the quest for further incorporating agroecology as a sustainable approach to food security in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. The plenary sessions focused on crop production, livestock production, policy, gender and youth.
Professor Marlon Knights, Overall Programme Leader, BAFT, welcomes participants to the agro-ecological workshop at ECIAF/BAFT. Seated from right to left are Mr. Naitram (Bob) Ramnanan, Regional Representative CABI and Dr. Vyju Lopez, FAO Representative.
Mr. Naitram, CABI Representative, addresses the participants on agroecology.
Dr. Lopez addresses the participants on agroecology.
Mr. Nigel Grimes makes a presentation on the topic of agroecology to the participants.
Mr. Bondoo , a sweet potato farmer makes a contribution to the discussions on agroecology.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis (Goat farmers) shared how their practices complied with the principles of agroecology.
Ms. Lisa Martinez, FAO, presents on the plenary for policy as it relates to agroecology.
FAO’s Ten Principles of Agroecology
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Optimising the use of natural resources within farming systems. Using inputs more efficiently means that fewer external resources are needed and the negative impacts of their use will be reduced |
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Diversified agroecological systems are more resilient – they have a greater capacity to recover from disturbances including extreme weather events such as drought, floods or hurricanes, and to resist pest and disease attack |
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Maximising species and genetic resources across time and space within food systems. Diversify in a farming system is a condition of having different elements working in a harmonic way, each providing a specific ecological function |
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Agroecology depends on context-specific knowledge. It does not offer fixed prescriptions – rather, agroecological practices are tailored to fit the environmental, social, economic, cultural and political context. The co-creation and sharing of knowledge plays a central role in the process of developing and implementing agroecological innovations to address challenges across food systems including adaptation to climate change. |
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Reutilising nutrients and biomass existing inside the farming system and increased use of renewable resources promoting a healthy food system. Agroecology is based on the principle that the flow and cycling of nutrients within a farming system should enhance the system through biological means different components of the system. |
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Designing food systems with an optimal crop/animal assemblage, while promoting ecological functions for self-regulation in foods system. Great strength can be drawn from building on synergies in food systems, including synergies between people and in managing different components of the system. |
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Agroecology places a strong emphasis on human and social values, such as dignity, equity, inclusion and justice all contributing to the improved livelihoods dimension of the SDGs. It puts the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems. |
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Local solutions and local markets creating virtuous cycles. Incomes (monetary and non-monetary) need to be fair and sufficient to sustain livelihoods, ensure food security and well-being and fair price |
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Agriculture and food are core components of human heritage. Hence, culture and food traditions play a central role in society and in shaping human behaviour. |
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Agroecology calls for responsible and effective governance to support the transition to sustainable food and agricultural systems. Transparent, accountable and inclusive governance mechanisms are necessary to create an enabling environment that supports producers to transform their systems following agroecological concepts and practices. |
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