Participants of the Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity (CSAP): were celebrated for their hard work in the data-driven initiative aimed at assisting farmers, youth, and researchers, track agro-ecological data, managing pest and climate risks, with initiatives such as the Trinidad cocoa farmer project.
Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Andrea Stanford highlighted what it was able to accomplish.
“I am so happy to learn that this initiative has trained 71 citizen scientists and farmers, engaged more than 600 stakeholders, participants have collected over 1700 field observation, and 2500 photographs across six cocoa growing regions, five weather stations have generated more than 1000,000 environmental readings, this is amazing.”
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the UWI St Augustine, Professor Mark Wuddivira, emphasised that while agriculture embodies innovation and entrepreneurship, it is also confronted with significant challenges, underscoring a need for scientific research to provide solutions.
He also hailed the involvement of the UWI’s Cocoa Research Centre, whose scientific expertise was crucial in the initiative, as participants were awarded certificates for the work they would have done.
“The Citizen Science for Agricultural Prosperity Initiative presents an encouraging approach to doing just that, it brings together agricultural science, digital technology, and community participation creating opportunities for farmers, students and professionals, from different disciplines to work towards a shared purpose.”