The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), came together to teach smallholder farmers and other stakeholders how to tackle barriers that hinder agricultural production.
Some of the main challenges facing smallholder farmers in Trinidad and Tobago include unclear market and financial support, weak coordination and policies, limited technical knowledge and data, and a lack of proven examples of adaptation technologies.
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram, explained how the project, titled “Strengthening the Evidential Basis for the Adoption of Adaptation Technologies for Smallholder Farmers,” will operate.
“Through this initiative, we will see the introduction of technologies such as protective agriculture and a solar-powered irrigation system, which can help farmers reduce their exposure to climate-related risks while improving productivity and resource efficiency. From the perspective of the Ministry, what is particularly important about this project is that it focuses on inclusion, learning, and collaboration by targeting training and demonstration activities to key groups such as rural women, youth, and indigenous farmers. We are making sure that no one is left behind as we transition to more climate-resilient agriculture.”
The project will further offer a financial framework, explore risk-sharing instruments such as insurance, and engage the private sector to eliminate the financial barriers for farmers.
“For many small farmers, the initial cost of technology remains a major barrier. That is why this project’s effort to deliver a financial framework, explore risk-sharing instruments such as insurance, and engage private sector stakeholders are so critical. As a government, we are committed to supporting these efforts by working across Ministries and institutions to create an enabling environment for climate-resilient agricultural investment.”
Through the implementation of this project, Representative of the FAO, Janelle Joe, believes the sector will become more resilient.
“By strengthening climate-smart planning and investing in resilient agricultural systems, we can safeguard our food security, farmer livelihoods, and advance rural and inclusive development. These efforts will not only make Trinidad and Tobago’s agriculture sector more resilient, but will also empower women and youth as key drivers of innovation and sustainability. The FAO is proud to be a trusted and capable partner on this endeavour.”
The project, funded by the Green Fund, is expected to be completed in 2028, having achieved the goal of strengthening the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers, agro-processors and others to withstand the impact of climate change.