Backyard farming initiative launched to boost food security

Efforts to enhance backyard and small-scale farming across Barbados are gaining momentum, highlighted Allister Glean, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) representative here, on Wednesday.

Glean introduced a new photovoltaic solar-powered aquaponics system at the Grantley Prescod Memorial Primary School – designed by food security advocate Dr Chelston Brathwaite, a former IICA director general –, underscoring the importance of food security for both children and adults.

Glean expressed his satisfaction with the innovative project at the school, emphasising that improving small-scale farming operations within educational institutions and communities should be a priority for all stakeholders.

“IICA is leading and supporting the efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, and Project Care which Minister [Trevor] Prescod leads, to do backyard farming, ” he said. “In fact, tomorrow we are starting in one of the constituencies, Christ Church East, where we will be doing training of persons in backyard gardening.”

In addition to the aquaponics system at Grantley Prescod Memorial, Glean announced that IICA will assist in constructing more green machines for distribution to other schools. He stressed that food security is a critical focus area, urging students to take an active role in food production.

“Food security is everybody’s business,” he remarked. “It is not just the Minister of Agriculture or the Prime Minister that has to focus on food production; we want all the kids across Barbados… you all have to be the ones to drive food production.”

“We want you to go into your backyards and start planting something…. We want you to have that in your spirit, that you would be the ones producing food now and in the future.”

Glean reassured them that they are not “too small” to be contributing, highlighting the significance of aquaponics and modern agricultural practices for all age groups.

Dr Brathwaite also addressed the students, urging them to learn about the aquaponics system which cultivates fish and plants together in a sustainable environment.

He also stressed the necessity of equipping individuals with knowledge and skills to thrive in a competitive world: “We got to continue to educate and continue to contribute to the development of the skills and competencies of our people if we are going to make it in this world.”