UWI, Barbados Prison Service collaborate on agriculture project

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has launched a transformative initiative to integrate sustainable food production into the Barbados Prison Service’s operations. This innovative six-week agricultural training programme, a collaboration between the campus’ Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) and the Barbados Prison Service, is designed to significantly reduce the institution’s food bill, align with national food security goals, and provide meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.

The initiative introduces prison officers and inmates to advanced agricultural practices, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on training.

The programme’s curriculum covers critical areas such as soil preparation and testing, seedling and crop propagation, pest management, poultry housing design and maintenance, feeding systems management, and biosecurity measures. Participants will also learn about irrigation system installation and management, as well as the cultivation of root and tuber crops, herbs, and vegetables, with an emphasis on high-demand commodities like sweet potatoes, cassava, and yams.

The UWI said these skills will not only enhance prison operations but also equip inmates with practical tools for successful reintegration into society.

The collaboration between CAGRI and the Barbados Prison Service highlights the alignment of expertise and shared vision for sustainable development. By leveraging UWI’s technical knowledge and innovative strategies, the programme ensures adherence to international best practices while addressing the unique needs of the prison system.

“The University of the West Indies is proud to partner with the Barbados Prison Service in this innovative programme,” said Director of CAGRI  Dr. Michele Singh. “This initiative demonstrates how agriculture can serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, economic self-sufficiency, and national development.”

To maximise the programme’s impact, significant infrastructural upgrades are planned, including the expansion of seedling production areas, optimisation of irrigation systems for water efficiency and coverage, and acquisition of modern equipment such as tractors, tillers, and specialised tools to enhance agricultural operations. These enhancements will ensure the prison can sustain a robust and efficient agricultural system capable of meeting its food needs while serving as a model for similar programmes globally.

The programme is expected to achieve key outcomes, including a reduction in food costs through increased self-sufficiency, enhanced agricultural skills for officers and inmates, and the establishment of a scalable model for integrating agriculture into rehabilitation initiatives.

“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development and societal transformation. By combining technical expertise with practical training, the partnership is poised to create lasting benefits for the prison system, the agricultural sector, and Barbados as a whole,” The UWI said.

(PR)