FAO strengthens capacities of small ruminant farmers and stakeholders in Grenada

December 2022 – St. George’s, Grenada – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently conducted a five-day technical training workshop in Grenada on the production and management of small ruminant livestock for 40 participants comprising lectures and field sessions.

 The training aimed to increase the capacity of extension officers and small ruminant livestock farmers in livestock production and management to improve market performance. The participants included extension officers, livestock officers, livestock farmers, and agro-processors.

The event was held from November 7 to 11, 2022, and was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture World-Bank-funded OECS Regional Agricultural Competitiveness Project, supported by FAO. This project was supported within the framework of the technical cooperation agreement with the Government of Grenada. Dr. Gabrielle Young, a Livestock Support Manager based in Jamaica, conducted the workshop. The training aimed to increase the capacity of extension officers and small ruminant livestock farmers in livestock production and management to improve market performance.

During the workshop, the participants were advised on different methods to reduce feed wastage and how to obtain better health management for small ruminants. Some of the strategies included using forage choppers to cut stalks into smaller pieces, as smaller quantities of feeds can help to stimulate consumption and store feed in a properly ventilated area to avoid excessive heating and mildew. 

Juan Cheaz, Economist at the FAO Caribbean Office, stated, “The FAO Technical Assistance Agreement with the Government of Grenada allows this kind of technical training. The Extension staff from the Ministry of Agriculture were able to access technical information and practical tools to assist farmers better, while farmers were directly exposed during the live sessions to practical to take care of their animals better”.

During a consultation meeting, The Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister of Agriculture, disclosed that there is great potential for small ruminants production in Grenada and that the government has plans to revive the industry by upgrading the Goat Multiplication Centre and restocking the center with black belly sheep in the upcoming New Year.

Nuggent Bernard, Livestock Officer who also participated in the workshop, stated, “I’m happy that farmers are exposed to up-to-date information on small ruminant care.” He emphasized the need for participants to be organized and know their markets once they are in production.

Livestock is a key driver for sustainable development in agriculture. They contribute to food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and economic growth. By adopting best practices, the sector can reduce its environmental impacts and become more efficient in using resources.