On November 24, 2020, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in The Bahamas will convene a workshop/webinar geared towards introducing the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology and to validate the proposed curriculum of the Livestock (FFS) on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Background

Following a request from the Government of the Bahamas, an assessment of the small ruminant sector on the islands of New Providence, Eleuthera, North Andros and Long Island was conducted by the FAO. The introduction of the FFS follows on this request and the findings from the assessment that was conducted in 2019. 

The assesment showed that most, if not all of the islands, experience similar major production challenges, such as grazing/browsing of unimproved pastures, lack of adequate veterinary health care and services, poor nutrition, praedial larceny, poor genetics, damage from hurricane, climate change, lack of access to Extension Services, and the need for efficient Government Policies that are not detrimental to livestock production – for instance, land use policy.

Most of the farmers interviewed have access to many acres of land, with mainly unimproved pastures and a plethora of shrubs and trees. It was observed that the native rangelands are degrading as a result of overgrazing, high stocking rates and mismanagement. These findings were validated in New Providence after the conclusion of the assessment.

As a result of the passing of Hurricane Dorian and the destruction caused to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, the workshop on the feasibility of the Livestock Farmer Field School and the validation of a curriculum for the training programme is being considered for these islands. 

Click here to join the webinar. Code: 3977400