Technically supported by the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), a Soil Doctors pilot was organized by the Analytical Services of the MoA, who is the national promoter of the GSDP. The pilot was implemented with the financial support of the project “Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multicountry soil management initiative for integrated landscape restoration and sustainable food systems: phase 1” known as SOILCARE. It is a flagship project on soils funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) under the auspices of FAO and its GSP. SOILCARE seeks to empower eight Caribbean countries to achieve land degradation neutrality and advance their climate change agenda through soil knowledge. The GSDP, which prioritizes grassroots capacity development, aligns closely with the objectives of SOILCARE. 

Sixteen trainers, including experienced extension officers, underwent two days of theoretical training using the programme’s educational materials on soil concepts and soil testing techniques tailored to the local context. Practical field exercises on soil texture and structure determination, root observation, soil pH and organic matter assessment, were developed using a soil kit provided by the GSP. Subsequently, those trainers passed on their knowledge to the 5 Soil Doctors, the champion farmers, over the next two days, who in turn will disseminate this knowledge within their farming communities. 

Recognizing the GSDP as a valuable tool for transferring soil health concepts to farmers and promoting sustainable soil management practices, the trainers' successful completion of the pilot programme laid the groundwork for its expansion in Antigua and Barbuda. Plans for the next phase include reaching additional 12 Soil Doctors and 180 farmers. While country-wide implementation is underway, the MoA officers have already begun training farmers and agricultural technicians in the field. The MoA will monitor and support the progress of Soil Doctors in the months ahead, aiming to extend the programme throughout the country. The goal is to help farmers to become more resilient through increased awareness of evidence-based good practices in agriculture, in line with the country priorities on food security, climate change adaptation and halting land degradation.

The programme is expected to contribute to increased agricultural production and improved crop quality, while fostering a better environment, increased food security and, eventually, a better life for smallholder families in Antigua and Barbuda.

Related links:

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• New articles: Ministry of Agriculture (Soil doctor webpage)  | Ministry of Agriculture (News article)
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