Soil doctors lead the way in Trinidad and Tobago
The Caroni area in western Trinidad faces major agricultural challenges. The soils have poor structure, high density, and limited drainage, leading to frequent flooding and the proliferation of plant pests and diseases. Additionally, the naturally low pH restricts nutrient availability, increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Despite these obstacles, Caroni has been an agricultural hub since the early 20th century, with over 300 farmers today cultivating a variety of crops, including vegetables, root crops, and fruit trees.
In October 2024, a promising initiative was launched to address these soil challenges: the Global Soil Doctors Programme of FAO’s Global Soil Partnership (GSP). Under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, National Promoter of the Programme, with support of local stakeholders namely; the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO), MAFAS Ltd. and the FAO Office in Trinidad and Tobago.
From 7 to 11 October, an on-site training of trainers brought together 40 participants, including 21 trainers (16 men and 5 women) and 19 future soil doctors (14 men and 5 women) from different areas of the country. Through educational posters and hands-on learning, participants gained knowledge and skills in understanding soil pH, structure and texture, and on how to manage acidity and enhance organic matter through sustainable soil management practices such as liming, crop rotation and cover cropping.
The programme’s ripple effect is expected to be transformative. Each trainer and Soil Doctor will return to their communities to train more farmers, spreading awareness and best practices to over 190 farmers (143 men and 47 women) promoting practices to improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and boost soil health. By addressing these challenges, the programme seeks to increase crop yields, preserve biodiversity, and build more resilient communities. This effort is not only tackling immediate soil health concerns but also cultivating a new generation of agricultural leaders in Trinidad and Tobago. It is expected that the Soil Doctors programme will result in the establishment of a farmer-to-farmer knowledge network which in turn will empower farmers towards sustainable soil stewardship and enhance agricultural production.
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