From 29 to 31 January 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago (MALF) and its Extension Training and Information Services Division (ETIS),  together with the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) advanced efforts to build the capacity of local farming communities in Trinidad and Tobago through the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP). The initiative trained 40 participants, including 21 trainers (16 men and 5 women), on soil pollution prevention and mitigation. The training targeted cocoa farmers as well as vegetable and legume growers, marking the second GSDP module implemented in the country, by ETIS as the promoting institution, following an initial training conducted in October 2024.

While the October training focused on equipping local communities with foundational skills like testing soil pH, structure, texture, and organic matter, this module trained participants on how to identify and detect soil pollution sources, pathways, and receptors. The module featured four field exercises to help trainers and farmers assess soil pollution risks on their farms. Participants learned to:

• Evaluate farm management practices that could lead to soil pollution, including the storage, use and disposal of agricultural inputs.
• Observe soil colour changes, crop abnormalities, and unusual odours as indicators of potential pollution presence.
• Apply soil amendments such as liming and charcoal to reduce cadmium (Cd) uptake in cocoa plants and improve soil pH balance.

Training exercises took place at the University of the West Indies (UWI), cocoa orchard. Experts from the GSP, along with ETIS and soil scientist, Gaius Eudoxie from the UWI, guided participants through best practices for soil pollution mitigation and sustainable soil management, such as the application of soil amendments.

Building local expertise for long-term impact

A key objective of this training was empowering local communities, including women and Indigenous Peoples. By equipping farmers with the skills to identify and prevent soil pollution, the programme fostered knowledge-sharing among rural communities. The programme also introduced educational materials on soil pollution , including two posters on What is Soil Pollution and How to Prevent Soil Pollution, developed by members of the International Network of Soil Pollution (INSOP) in 2024. These resources provided participants with clear guidance on soil pollution risks and mitigation strategies, complemented by case studies from FAO reports such as The Global Assessment of Soil Pollution and Soil Pollution: A Hidden Reality.

 Looking ahead

The success of this training highlights the need for continued investment in soil health education. Participants’ feedback highlighted key takeaways, including:

• The GSDP pollution module is essential for equipping farmers with practical skills for preventing, managing, and mitigating soil pollution that may be limiting their farms’ productivity.
• Expanding soil pollution training to Tobago and other countries is necessary as this is an important issue affecting soils worldwide.

Trinidad and Tobago is making significant progress in preserving soil health by combining local knowledge with global best practices. Increasing awareness and capacity-building efforts through the GSDP will contribute to stopping and reversing soil degradation, essential for ensuring food security and a healthier environment for everyone.

 PHOTO GALLLERY