RADA Equipping Small Farmers to Combat Changing Climate Realities

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is prioritising training for small farmers as the country experiences high temperatures and below-average rainfall.

Senior Director for Technology, Training and Technical Information at RADA, Winston Shaw, said that the objective of the training is to equip farmers with practical techniques in areas such as efficient soil and water management to respond to changing climate realities.

“Our immediate priority, of course, is our small farmers and farm families where we are guiding them or providing guidance for them to protect their crops, livestock and their livelihood and sustaining crop and food production for Jamaica,” he said.

Mr. Shaw, who was speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank held at the agency’s Television Department in Kingston, said that RADA carries out field assessments and various engagements in farming communities with the aim of identifying the issues and addressing the needs of small farmers.

“Through our training unit in RADA, our technical services unit and working with our various parish offices throughout Jamaica, we provide training on a daily basis to farmers. These training sessions are of various modalities but we also have formal and informal training sessions, as well, so that this information can reach our farmers on a timely basis,” he told JIS News.

“We emphasise practical measures that farmers can apply immediately based on the responses required. Things like soil conservation measures, managing limited water supplies, protecting livestock from high temperatures and heat and also the monitoring of crops very closely to detect any stressors that the crops may be undergoing,” he informed.

Farmers are encouraged to reach out to extension officers in their respective parishes for support and technical advice based on the needs of their farms.

Mr. Shaw reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment “to doing as much as possible to help farmers” as they navigate the current conditions.

“We are in a time where it’s not the norm, and as such… we are promising that we will give the best support we can so that you can make the necessary changes in order to sustain your family, the food production and food security for Jamaica land we love,” he pledged.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and also lead partners and stakeholders in the agricultural space to coordinate and provide various support services to reach our communities across Jamaica,” he said.