Backyard Garden : Jamaica Experience. July 13 th 2012

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Leon Clement Gaines
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1 Backyard Garden : Jamaica Experience July 13 th 2012

2 Introduction The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is responsible for Urban and Periurban (UPA) agriculture in Jamaica. RADA which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, was established through an Act of Parliament in It replaced the Land Authorities Act.

3 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica While the main thrust of RADA is to improve the commercial viability of the agricultural sector, there is also the need to become engaged in interventions that will enhance household food security.

4 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica As part of our response to the challenge of food security, the need arose for us to begin growing some of the items we eat in our own backyards.

5 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica In 2009, a backyard garden programme was therefore designed to realize this objective and targeted households in urban and peri-urban areas assisting each with a backyard garden kit and technical advice both for container gardening and open field operations.

6 MAP OF JAMAICA

7 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica Under the FAO /EC Food Facility Project, RADA implemented project activities for the Backyard Garden Project in Jamaica, which totals 140,000.

8 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica The Launch of the FAO/EC Food Facility Backyard Gardening/Master Gardener Training Programme was held on May 4, 2011

9 FAO/EC Food Facility Backyard Gardening Project The purpose of the project was to assist householders living in food insecure environments and low income situations to produce a portion of their food requirement in their backyards.

10 FAO/EC Food Facility Backyard Gardening Project The Objectives of the project include: To utilise available backyard space for growing crops. To promote urban food production. To supplement household income. To encourage the consumption of high quality fresh produce within low income households.

11 FAO/EC Food Facility Backyard Gardening Project The project sought to: Establish 18 demonstration sites in the periurban areas (18 sites achieved) Provide 36 training sessions to farmers/beneficiaries( 38 sessions achieved, demand and interest still high)

12 FAO/EC Food Facility Backyard Gardening Project Provide 2500 urban backyard garden kits. (Kits distributed) Certify50 Master Gardeners (70 Gardeners trained) Produce a Backyard Garden video. (First draft done. Video to be finalized)

13 Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture In Jamaica:

14 Parishes Establishment of 18 demonstration sites were done in the peri-urban areas of six parishes namely: St. Andrew, St. Catherine, St. Ann, Manchester Westmoreland St. James

15 Beneficiaries The beneficiaries were selected based on the following criteria: Level of interest in backyard production Access to at least ¼ square of land dedicated to backyard gardening Completion of application forms supplied by RADA Commitment to participate in the backyard gardening training exercises organized by RADA

16 Current Situation The training programmes (38) implemented have been well received as householders and beneficiaries are better equipped to establish their own backyard gardens and assist other individuals to set up their own. We have to date 3, 308 beneficiaries.

17 Current Situation The need for food security has emerged as a national priority, as global economic and environmental forces combine to threaten long-term food supply and prices.

18 Current Situation UPA in Jamaica has a tremendous potential that will: Provide for adequate, safe food supplies for proper dietary requirements. Increased domestic food production for the population. Informed food choices for a healthy lifestyle, and mitigation against food shortages resulting from natural and man-made hazards and emergency situations.

19 THE END

Independent Verification of Nestlé s Compliance With the World Health Organisation Code of Breastmilk Substitutes (1981) and Subsequent Resolutions

Independent Verification of Nestlé s Compliance With the World Health Organisation Code of Breastmilk Substitutes (1981) and Subsequent Resolutions in Jamaica Independent Assurance Statement by Bureau