ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN

Foreign exchange
The agriculture sector earns foreign exchange by exporting traditional and
non-traditional products. In addition to earning foreign exchange, the
agriculture sector may also produce food and raw material for local
consumption; this reduces the need to import similar products, resulting in
the saving of foreign exchange.
The foreign exchange earned and saved is used to purchase other goods and
services which the country needs/want but does not produce. Imported
products must be purchased using foreign exchange. In addition to trading,
foreign exchange is also used to repay international debt.
Contribution to GDP/GNP
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GDP
GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT GNP
GDP and GNP are means of measuring the national income of a country. The
GDP measures the value of goods and services produced locally, in a given
period. The GNP is determined by adding the value of goods and services
produced in a country (GDP) and also what is earned abroad and returned to
the country, in a given period.
GDP = AGRICULTURE + TOURISM + MINING + MANUFACTURING etc.
GNP = AGRICULTURE + TOURISM + MINING + MANUFACTURING etc. + EARNINGS
FROM ABROAD

Agriculture contributes to the overall wealth of a country by contributing to

GNP and GDP. As the contribution from agriculture and other sectors
increases the wealthier the country becomes. This means more funding will
be available to improve infrastructure and services such as roads, education
and health. The Jamaican agriculture sector contributes about seven percent
to GDP, only tourism contributes more.
Food security
Food security is concerned with the availability of adequate supply of food
and access to the food by all the citizens of a country. Food security exists
when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient,
safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences.
Food security can be affected by;
Availability or access to arable lands for agriculture
Technology used
Climatic conditions
Conflicts
Ability to import food
Poverty
FOOD SECURITY = ADEQUATE FOOD SUPPLY + ACCESS TO FOOD BY ALL

Employment
Agriculture is a major source of employment in the rural areas of most
Caribbean countries. Therefore, agriculture is the primary means of
promoting rural development and reducing rural to urban migration and its
consequence urban decay.
Employment in agriculture ranges from unskilled workers to highly trained
professionals such as an agronomist or an agricultural engineer. Also,
agriculture offers direct employment for example a broiler farm

or an extension officer. There is also indirect employment in down streams.

Down streams industries, such as food processing, generally use agricultural
products as raw materials to produce value added products or manufacture
new products. Supermarkets, financial institutions and businesses benefit
from the earnings of individuals involved in agriculture.
Environmental management
Through agricultural activities man interacts with the environment. The
effects of this interaction may be positive or negative.
Since agriculture depends on the natural resources, the goal of all persons
who benefit directly and in directly from agriculture should be to promote the
use of agricultural practices that are environmentally friendly.
CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURE
Climate

The major areas of consideration are: temperature and rainfall.

The climate of the Caribbean is the tropical marine climate; therefore it is
warm and moist. The combination of warmth and moisture create ideal
conditions for many pests and diseases that affect both crops and livestock.
Also, the high temperatures make it more difficult to successfully rear some
breeds of livestock in the Caribbean, especially those which originate in
temperate areas such as Europe.

Topography
Topography refers to the relief or the shape of the land. The topography of
most Caribbean islands is hilly in the interior with most of the flat land near
the coast. The limited flat land is generally used for housing and settlements,
manufacturing industries and plantation type agriculture e.g. sugar cane.
Steep slopes affect farming by:
Limiting access to farm plots
Restrict the use of farm machines
Increase the risk of soil erosion
Appropriate Technology
Technology: the use of tools, machinery and knowledge and to complete
tasks.
Increasing production in agriculture is linked to the use of modern technology
e.g. tractors, hybrid seeds, and efficient irrigation systems.
Appropriate technology refers to the use of tools, machinery and knowledge
which is suited for local conditions or a specific area or condition. Technology
should be appropriate to the economic status of the farmer, farm size,
climate and level of education etc. Appropriateness technology for small
farmers can be judged using the characteristics shown below;
Simple
Low maintenance
Locally made
Access to spare parts
Easy to operate
Affordable
Small/compact

Rural Infrastructure
The farm family needs to have access to basic amenities for both agricultural
and domestic activities. If rural areas are not provided with some of the basic
infrastructural needs, farmers will not be very productive; also the business
of farming may become less attractive or no longer feasible to the farm
family.
Some of the basic infrastructure includes:
Electricity
Water supply
Proper roads
Telephone
Health care
Schools
Land Tenure and Fragmentation
Land tenure speaks to the ownership of land. Most small farmers do not own
their own land or own very small fragmented plots usually in hilly areas.
When farmers do not own their own land, they are not motivated to develop
the land or put permanent structures on the land.
Land fragmentation occurs as land is divided among family members from
generation to generation. The land is divided into numerous plots and not all
the plots are generally used for agricultural production but for other
purposed such as housing.
Credit Facilities
As with other types of businesses it is often very necessary to borrow money
from lending institutions to start, expand or acquire assts for an agricultural
enterprise. Because farming is considered to be a high risk business,
institutions are not very willing to lend money for agriculture. Very often
farmers complain that the cost of borrowing money (interest rate) is too high;
while the price of the products they produce is relatively low. Some farmers
will experience difficulty accessing loans because they lack suitable collateral
such as land. Collateral is material of value used to cover the cost of the loan
in the even that the borrower is unable to pay.

Marketing Facilities
Marketing involves bringing the producer and the consumer together.
Marketing also includes transporting, pricing, packaging, storage and
advertising.
Farmers in Jamaica experience difficulty in selling their produce due to:
A lack of properly organized systems to bring buyers and sellers
together i.e. buyers are not aware of what farmers are producing and
farmers are not fully aware of the needs of buyers.
Competition from imported agricultural products
Extension Services
Although there is an increasing number of professionals now operating
farming enterprises, most Jamaican farmers are relatively old and have only
basic education (grade 9). Therefore there is need to give these farmers
constant and individual help to improve their agricultural knowledge.
Extension officers provide a vital link between the farmer and the researcher
that develop modern farming technology and solutions for on the farm
problems. The economic constraints being experienced in Jamaica have
resulted in the reduction in the size of the extension service.
Praedial Larceny
Nothing is more discouraging to a farmer than the theft of his produce.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARIBBEAN FARMS
Farms are classified according to size and what they produce.
Distinguishing Features of Farmers (According to Size)
Large Farms
Large farms occupy more than 25 hectares, mainly produce one crop or type
of livestock and are geared for export. These farms are operated and
managed by individuals, co- operations or government and in some cases
absentee owners. They employ a skilled labour force as well as semi-skilled
and unskilled workers. They farms tend to be highly mechanized or in some
cases little mechanization is used but instead large numbers of workers. The
profits from these farms in the case of foreign owners are repatriated.
Medium Sized Farms
The size of these farms range anywhere from 2.5 to 25 hectares. They are
owned and operated by the farmer and usually requires hired labour. These
farms usually produce a variety of crops or livestock or both crops and
livestock for domestic use. In recent time medium sized farms are accessing
export markets.
Small Farms
These farms are less than 0.5 hectares to a maximum of 2.5 hectares. They
are owned and operated by the farmer and family labour is used. They
produce for local markets and use simple hand tools e.g. hoe, fork, and
cutlass.

Distinguishing Features of Farms (According to Produce)

Crops Farm
These farms are of all sizes and produce a variety of crops for the local and
possibly export market. Some mechanization is involved especially in land
preparation and pest and disease control. The farmer usually owns the land
and some labour is hired.

Livestock
These farms are also of all sizes depending on the type of enterprise e.g.
fish, cattle, rabbits and goats. It is owned and operated by an individual,
group or government and production is mainly for the domestic market e.g.
pork, beef, fish are all used in Jamaica.
Monoculture/Mono-cropping
In a mono-cropping system, the farmer concentrates on growing only one
major crop e.g. sugarcane on a plot of land or in a particular area for an
extended period of time. Relatively few of these farms are found in the
region. Absentee owners appoint managers to run the farms. In general,
these farms are productive but the profits are exported. In cases where the
farms are locally owned the profits remain in the country and help with its
development.
On these farms soil and crop management are uniform, since they are
dealing with one crop. This repeating of crop and soil management practices
can have negative effects such as:
Grater opportunity of spreading pests and diseases, which may destroy
the entire crop.
Continuous ploughing with heavy equipment can destroy soil structure
Cultural practices such as burning of sugar cane can destroy soil
structure and beneficial soil organisms.
Mixed Cropping
In mixed cropping the farmer depends on several plots for his income.
Maximum use is made of land space and it is easier to check the spread of
pest and diseases.

In mixed cropping:
Crops may be grown on the same farm but on different plots.

Crops may be intercropped on the same plot.

Situation: a farmer often grows one main crop e.g. sugar cane but also
cultivates other (cash crops), which he uses to provide his weekly supply
of food and to help pay his bills by selling the surplus produce. Such a
situation is considered mixed cropping since he has other crops on which
he can depend.

Mixed Farming
Involves the growing of crops and the rearing of animals on the same
farm. They can be of and size but usually medium to large and production
is basically for a local market, some produce may be exported. The farms
are owned and operated by individuals, groups or government.

Advantages:
Maximum use is made of land space.
Farms have more than one source of income.
It is easier to check the spread of pests and diseases.
Disadvantages
A higher level of management is required.
There is a need to find market for different types of produce.
Animals can damage crops if the y are not properly enclosed or
tied.
Organic Farming
Organic farming is the use of agricultural systems to produce food and
fiber without the use of artificial pesticides, fertilizer and genetically
modified plants. Crop rotation and the building of biodiversity are very
important. Pesticides used come from plants and are used as a last resort
and their effects are short lived.
Soil amendments come from renewable resources such as farmyard
manure and composts. The strategy is to build up healthy soils through
cover crops, composts and organically based amendments to build up
healthy soils. These plants are better able to resist pest and diseases.
Weeds are controlled through cover crops, mulching, flame weeding and
crop rotation. When pests and diseases get out of control a variety of
strategies are used for their control e.g. insect predators, mating
disruption, traps, barriers and bio-chemicals.
Agro-Forestry
Agro-forestry is an integrated land use system. It refers to land use
systems in which trees are grown on the same land as agricultural crops
and/or animals in a spatial arrangement or in a time sequence. Some
examples are coconuts under-planted with pasture, apiculture with tree
systems and aquaculture under mangroves.
Agro-forestry systems resemble the natural ecosystems. The general aim
of agro-forestry is to supply and increase a sustainable output of the basic
necessities including cash.
Agro-forestry is important because the following reasons.
Environmental deterioration due to the actions of man, natural
disasters and volcanic action lead to deforestation.
High rates of oxidation of organic matter due to high
temperatures as well as excessive evaporation of moisture.
Soil erosion.
Population pressure for land for a variety of purposes such as
housing.
Need for fuel wood.
Integrated Farm

Farms are said to be integrated when the waste products from one
enterprise is used as an in put in another production enterprise e.g.
poultry waste can be used in fish farming and cattle rearing. Integrated
farms attempt to eliminate the accumulation of agricultural waste by
further utilization in production.
Sugarcane
Feed for ruminants (cattle)
Waste
Garden (compost)
Garden excess and waste
Feed ruminants
INSTITUTIONS WHICH SUPPORT LOCAL AND REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL
For a countrys agricultural sector to maximize its potential and contribute to
a nations development; numerous organizations and institutions must play
an integral role. These institutions may be government or private, local
based, regional or international. The roles played by these institutions may
encompass:
Education
Research
Technical assistance
Poverty reduction
Rural development
These organizations may form a cornerstone for development and ensure
sustainable development, food security, poverty reduction, and prosperity.
Some institutions have specific roles e.g. CFNI nutrition. While some are
broad based dealing with a wide cross section of development e.g. CDB.
Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)
The objectives of RADA include:
To provide technical extension assistance primarily to farmers in rural
Jamaica in an effort to increase production and productivity.
To train and develop extension personnel at all levels through inservice training programmes, geared towards improving their
efficiency.
To administer farmer training programmes and workshops thereby
rendering farmers more knowledgeable and capable.
To catalyze agricultural credit and input for small farmers.

To aid in organization of marketing chains beneficial to both farmers

and consumers.
To cooperate with agencies involved in the development of rural
infrastructure with a view to improving the quality of life in rural
communities.
To develop and operate service centres at strategic locations around
the island thus bringing the service closer to farmers.
To be the implementing agency for selected projects that impact on
farmers and the biological environment. E.g. watershed development
projects and farmer registration.
To provide a free flow of information from policy makers and research
organizations to farmers and from farmers upwards to these same
persons.
Bodles Research Station: Government funded research institution that
carries outresearch in both crop production and animal husbandry to develop
new and improved methods of farming, pest and disease control. They also
seek to develop new plant and animal breeds which are suitable for local
conditions.
Jamaica Livestock Association (J.L.A.): The J.L.A. is concerned with the
development of the Jamaica livestock sector. It is a public company offering
shares therefore it is concerned with the welfare of share holders. They
provide agricultural support services for improving development of the
industry such as quality input and technology development and
implementation.
Jamaica Agricultural Society (J.A. S.): The JAS represent the interests of
all farmers lobbying for agricultural friendly policies for agricultural
sustainability and development. They also promote and support agricultural
and industrial shows as well as operating a supply subsidiary (JLA farm
stores), providing agricultural inputs at affordable costs to farmers.
Scientific Research Council (SRC): They undertake research into new and
improved technologies in agriculture. They are currently spearheading efforts
to implement tissue culture and hydroponics in Jamaica.
Sugar Industry Research Institute (SIRI)
SIRI main function is to research and develop methods to improve agriculture
technology as it relates to sugar cane production. They aim to improve
efficiency in all areas of sugar cane production. Their main functions are:
The development of new varieties of sugar cane which are high
yielding, drought resistant, pest and disease resistant.
The development of machinery and equipment suitable for Jamaican
conditions.
Provide technical assistance in irrigation, drainage and water
management.

Develop ideal fertilizer preparations based on the nutritional

requirement of a crop.
Promote the safe and efficient use of agro chemicals e.g. herbicides
and insecticides.
To study, monitor and provide technical advice in control and
eradication of pests and diseases.
CARICOM Caribbean Community (Established by the treaty of
Chaguarnas May 1, 1973)
Aim is to enhance regional trade, develop common policies, and act as a
negotiating body among member states. So as to promote economic, social,
cultural and political development through integration.
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
Provides loans for development and establishment of agricultural industries
and farms e.g. irrigation, training, fisheries, as well as infrastructural
development e.g. roads, water supply.
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI )
Provide for and conduct research into farming methods, pest and
disease control, plant and animal breeding, technology for long term
development.
Coordinate and integrate research efforts in member states.
Undertake training of farmers and agricultural personnel.
Improve the utilization of modern technology to boost agricultural
production.
Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI)
Offers technical support for reducing malnutrition
Promote proper nutrition education and provide educational material to
this end.
Develop nutrition policies
To collaborate with governments to improve food security.
To improve nutritional aspects of health services.
University of the West Indies (UWI)
Provide degree training in agriculture and related fields
Conduct agricultural research for improving farming methods and pest
and disease control.
College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)
Offers training in agriculture.
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA)
A specialized agency of the O.A.S. their aim is to promote agricultural
development in a sustainable manner working with governments and
Ministries of Agriculture. Their focus is geared toward
Rural development and well-being.
Diversification of agricultural production.

 Value-added production (agro-processing).

Improving the regions position in international trade.
Research and development
Food and Agriculture Organization (F AO)
An organized branch of the United Nations which aims to
Promote agricultural development.
Pursue food security and improve nutrition.
Develop infrastructure in rural areas.
Provide information and technical assistance on a project basis to
farmers.
Provide a neutral platform for countries to meet and discuss issues and
advice them on policy making.
Coordinate government efforts at food security and improved nutrition.
Organization of American States (OAS)
Includes Thirty four (34) member states from the Americas. Provides
technical assistance to countries and aims to improve health care and public
administration.
Inter-American Development Bank (I.D.B.)
The oldest and largest regional institution of multilateral development. The
aim is to accelerate economic and social development in Latin American and
Caribbean countries. Operations cover the entire spectrum of infrastructure,
energy, transportation and urban development. Current lending priorities:
poverty reduction, social equity and modernization.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
The lead organization in delivering Canadas official development assistance
programme. Assistance is provided in the form of goods and services,
transfer of knowledge, skills and financial contributions. Areas of
concentration include: - basic human needs infrastructure private sector
development women in development human rights environmental
protection. These objectives are achieved by working with both the private
sectors and governments of respective countries.
Caribbean Basin Initiative (C.B.I)
Enacted as Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act by United States.
Products from beneficiary countries may be eligible for duty-free treatment in
the U.S.A.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Undertakes numerous projects aimed at improving the quality of life of
citizens in developing countries. They also aim to expand democracy and
free market activities ultimately leading to economic growth.
European Union (EU)

The EU provides grants and loans for a wide range of development projects
and environmental protection initiatives in developing countries. They also
provide technical assistance for many of these projects.