Environmental research

The Sweetwater area has a history of vegetable production as they have a contract to produce and supply fresh vegetables to the Super clubs. As a result, irrigation has to be used on a continuous basis for production. Recently with the construction of a greenhouses to enhance production, consistency of supply and good quality vegetables it has increased the need for more irrigation to sustain the production in these greenhouses. The production is driven by the continuous use non renewable sources of energy for driving the irrigation systems. This has now increased the pollution of the atmosphere resulting in poor air quality. The problem existing in the Sweetwater area is the emission of pollutants in the atmosphere as result of the usage of pumps that use gas and diesel to operate their irrigation systems in the area. The cooperative is aware of the impact this is having on human lives especially to the young and old. The objective of the project is to introduce a technology that of solar energy that can be used to drive the irrigation and fertigation systems of the recently constructed greenhouses that is environmentally friendly and acceptable, to reduce climate change and global warming. Expected outcomes and outputs of the project -Reduction in carbon emissions into the atmosphere - a healthier environment -increase in household income as a result in increased production -Protection of the natural environment due to measures beiing put in place to minimize the risk of climate change Activities will include sub project sites in selected communities for hands on training in the use of technology, sustainable methods of farming among others. The project will include monitoring activities through site visits, recording of key data i.e. saving on the use of renewable energy, health care reduction, air quality

Jamaica