Environmental policy and administrative management

The project aimed to establish model pasture management units (enclosed areas in which livestock will be held and crops and fodder will be grown to feed livestock on a`cut and carry` basis) to reduce habitat degradation and damage to natural and replanted vegetation from the ravages of uncontrolled livestock. Six selected farmers from different parts of the island will set up these Model Pasture Management Units. It is hoped that these farmers will in turn pass on their knowledge to other farmers in their respective areas. They will also produce stock plants for the development of further forage units. One unit will be set up at the Department of Agriculture where Workshops in Animal Husbandry and Pasture management will be held for Members and other interested persons; they will also participate in the production of new plants stock-trees, shrubs and grasses suitable for livestock fodder. The project will also include the building of small low cost stalls to house the livestock in the dry season and a simple watering system for the fodder growing area. The whole community is expected to benefit from this project as it will protect the natural vegetation and prevent habitat degradation of many endemic plants as well as enabling good quality animal feed to be grown at a low cost reducing the importation of concentrate feeds.

Barbados