Bio-diversity

The decline of the banana industry in recent years has seriously affected women and farmers in general. Ninety percent (90%) of the women in the community were unemployed. Family income was considerably reduced. There was a need for diversification. In order to get some income, these women became involved in the production of toloma. Toloma is the second largest crop in the village of Delices after plantain. Women in Delices have been growing and processing Toloma for years, however this has been done in a disorganized, disjointed manner. Moreover, the production of toloma is very labour intensive and time consuming. With a central, modern facility not only will the labour intensity and processing time be reduced. It will also improve the quality of the product and help standard the processing and packaging processes. Further, it will enhance networking amongst the toloma farmers in the community by bringing the women together. The overall goal of the project is to improve the quality of life of women and their families, by enabling them to work comfortably in an improved and organised environment, to produce high quality toloma for sale in the local and regional markets, as a needed source of income. The objectives of these projects are - To create employment and sustainable development for women and others persons - To develop and preserve the Toloma Industry - Enhance the socioeconomic status of women and other residents and - Improve the living conditions and members and residents in general We endeavour to construct a facility for the production and processing of toloma, which will enhance the entire process. The facility will also allow women to generate income on a more regular basis. It will create a healthier environment for work, and reduce the labour intensity of production. The factory can also become a tourist attraction where visitors would be able to observe the entire production process. The end product will be packaged and labelled to set standards, for sale to the local and regional markets.

Dominica