Environmental research

The Upper Rio Cobre Watershed is home to many small farmers, many of whom farm on hillsides. The application of poor farming practices and lack of soil conservation techniques has resulted in loss of soil and crops, subsequent use of larger amounts of pesticides and fertilisers, increased potential for pollution of the rivers within the watershed, downstream flooding and land degradation. Additionally there is a lack of knowledge about available environmentally friendly farming methods such as greenhouse technology, which can provide sustainable farming options. Climate change will also impact on our agriculture: global warming resulting in changes in weather patterns and more violent hurricanes. Our farmers are unprepared to cope with the impacts of climate change and we anticipate that production will decline significantly as the impacts become more severe. During the two previous hurricanes there was considerable land slippage due to removal of stabilising vegetation. Many farmers also lost crops and were unable to recover for over a year. If measures are not put in place to address these issues there will be continued loss of soil and crops, increase in use of fertiliser and loss of income to farmers and increased poverty. Objective The objective of the project is to introduce farmers to environmentally friendly farming techniques inclusive of greenhouse farming, application of solar pumping and lighting and soil conservation techniques. Expected outcomes and outputs of the project The project site is the Upper Rio Cobre Watershed and specifically Riversdale for the location of the demonstration greenhouses, solar pumping and lighting. The latter is leased and there is a signed agreement between One Love Farmers Group and the owner, who is also a member of the group. The project is expected to create ongoing impact on the natural environment and strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of the participating individuals as follows: a. Income from the greenhouse will be used to maintain the facilities. b. Income from the sale of produce will also be used assist members with small loans at reduced rates for start-up costs for small greenhouses. This is outlined in the Action Plan of OLFG c. RADA will provide technical assistance for soil conservation techniques and it is anticipated that RADA and OLFG will develop an ongoing programme within the participating communities. d. The use of solar energy, which is renewable, will make the greenhouse products more competitive and the solar panels can last up to 25 years. The system will be installed and maintained by LUMITECH. e. An effective marketing plan will be developed for produce in conjunction with the Greenhouse Growers Association.

Jamaica