High Level Goal

Natural land resources within the North-east Tobago Man and the Biosphere Reserve are sustainably managed to ensure regeneration and long-term availability of ecosystem services at their fullest potential.

Current Situation

Agricultural activities are on a very small scale. With the exception of two, mid-size state farms, most farms are very small; livestock is limited to grazing goats and sheep in addition to some cattle. Agriculture is seen as an unattractive, hard labour occupation, not able to attract youth on a larger scale. Innovative sustainable agricultural practises are neither taught nor practised. Farmers associations do not have a history of success and are in dire need of organisational and operational support. Food security is low as most agricultural products are imported from Trinidad.

Priority Needs

• Lucrative sustainable and regenerative agriculture and destigmatised agricultural entrepreneurship;

• sufficient, healthy, nutritious, and affordable agricultural products to supply resident and export markets;

• improved livelihoods based on sustainable use of natural land resources in a way that promotes ecosystem health;

• reduced non-agriculture related land degradation and improved soil stability in all watersheds; and

• agricultural research, innovation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

Strategies