On Friday, 2 September 2016, The GEF/UNDP Ridge to Reef Project handed over several tools and equipment to the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment. Some of the items handed over include easels, white boards, flip charts, facilitation training kits, projectors, iPad, laptop, calculators, hand levels, refractometers, megaphones, and soil testing kits.
Mr Joseph Noel, Project Officer of the GEF/UNDP Ridge to Reef Project, stated that “the items will be extremely useful in helping the Division to bring more information and assistance to farmers in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.” He emphasized the need to utilize the equipment through training, so that farmers’ income, and production can be increased throughout the tri-island state.
Senior Extension Officers in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr Kelly Patrick, and Mr George Phillip, accepted the items from Mr Noel.
Mr Phillip mentioned that the Extension Division is an informal teaching institution, thus the equipment obtained will undoubtedly help to educate farmers in the field, and at occasional formal indoor sessions/workshops.
Mr Patrick, Senior Extension Officer, congratulated Mr. Noel and the entire GEF/UNDP Ridge to Reef project for delivering the equipment in an extremely timely manner. He shared his sincerest appreciation for the prompt delivery of the equipment as the Extension Division has tried to obtain these items under several projects before, all to no avail.
In the near future, the Extension Division will facilitate workshops to help farmers take advantage of livelihood opportunities. The equipment received will be utilized at those sessions as they can help farmers to increase their income and livelihood, which is one of the Ridge to Reef Project’s main objectives.
During the handing over ceremony, the GEF/UNDP Ridge to Reef Project Officer made a commitment to cover travel expenses for farmers from Carriacou and Petite Martinique, so that they too can participate and benefit from all Ridge to Reef Project funded workshops that will be hosted by the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Ridge to Reef