On 1 December 2025, seventeen farmers from Concord, Black Bay, and surrounding communities, along with 9 staff members from the Rural Development Unit (RDU) and the Western District Supervisor from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), participated in a Sustainable Land Management (SLM) training hosted by the RDU under the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP).
The session formed part of the Capacity-Building Component of the Southern St George Water Supply Expansion Project (SSGWSEP), funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
Facilitator Aden Forteau, Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Specialist, guided participants through key SLM practices, including the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources, as well as the restoration of degraded areas. Farmers were introduced to best practices for soil and water conservation, such as minimal tillage and rainwater harvesting, and were also shown how to construct an A-frame using simple materials like wood and twine. Forteau explained that the A-frame is an essential tool for identifying contour lines for farming, drainage, and terracing, which are effective techniques for reducing soil erosion on slopes.
The training featured hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance on integrating these climate-smart techniques into existing farming systems to boost productivity and strengthen environmental resilience.
According to Kenly Edwards, Climate-Smart Agriculture Coordinator of the Rural Development Unit, this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable agricultural development across the island. He noted that additional training sessions will continue under the UKCIF-funded project to support responsible land use and climate-resilient farming practices.
Dr Stephen Fletcher, Head of the Rural Development Unit, added that the inclusion of the RDU–SAEP as an implementing partner for this aspect of the project reflects the growing confidence that Nawasa has in the Unit and its staff.
SAEP
