Meet the Team
This knowledge transfer process was initiated through the funding of the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition Foundation Young Earth Solutions. In December 2016, the project won a grant to build the capacity of small- scales farmers in the parish of St. Elizabeth. With our small, but dedicated team and the support of key stakeholders and collaborators, we are executing three irrigation farmer field schools in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Anne- Teresa and I (Shaneica) decided to collaborate on this action-oriented research project by combining aspect of our research interest. Anne- Teresa's interest lies in that of climate change, rural livelihoods and agriculture, while my research interest surrounds sustainable planning, water security and urban water governance. We are the facilitators of the Irrigation Farmer Field School (IFFS); the persons who guides the process, ensures effective flow of information within the group so that participants can share information and arrive at a decision. We are the moderators of this participatory learning process and assist in the sharing of information in a participatory way. As project directors and facilitators we have been greatly supported by the assistance of Nicki - Ann Blackwood- Samuels, the project administrator,Kevin Lester, the project videographer. . Nicki- Ann is vital in the organization and smooth running of each field day. She ensures that all farmers are registered and tagged in a timely and orderly fashion. A picture is worth a thousand words and with Kevin's photography and videographic skills we were able to capture, record and produce vivid imagery and recording from each session (check out the gallery).
Collaborators
ACDI/VOCA, Jamaica - ACDI/VOCA, Jamaica implements the USAID funded Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change (JaReeach II).a REEACH II increases investment in climate-smart agriculture and encourages the adoption of best practices in natural resource management. The ACDI/VOCA, Jamaica team has been instrumental in our preparation as facilitators for a successful irrigation farmer field school using the approved farmer field school approach and principles. Being the official assessors of the integrity of farmer field schools in Jamaica. ACDI/VOCA, Jamaica has evaluated the knowledge transfer, facilitation process and the documentation (IFFS Manual) of IFFS; and has certified Anne - Teresa and myself (Shaneica) as competent farmer field school facilitators.
Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) - RADA is the statutory body under the ministry of Agriculture and Lands charged with the responsibility of enhancing the development of farming through effective extension services. The On-Farm water management Unit and the St. Elizabeth agricultural extension officers were important resource personnel who provided technical advice on various sessions through the IFFS. In collaboration with RADA and ACDI/VOCA, Jamaica farmers are provided certificates for their participation and completion of the Irrigation Farmer Field School.
