Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a groundbreaking agricultural development project in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focusing on sustainable water management and enhanced production systems. The initiative, officially designated as TCP/ANT/4001 (D) ‘Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production,’ commenced operations from December 1-6, 2025, marking a significant step toward climate-adaptive farming practices.
Under the leadership of Dr. Omardath Maharaj, an accomplished Agri-Business Finance Specialist, the project represents a coordinated effort between international expertise and local governmental bodies. The mission collaborates closely with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy (MAFLBE), the Department of Environment, and the MAFLBE Extension Division to evaluate current protected-crop farming operations and identify pathways toward greater resilience and investment potential.
The comprehensive assessment seeks to compile real-time operational data from agricultural sites, which will inform the development of five detailed business case models for protected agricultural systems. These models are designed to facilitate the sector’s transition toward advanced water conservation methods, improved financial strategies, and the integration of climate-smart digital technologies.
The project commenced with an inception meeting to finalize objectives and select target farms for evaluation. As part of the knowledge-transfer component, Dr. Maharaj conducted specialized training sessions for extension officers, technical staff, and local farmers, emphasizing the critical importance of financial and operational data collection in driving investment decisions and ensuring long-term profitability.
Field assessments are currently underway across multiple protected-crop farms, with teams analyzing water-use efficiency, structural integrity of protective installations, production methodologies, and overall economic viability. This data-driven approach comes at a crucial time as the nation addresses the dual challenges of climate variability and escalating production costs, providing essential insights that will shape future agricultural investments, enhance farmer competitiveness, and strengthen national food security.