A comprehensive United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) technical mission has successfully concluded in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant advancement for the nation’s agricultural sustainability efforts. The six-day initiative, formally designated TCP/ANT/4001 (D) and focused on Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production, involved intensive field assessments and collaborative engagements with national stakeholders.
Spearheaded by Dr. Omardath Maharaj, an Agri-Business Finance Specialist, the mission partnered closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MALFBE) and the Department of Environment. The primary objectives were to conduct a thorough evaluation of existing protected agriculture production systems, identify opportunities for enhancing water-use efficiency, and develop frameworks for future strategic investments.
The technical team conducted detailed on-site evaluations at six protected-crop farms across the nation. These assessments meticulously analyzed critical operational areas, including current water management practices, the performance of existing infrastructure, the efficiency of production cycles, and the identification of key constraints hindering optimal productivity.
The data gathered from these farm visits has been synthesized to form the foundation for five detailed business case models. These models are designed to provide empirical support for national policy formulation and to enhance the financial sustainability and investment appeal of the protected agriculture sector.
Beyond data collection, the mission included a dedicated half-day training workshop for local extension officers, technical staff, and farmers. The session offered practical guidance on essential business skills, emphasizing systematic record-keeping, improved financial literacy, and the adoption of data-driven decision-making processes to boost farm management and profitability. Participants widely praised the initiative, highlighting the critical need for such structured support.
The mission culminated in a formal debriefing session with senior national representatives, including Director of Agriculture Mr. Gregory Bailey and Permanent Assistant Secretary Mrs. Denise Matthias-Thomas. Dr. Maharaj presented the mission’s preliminary findings, outlined a series of emerging strategic recommendations, and detailed the subsequent steps for finalizing a comprehensive report.
Key deliverables achieved by the mission comprise complete data sets from all six assessed farms, the concluded training session, the strategic debriefing with partners, and a structured outline for the final report. This foundational work equips Antigua and Barbuda with a robust platform to revolutionize its protected agriculture sector, significantly improve water resource management, build greater resilience against climate variability, and attract vital investment.