Wayne Ganpat

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine | UWI · Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

This study examined the challenges to the achievement of food security goals and the role of Extension Advisory Services (EAS) at a time when the world is faced with the double burden of an immediate pandemic in the midst of ongoing climate change events. EAS have always played vital roles in past emergencies around the world and are being challeng...

Agricultural production in the Caribbean is being threatened by many factors such as decreasing availability of arable land, climate change effects such as increased incidences of flooding and drought, labour shortages, and competition from importers. However, one of the most important threats to agricultural production is the often under-recognise...

Overuse of pesticide in crop production poses enormous challenges to the health of farm families, consumers, and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem approach to crop production that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides. As a result of increasing...

The agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago is characterized by a labor shortage. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the impact of a national welfare employment program, on the agriculture labor sector. The study recruited n = 19 Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (CEPEP) employees, n = 10 farmers...

Low food production, combined with a high dependency on food imports, vulnerability to external economic shocks and climate change in the Caribbean, exacerbates the food security challenge the region faces. To confront the challenges facing regional food security, this chapter suggests policies emphasising their interconnectivity and how they would...

Purpose: This study sought to investigate agricultural extension practitioners’ response to an in-service training program offered by the University of the West Indies intended to foster effective use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) through a technology stewardship approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study reports on...

Agricultural extension agents are highly credited for their roles of providing advice to farmers and supporting their learning and decision-making to improve livelihoods. The use of appropriate methods to promote learning in developing countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, has often been highlighted as a development priority. Nevertheless, agri...

Sheath blight disease has become a major constraint in cultivation of rice in Guyana inflicting significant yield losses. Eleven plant extracts, three biocontrol agents and five new generation fungicides were screened for their efficacy against sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani under in vitro conditions. The extracts of lemon grass, thick...

Beginning in 2012, the University of Alberta in partnership with others has been undertaking participatory action research in Sri Lanka and, since 2017, in the Caribbean to foster inclusive innovation through a Joint Education and Training Initiative (JETI). The JETI is developing and testing a set of open educational resources on "technology stewa...

Plant quarantine is a key strategy in international plant protection efforts. This study identified the areas for knowledge and skills improvement among 108 Caribbean plant protection personnel from 20 countries. The Borich (1980) model of needs assessment was used. Results showed that respondents perceived all areas assessed as very important to t...

Agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago is always challenging. The sector has always been under-resourced and more so in these recessionary times. Food and nutrition insecurity is compounded by increased vulnerability to changing weather events, disasters, land degradation, pests and disease incidences, inefficient and outdated technologies in food prod...

Agricultural crimes or farm theft, commonly referred to as praedial larceny throughout the Caribbean, impacts significantly on food security through high levels of economic loss. This paper provides an overview of praedial larceny worldwide, losses in the Caribbean region and some evidence from Trinidad and Tobago where the situation is prevalent....

Proper watershed management is important for several reasons; the latest, and maybe most important, being to help mitigate climate change impacts. For countries with small landmasses and burgeoning populations, watersheds are increasingly at risk of being negatively impacted. The environment and water supply are particularly vulnerable if no action...

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been considered as key driving forces for enabling agricultural development ‒ the sector which provides livelihoods for majority of the population in Bangladesh. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the largest public sector agricultural extension service provider in Bangladesh, has...

A study was conducted to determine the preferential feeding habits of the Giant African Snail (GAS) Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops and selected weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies. The intraspecific plant vulnerabilities such as vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers and pods/fruits) of ochro, pumpkin,...

A study was conducted to determine the preferential feeding habits of the Giant African Snail (GAS) Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops and selected weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies. The intraspecific plant vulnerabilities such as vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers and pods/fruits) of ochro, pumpkin,...

This research sought to investigate the dependence on farm visits in selected Caribbean islands, and estimate the impact of such visits on farmers’ satisfaction with extension. The study utilized a causal-comparative design using a convenience sample from six major farming countries in the Eastern Caribbean. Descriptive frequencies, ANOVA, principa...

Nutritional information on food labels helps consumers make informed decisions about what they chose to consume. This study, conducted among 320 consumers in Trinidad, West Indies, examined consumers' use of various informational components of the label and the influence of health-related factors on use of such information. The study found that, al...

The traditional individual farm visit, effectively used in the past to provide services for the few large plantations, is still being used, even though the agricultural landscape has changed. Ganpat et al. (2015) noted such a personalized service cannot be sustained in era of severe financial constraints. Farm visits have been shown to be a very co...

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to be useful in agricultural knowledge systems to improve communication linkages among research, extension services, and farmers. The end result would be new information and technologies being made available to those who need it the most in larger numbers and in a timelier manner. Wh...

p>A study was carried out in two Second-Tier cities of Tamil Nadu, viz., Coimbatore and Salem, with the objectives to analyze the factors influencing the consumption pattern of three major livestock products, namely milk, egg and meat. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select 160 household consumers, 80 from each of the cities. Relevant...

Agricultural production in the Caribbean is being threatened by many factors such as decreasing availability of arable land, climate change effects such as increased incidences of flooding and drought, labour shortages, and competition from importers. However, one of the most important threats to agricultural production is the often under-recognise...

Food security is a complex global problem that will require the interaction of a wide variety of people to solve. Although food insecurity has been reduced in Latin American and the Caribbean in the last decade, national governments in the region are still enacting policies to help further address the situation. In 2012, the government of Trinidad...

To address the aging farmer population in Trinidad, W.I., a situation common to the Caribbean region, a Youth Apprenticeship Program in Agriculture (YAPA) was initiated. An assessment of its effectiveness was conducted in 2007. Results indicated that present trainees went into agriculture to make “additional” income and for self employment, with “c...

The existence of the human race has created inevitable effects on our surrounding environment. To prevent further harm to the world's ecosystems, it becomes imperative to assess mankind's impact on and create sustainability initiatives to maintain the world's ecosystems. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies is a piv...

The development of sustainable agricultural systems is an imperative aspect of any country, but particularly in the context of developing countries. Lack of progress in these initiatives can have negative effects on the nation as a whole. Agricultural Development and Food Security in Developing Nations is a pivotal reference source for the latest s...

A study was carried out in two Second objectives to analyze the factors influencing the consumption pattern of three major livestock products, namely milk, egg and meat. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select 160 household consumers, 80 from each of the cities. Relevant data were collected through personal interview with the help of a...

This chapter details the education, extension, and training interventions that are needed in this changing global climate situation, with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS); new content will have to be taught, and innovative education and extension methods will have to be embraced. Actions will be needed at the highest levels of gover...

Large-scale farm production processes produce variable amounts of effluent either in the form of chemical, biological or physical waste which may have a detrimental effect on both the environment and residential communities. In particular with intensive livestock farming, it has been shown that animals produce a large quantity of biological waste....

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer Extension systems opportunities to expand participation and provide information faster to stakeholders. The study included fifty-seven new extension officers drawn from the public, private and state assisted extension organizations in Trinidad. Participants were surveyed to assess their level of c...

There is a high demand for pork products in Trinidad because of its lower cost compared to other meats and its preferential taste. Erin farm in Trinidad is the largest piggery in the country. Intensive livestock production has been shown to produce a large amount of biological waste which can be harmful to human health. This study investigated the...

Value chains are an increasingly popular approach to understanding complex policy challenges in agricultural development. However, value chain research and development has often been too narrowly focused on the structural elements of production, resulting in lack of adaptive capacity. Drawing on the concept of communities of practice, this paper se...

Trinidad has an aged farming population. For a host of reasons, young persons are not entering the sector; therefore these aged farmers will continue to be the backbone of the industry. Hence, there is much need for focus to be placed on improving the health and safety of these workers within this sector. A first time study assessed the prevalence...

Studies have shown that Trinidad has an aged farming population. Young persons are not entering the sector. As such, older farmers will continue to be the backbone of Trinidad’s agricultural sector. There is urgent need for focus to be placed on improving the state of occupational health and safety within this sector. This study sought to determine...

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is a political union of seven Caribbean countries. The OECS depends on agriculture for economic wellbeing. The issues that confront extension in the OECS presently appear to revolve around the problem of farmers' trust in the extension officers and extension as a whole. This study sought to measur...

Purpose – The differentiation that takes place in the Trinidad market only classifies tomatoes on the basis of its size. Farmers in many countries have been making an effort at agronomic differentiation strategies in order to receive better incomes. The purpose of this paper is to determine Trinidadian consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) and the ma...

Food insecurity and undernourishment are global issues that plague hundreds of millions of individuals daily. In 2012-2013, 842 million were said to be suffering from chronic hunger (FAO, IFAD & WFP, 2013). Caribbean countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago are not exempt from this struggle, with about 17 percent of the population below the poverty l...

There are approximately 20,000 farmers in Trinidad and most are above 50 years old (ECLAC 2013). These farmers will continue to be the backbone of the industry as younger persons are slow to enter the sector. For sustainable food production and national food security, actions must be engaged to maintain health and safety of farmers on farm. No stud...

The purpose of this study was to explore farmers’ understanding of food security issues in Trinidad. Such information can be used to develop appropriate extension training interventions. Using a Borich (1980) methodology, a total of 300 agricultural producers in Trinidad were surveyed with an instrument that consisted of two parts: (a) personal dem...

Given the complexity of consumer demand in the global marketplace and the need for agricultural growth in developing countries, successful farmers must be able to maximize profit, minimize costs and be competitive. While tomatoes are produced under various agronomic conditions employing different agronomic models and varieties, the differentiation...

As income levels and knowledge of food safety increases, consumers are more deliberate in their purchasing decisions. This study examined the factors that influenced consumers’ purchasing decisions relating to the quality of tomatoes. A convenient sample of 373 consumers was interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that price...

The Government of Trinidad has highlighted its intentions to renew efforts to promote food production through farmers' groups, in order to meet the country's food security goals. Previous planned efforts, from the perspectives of farmers, have been largely unsuccessful (Ramdwar, Stoute & Ganpat, 2014). Therefore, this study sought to investigate th...

The purpose of this study was to explore farmers’ knowledge of food security issues in Trinidad. Such information can be used to develop appropriate extension training interventions. Using a Borich (1980) methodology, a total of 300 agricultural producers in Trinidad were surveyed with an instrument that consisted of two parts: (a) personal demogra...

This chapter details the education, extension, and training interventions that are needed in this changing global climate situation, with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS); new content will have to be taught, and innovative education and extension methods will have to be embraced. Actions will be needed at the highest levels of gover...

As income levels and knowledge of food safety increases, consumers are more deliberate in their purchasing decisions. This study examined the factors that influenced consumers' purchasing decisions relating to the quality of tomatoes. A convenient sample of 373 consumers was interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that price...

Recent efforts have begun to renew collaborative relationships between actors leading extension systems throughout the Caribbean Community. Successful collaborations are built upon a shared vision. This study was conducted to determine the degree to which a shared future vision for extension and advisory services (EAS) existed within CARICOM countr...

The economies of most countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are dependent on farming, most of which is done mainly by small farmers in mixed cropping systems. The government is also the main provider of extension services. This study sought to assess farmers’ satisfaction with the extensions services and identify areas fo...

Trinidad tomatoes are differentiated only by their physical size. Farmers in many countries have been adopting agronomic differentiation strategies by utilizing various production systems. This project seeks to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for greenhouse-hydroponic (GH) tomatoes when marketed in a hypothetical scenario as a differe...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe selected Caribbean extension officers' technology preferences and examine factors that may affect their technology preferences.Design/methodology/approach: The sample consisted of extension officers (N = 119) participating in professional development training sessions in Grenada, Belize and Saint L...

This chapter details the education, extension, and training interventions that are needed in this changing global climate situation, with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS); new content will have to be taught, and innovative education and extension methods will have to be embraced. Actions will be needed at the highest levels of gover...

As part of its agricultural development strategy, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago plans to promote the development of Producer Organizations. Historically, the sustainability of farmers' groups in Trinidad has been poor, with several unsuccessful interventions. This study seeks to do a preliminary exploration of some of the issues which could...

Most farmers sell at farm gate, choosing not to engage in any significant way activities after harvesting. Since tropical crops are highly perishable, losses in the region have been consistently high. Farmers can significantly improve their incomes if they seek to reduce such losses. To achieve this, farmers as well as others involved in postharves...

Consumers are exposed to a wealth of information which drives their purchasing behavior. This study seeks to determine local consumers’ knowledge of genetically modified (GM) crops benefits and assesses their acceptance of such foods as evidenced by their willingness to pay (WTP) for GM tomatoes. The estimated WTP was used a proxy for predicting co...

The role of extension in Trinidad has widened has widened over the years to beyond agriculture education and may include other rural development services such as access roads, irrigation water subsidies etc. Farmers have continually expressed their dissatisfaction with the extension service they receive at various public for a claiming that Extensi...

This study investigated the innovativeness among vegetable farmers as it contributed to successful farming in Trinidad. Two hundred farmers from the main vegetable growing areas in Trinidad were surveyed. Personal, farm and farmer-related factors were assessed and used to examine relationship with innovativeness, operationalized in this study as th...

If Trinidad farmers are to meet consumers’ demands for safer food and also the requirements for export of produce then they must embrace Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on farms. This study assessed the extent of compliance with GAPs among smallholder vegetable farmers (n=196) across Trinidad, West Indies. Farmers were randomly selected and surv...

Purpose: Given the ageing farming population in the Caribbean and the importance of agriculture to economy, there is cause for concern about the future of farming. This study seeks to explore the extent to which students pursuing agriculture in secondary schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were likely to engage in farming as well as thei...

Without the proper collection, documentation and preservation the local knowledge and practices of the aging farming population of Trinidad and Tobago may soon be gone with them! The objective of the study was to capture the local control practices for pests and diseases by farmers 60 years and over in Trinidad and Tobago. The Snowballing technique...

For young people to be fully vested in society, they must be given the resources to become empowered for productivity. A model for engagement based on an analysis of a selection of youth agricultural programs with emphasis on those living in developing nations is presented. The model takes into account the social, cultural, ethnic, and resource div...

Farmers' groups are being targeted as an important sector to hasten Caribbean agricultural development. The region however, has a recorded history of high levels of failure with farmers' group development; many are formed but few are sustained to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development. A focus group assessment was conducted with extens...

Farmers in Trinidad and Tobago constantly complain about the myriad of problems they confront as they seek to earn a livelihood. Evidence suggests that government has taken several actions to bring relief to farmers over the years. In spite of this, the complaints continue. One reason may be because government is not addressing the main and urgent...

Purpose:-Consumers are exposed to a wealth of information which drives their purchasing behavior. This study seeks to determine local consumers' knowledge of genetically modified (GM) crops benefits and assesses their acceptance of such foods as evidenced by their willingness to pay (WTP) for GM tomatoes. The estimated WTP was used a proxy for pred...

The purpose of this study was to investigate information and communication technologies (ICT) usage among Agriscience teachers in Trinidad and Tobago. This knowledge will be used to develop preservice and inservice professional development programming for these teachers. Eighty-five percent (n = 77) of the secondary Agriscience teachers responded t...

Developing the human capacity of extension systems is a necessary part of improving services intended to meet the needs of small farmers. The purpose of this study was to determine the competencies for which professional development is needed in the area of programming for extension officers in selected Caribbean countries. A survey was conducted w...

Trinidad is almost self sufficient in the more popular vegetables consumed locally and many studies have pointed to the excessive use of sometimes dangerous pesticides in production. No regulations guide pesticide sale to agriculturists, and agrochemical retailers have been shown to be the main source of technical Information for fanners. Seventy f...