The current study investigates the predatory relationship between the firefly larvae (Aspisoma ignitum) and the giant African snail (Achatina fulica). The principal objective of this study was to examine the specific predator responsiveness of the firefly larvae against the giant African snails under experimental conditions. This was evaluated using two (2) treatments T1 and T2. T1 investigated giant African snail neonates of size 0.5 cm with a larva to snail ratio of 1:5. In T2, larvae to snail ratio of 3:1 was investigated using 2 cm giant African snail neonates. Control treatments were included in the experimental design with the absence of the larvae. Each treatment was replicated five (5) times. There were 100 % mortality effects for T1 and T2. Commonalities existed in both the spatial and the temporal characteristics to possibly consider the firefly larvae as an idealistic and highly compatible predator for the giant African snail neonates. Ecological engineering strategies to encourage the presence of the firefly will aid in suppressing the giant African snail population. The study concludes that the firefly larvae can be a possible predator for the control of the giant African snail once the firefly populations are encouraged in both crop and non-crop spaces.

This study evaluated the immobilization and mortality effects of selected wet and dry chemical treatments on the giant African snail. The chemical treatments used were 5 g and 10 g respectively of sodium chloride, calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate. Distilled water was used as a control in the wet phase evaluation of the study. In the first phase, each treatment was dissolved in 1000 ml of water. A total of ten (10) snails were submerged into each treatment and this was replicated ten (10) times. In the second phase of the study, 5 g and 10 g respectively of each dry treatment was evenly sprinkled over ten (10) snails within a confined area. This was replicated ten (10) times. It was concluded that the submergence effects of the wet treatment resulted in 100 percent immobilization and mortality for both the calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate treatment at six (6) hours post submergence. The dry treatments had no effect on immobilization and mortality up to six (6) hours post treatment. There was no treatment effect of sodium chloride for both the wet and dry treatments. The study concludes that low cost solutions such as calcium hydroxide can have an effect on the immobilization of the giant African snail. This finding can enable the development of trap designs which could eliminate the one-way door design and enable multiple entrances. Although both calcium hydroxide and copper sulphate solutions were effective for the immobilization and death of the snails, calcium hydroxide is the recommended option given its low toxicological profile when compared to copper sulphate.

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 challenged to respond timely and appropriately in these times. The purpose of this paper was to (i) describe the impacts of disruptive changes on food systems across the world, (ii) present key agricultural education and extension responses to such changes and (iii) make recommendations to strengthen EAS responses. There was a focus on Covid-19 and climate change as disruptive changes. An internet-mediated approach to source information and a review of published literature were used to gather information. Results detailed the several impacts of Covid-19 and climate change in seven regions of the world, the impacts of both disruptive events on the four pillars of food security, and some global responses in the areas of agricultural education and extension to meet present challenges. Recommendations included the strengthening and deepening of collaboration of all extension service providers at country level to ensure coordinated responses, building stronger community resilience and extension research directed to assist the reengineering of extension organizations in terms of structure, leadership and management. Keywords: agriculture; extension; climate change; pandemic; food security

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 and n = 7 agricultural professionals for in-depth interviews and focus group sessions. A review was conducted of newspaper articles and national budget statements for content related to CEPEP and agriculture. A thematic analysis was conducted to establish themes from the data gathered from the participants and from the media review. The themes emerged were “CEPEP’s benefits to agriculture”, “Labor shortages in Agriculture”, “Convenience Employment” and “Challenges to CEPEP in Agriculture”. The study concludes that welfare employment can be incorporated into the development agenda for agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago once the issues of capacity building, retooling and mentorship, wage adjustments are factored into a structured program.

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, seim, papaya and eggplant were investigated. Additionally, the preference for leaves of selected weeds (Amaranth spp, Portulaca oleracea and Cleome spp) and root crops (cassava, sweet potato and dasheen) were investigated. In determining the intraspecific preference for the parts within a crop, 10 g of each component (leaves, flowers and pods) were placed into a chamber with three adult GAS, averaging 5 cm in length and replicated five times for each crop. The GAS had the option to choose between vegetative and reproductive structures. Similarly, 10 g of leaves for each weed were placed into a chamber with three adult snails and replicated five times. In determining the vulnerabilities for the leaves of the selected root crops, the treatment and replicates were similar to the weeds in that the GAS also had the option to select among the leaves of the root crops presented. The amount of plant material consumed after 24 and 48 h was recorded and statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Student of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The results of the study showed that the GAS exhibit significant preferences (p <.05) for components of plant parts within a plant and for consuming more leaves of one type of weed and root crop over another. The study concluded that by knowing the specific vulnerabilities of a crop to the GAS, the crop protection approaches to controlling the GAS in a cropping system can be more appropriately redesigned and precision based.

The giant African snail was confirmed to be present in Trinidad in October, 2008. The study presents a case study on the farmers’ experiences with the giant African snail in Orange Grove, an active agricultural district in Trinidad which confirmed the presence of the snail in 2016, eight years after it was confirmed on the island. A qualitative approach was undertaken for this investigation. A semi-structured survey instrument was administered to thirty (30) participants who were impacted by the presence of the snail in their crop production fields. A purposive and convenience sampling strategy was used to select the participants for the study. Additionally, prolonged engagement and persistent observation techniques were used to capture the farmers’ experiences with the snail infestation in their crop fields for a period of ten (10) months. The information gathered from the study was analyzed using thematic analysis. The main themes derived from the analysis were “crop production practices influence on the giant African snail infestation”, “unmanaged and excessive weed growth” and “current approaches for controlling the giant African snail”. The study concluded that uncoordinated approaches for the management of the snail population and the lack of collective action among the members of the farming community could sustain the pest population in this farming area. Strategic planning and collective synchronized action among the farmers are crucial to containing, suppressing and eradicating the snail population within this crop farming area.

The highly invasive giant African snail (GAS) has been found in several agricultural areas of Trinidad. Because this snail is able to feed on many different types of crops, it is proving to be a serious threat to the economic viability of farmers in this country. The results presented in this study are the most recent of several pest control strategies attempted. Five cotton pads, soaked with 1:1 mixtures (by volume) of each of five food grade essences (Aniseed, Banana, Coconut, Lemon and Vanilla) and metaldehyde, and a sixth pad of only metaldehyde (the control), were placed at strategic distances from each other in each of five blocked patterns at various sites in each of two locations, known to be infested with GAS. The number of snail deaths was recorded for each pad and the maturity stages of snails were noted. Summary statistics, stacked horizontal bar graphs, GLM models of the total number of snail deaths and of the deaths for each maturity stage all point to the same trends. The Banana: metaldehyde preparation was the most significantly effective in killing snails of all maturities at both locations. The immature snails were much more attracted to the essences than either the neonates or the adults. Some essences were more effective at one location and others were more effective at the other location, possibly because of odours from the crops at the two locations interacting with those of the essences and either enhancing or muting the attraction of the latter.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT EFFECTS ON THE NET YIELD AND QUALITY OF YOUNG MAIZE (Zea mays L.) Marcus N. A. Ramdwar Fresh young maize cobs (Zea mays L.) are not readily available in Trinidad and Tobago. Spatial arrangements, A: 75 cm x 7.4 cm, B: 60 cm x 9.2 cm, C: 50 cm x 11cm and D: 30 cm x 18.4 cm. within a fixed plant population of 180, 000 plants ha"1, were investigated in 2000 and 2002 to determine the effect on the net yield of baby corn 2 days after silking (DAS). The variety of corn used was UW 7 Sweet Corn, a synthetic open pollinated variety developed at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. As the inter-row spacing decreased and the intra-row spacing increased from treatments A through D there was a decrease in the number of barren plants. The net yield was inversely related to the number of barren plants. As the number of barren plants increased there was a reduction in the net yield of the young maize cobs. Treatment A had the lowest net yield and treatment D the highest net yield in both 2000 and 2002. The overall net yield from the respective treatments were primarily a function of the number of barren plants within each treatment and the rainfall availability and distribution during the cropping period. The treatment means for the net yield kg ha 1 of young cobs were 2 427 kg ha \ 2 597 kg ha 2 957 kg ha 1 and 3 129 kg ha 1 for treatments A, B, C and D respectively. The effect of spatial arrangements on the crude protein, crude fiber and ether extract were not significant for 1-5 DAS. There was however a linear trend in the crude protein and crude fiber levels through 1-5 DAS. The levels of ether extract fluctuated as a possible consequence of the relative preferential development of the kernel components at specific points in time and the preferential synthesis of proteins to fats. The results also revealed that cob weight and cob diameter increased at a greater rate than cob length.

The giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, is a known agricultural pest with some public health concern; it was introduced in Trinidad in 2008. The purpose of this study is to highlight results obtained from the evaluation of the attractiveness of L. fulica to selected food baits in a bucket trap set up. Selected food baits (banana, breadfruit, cabbage and papaya) were evaluated for their use as a potential attractant for L. fulica in two different locations in Orange Grove, Trinidad. All food baits used in the traps showed some level of attraction. Data suggests that small and medium sized snails appeared to be associated with a more significant contribution to total snail counts than large snails for the food baited traps used in the study. Being an agricultural and public health pest, the management of giant African snail is a serious concern at the farm and national levels. Thus it is important that various management strategies are explored whether intended to complement current baiting strategies or to assist in the monitoring of populations in infested areas over time.

As the world's population increases, the issue of food security presents a serious challenge. Currently, food security is reliant on a very narrow range of cultivated plant species and is also limited to traditional animal husbandry practices. The use of edible wild plants can be considered to support food security efforts. Such plants have shown to be more resilient compared to traditionally cultivated crops and also have superior nutritional attributes. The issue of protein food security can be addressed through production improvements for local or indigenous chickens, livestock production systems and wildlife to some extent. Food security in developing countries would increasingly become more dependent on widening the biodiversity from which food is selected and utilized and insects, like wild plants, provide another such opportunity. Contemporary reproductive technologies such as lactation induction, embryo transfer and artificial insemination among others can bolster food security efforts in developing countries. Improvements in forage species as well as processing technologies to improve nutritional value of low quality forages can improve overall animal nutrition. Irrespective of the concerns related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these sources of food could be beneficial globally. The formation of farmers' groups can be a strategic approach to food security in resource poor developing countries for the purposes of collective action and resource sharing. Sustainable food security requires the integration of several multi-dimensional approaches into a holistic management model to achieve the food security objectives in many developing nations.

Most commercially grown produce in the Caribbean is cultivated from imported hybrid seeds. Consumers' preferential demand has caused traditional indigenous vegetables to be edged out by these exotic varieties. In this study, we investigated the patterns of Amaranth (an indigenous vegetable) consumption in Trinidad and Tobago. A structured survey was used to capture information from 678 residents (58% women, 63% aged 21 to 40 years) about current consumption, awareness of nutritional and other benefits, and possible increased future consumption under different circumstances. Most (96%) were aware of amaranth but fewer (66%) of its nutritional value. Only 41%, however, reported consuming it regularly. Still, 80% liked its taste and 78% found it easy to prepare. Chi Square tests revealed significant correlations between some demographics and amaranth use. Exploratory factor analysis of a scale on potential consumption of amaranth yielded two latent multidimensional components. Statistical tests (t and ANOVA) of demographic impacts on these factors estimated that income class does not influence use; men and younger people are more conscious of Amaranth's diet potential and taste; older people, afro-Trinidadians and those identifying as Christians would consume more amaranth because of its nutrient benefits and if packaged conveniently, with good storage properties.

There has been a massive influx of Sargassum in the Caribbean causing devastating consequences. The current study investigated the utilization of Sargassum (a mixture of the Sargassum flutens and Sargassum natans species) as a substrate formulated with imported promix. Experiments were conducted during April to May in 2016 to evaluate the performance and quality of hot pepper seedlings using Sargassum-promix formulations. The seedlings were visually evaluated on the 45th day after sowing by an independent panel to visually score seedling quality. At the same time, the sample mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of nine seedling physical characteristics. A one-way MANOVA analysis, with formulation ratio as the independent variable and these nine characteristics as correlated dependent variables, was carried out using SPSS V.22. Introducing Sargassum into the formulation caused statistically significant differences in the majority of the seedling characteristics. However, these actual differences are small and are unlikely to practically impact seedling production except with one characteristic, where the change is beneficial. The treatment formulations of Sargassum significantly improved the sturdiness of the seedlings. Sargassum can be successfully utilized to reduce the reliance on 100% imported commercial promix.

Agriculture is once more on the agenda of national governments and regionally it has undergone some dramatic changes in recent years. These changes are mostly due to global demands for reforms on production and marketing practices to ensure that food is safe for consumers and not produced in a manner that harms the environment. As the region tries to respond, there have been calls for The School of Agriculture of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies to revise its curriculum to meet demands for agricultural development not only in Trinidad and Tobago but the entire Caribbean. This study examined the extent to which the training provided to graduates, is empowering them to support goals of national food and nutrition security. One hundred recent graduates were randomly selected from a list provided by the ECIAF of graduates in the last 5 years and interviewed. The instrument consisted mainly of closed ended questions and rating scales which sought to assess respondents’ perceptions of the training they received, relevance of the training received to present job functions, changes in technical competencies over time and their level of job satisfaction. The instrument was pretested among 10 graduates and modified based on comments. It was administered over a two month period in 2010. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.17 and described. Means comparisons tests and categorical regression analyses were also done to explore relationships with Job satisfaction.The main findings were that: level of technical preparation was the most important variable determining Job satisfaction; graduates perceived they were adequately prepared in the traditional areas of agriculture (crops, livestock and soils) but were under prepared for new areas required for food production in a modern environment (sustainable production, food safety and value addition); while Job competencies increased over time in all technical areas examined, there were significantly higher changes in the newer food production areas compared to the traditional areas.The major recommendation was that the ECIAF and other agricultural education institutions urgently engage stakeholders constructively and review their curricula to meet requirements for agricultural development in a modernized environment.

Successful farmers’ groups can play a major role in the rural development and food security needs of Caribbean communities. The lack of permanency of these groups, however, has provided the basis for numerous challenges with respect to their effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean. This study attempts to identify what may be one barrier to farmers’ group stability in Trinidad, namely a ‘disconnection’ between the thinking of group members and that of the extension officers who serve them. Two focus group sessions and two structured survey instruments, administered by the researchers, were used to capture the perceptions related to farmers’ groups from extension officers (N=123) and farmers’ group members (N=293) in Trinidad. The structured survey instruments captured responses on an interval scale which returned scores at 1-unit intervals from ‘0’ (no agreement) to ‘5’ (full agreement) for the intensity of a respondent’s agreement with several item statements. The study revealed that there are gaps between the levels and types of service extension officers believe they provide to farmers’ groups and the support and interaction farmers feel they receive from agricultural extension in Trinidad. Key words: Extension officers, farmers, agricultural extension, group dynamics, focus groups, structured surveys.

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 impact group sustainability, as perceived by the two main stakeholders - farmers and extension services staff. Purposive sampling was done to carefully select participants from pools of experienced farmers and extension officers. A single separate focus group session was conducted with samples from each of the two populations. The information obtained was subjected to thematic analysis to identify the key issues which resonated with both groups. The results of that study are reported in this paper, with important verbatim statements quoted in order to support findings. The major issues on which both stakeholders agreed were related to (i) the preconditions for group survival or failure and (ii) leadership. Recommendations include: The review and modernization of the existing constitution which governs groups, governance training for leaders and potential leaders, and the introduction of decision making procedures in which members can participate. Key words: Extension officers, focus groups, farmers’ group development, sustainability, thematic analysis.

Trinidad is recognized as a premium producer and supplier of fine or flavour cocoa. Beans from Trinidad have been awarded prizes at the "Cocoa of Excellence" in the Salon du Chocolat's, International Cocoa Awards (ICA). The principal markets for the exportation of local beans from Trinidad are Europe, USA and Japan. While cocoa beans sourced from Trinidad receive a premium price well above the international price for bulk cocoa, these importing countries are imposing more stringent regulations and standards such that the beans maintain highest levels of quality and safety. The competitiveness of the cocoa industry in Trinidad is threatened by inconsistent production, constraints of technological implementation and its accessibility to smallholder farms, inadequate postharvest practices as well as an aging farming population which have contributed to the steady decline over the past few decades. It is imperative that cocoa farmers apply best practices at every stage in the cocoa value chain to ensure optimum productivity and to attain the highest quality and safety standards. The purpose of this review is to analyze the present state of the cocoa industry in Trinidad and assess the quality of cocoa beans currently produced for export markets. The review provides a framework for deriving a "Quality and HACCP based Compliance Model" for the primary processing of cocoa beans in Trinidad which has significant implications for improving consumer satisfaction, market access and improving the economy of this premium supplier of cocoa beans from the Caribbean region.

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 extension officers from St. Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad, three neighbouring independent islands in the Southern Caribbean, to identify the issues related to the failures of farmers’ groups and the actions critically needed for success. The main issues that limit group development include poor leadership, weak task cohesion and low levels of farmer motivation and lack of trust. There was consensus among the participants that improved group dynamics, good governance, increased government involvement and improved farmer motivation can impact the formation, functioning and survivability of farmers’ groups. The findings help extension officers and policy makers to plan interventions that can promote the successful organization of farmers into groups, a key pre-requisite to meet regional agricultural development goals.

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 to a survey that assessed: (a) technology current use, (b) technology beliefs, (c) technology skills, (d) technology intentions, (e) barriers to technology use, and (f) personal data. Results indicated that Agriscience teachers in Trinidad have accepted ICT as useful tools. Teachers used ICT most frequently for personal reasons and less frequently for school-related tasks. Teachers generally believed that ICT help them accomplish tasks more quickly, enhance their quality of work, were easy to use, and that it could help to keep in touch with their students. However, beliefs varied based on age, career intentions, and computer literacy. Agriscience teachers also indicated that they possessed moderate skill levels and intend to use ICT as a part of their jobs. Differences in perceived skills were noted based on age, experience, and career intentions. Primary barriers centered on technical issues such as lack of hardware, inadequate technical infrastructure, and connectivity. Additionally, teachers believed that lack of a reward structure impeded technology usage.

Governments in the region are taking action to transform its agriculture sectors and it is important that agricultural professionals meet this challenge. The Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) in Trinidad prepares a significant portion of the para professionals in the region. This study evaluated (1) the perceived level of preparation graduates (n=100) have about their training at the ECIAF and (2) their competency gaps and (3) their job satisfaction. A self reporting survey instrument was used and data analysis involved mainly descriptive statistics and means’ comparisons using SPSS v.17. The results indicated that (1) there is a deficiency in the non-traditional areas of the curriculum particularly with preparation for the new agriculture: sustainability, food safety and value addition (2) that while respondents were generally satisfied with their job, they were unhappy with training opportunities and promotion. The current study reveals that there is a gap between what the curriculum provides and the futuristic realities of the sector. It is recommended that, given the disconnect between curriculum and strategic initiatives for new agriculture in the region, curriculum modification would be required to prepare a well-trained workforce for a competitive, profitable and sustainable agriculture in the region.