Title

The roles sustainable agriculture plays in the environmental and economic development in
Grenada.

Aims/Objectives
To identity the sustainable agricultural practices in Grenada.
To investigate the importance of sustainable agriculture as it relates to environmental and
economic development.
To identity the contributions and benefits that sustainable agriculture has on the environment
and economy.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Statement of Purpose of Investigation

To identity the sustainable agricultural practices in Grenada, their contribution to economic
and environmental development and ways in which this can prevent environmental
degradation and economic depreciation.

Methodology
Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Grenada, shown in figure 1 is an island country located in the south eastern Caribbean Sea,
northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela and southwest of Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines. Grenada is approximately 344 square kilometres (133 sq. mi). (The study
areas, Belmont Estate located in St. Patrick and Non-Pariel Estate located at Victoria, St.
Marks which are also shown in figure 1.)
In Grenada, sustainable agriculture contributes to the economic and environmental
development. This type of farming is the dominant farming practice by our local farmers
throughout the island. In order to carry out our investigation and collect the necessary
information for title, Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Grenada. We, the year 2
Geography students formulated a questionnaire which consisted of twelve environmental
questions and thirteen economic questions. Using these questions, we performed a structured
interview at the study areas with the field officer at Belmont, Mr. Rawlyn Smith and the
owner of Non-Pariel, Ms. Kim Russell who both practice sustainable farming. We used both
qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. For quantitative methods, we carried out
observations and used data gathered from the field officers. For qualitative methods, we
took photos.
To begin our data collection on the contributions or the roles sustainable agriculture plays in
environmental and economic development. We visited the Belmont Estate on the 5th,
December 2014 around 12:00pm. Belmont Estate, that is located to the far north of Grenada
in the parish of St. Patrick practices organic sustainable farming. On our second quest to
collect data, we visited the Non-Pariel Estate on the 16th, January 2015. The Non-Pariel
Estate is located to the north-western side of Grenada in the parish of St. Mark. Like Belmont
Estate, the Non-Pariel estate also practices organic sustainable farming.

Presentation
Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Figure 1: Map of Grenada Showing the Study Areas

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fibre, or other plant or animal products
using farming techniques that protect the environment along with its wildlife, public health
and human communities without compromising future generations to do the same. David
Waugh stated that organic farming aims to produce of high nutrient quality by using
management practices that avoids the use of agro-chemical inputs that would minimize
damage to the environment and to wildlife. Sustainable agricultural practices are beneficial
both environmentally and economically. The benefits of sustainable agriculture are shown in
table 1.

Environmental Benefits of Sustainable

Agricultural Practices

Economic Benefits of Sustainable

Agricultural Practices

It does not cause irreversible changes such as

erosion to the land.

It stimulates production from resources that

would otherwise be under-utilized.

It does not use natural resources from the

environment that cannot be replenished.

It reduces the need for food to be produced

and sourced elsewhere.

It eliminates waste through recycling.

It creates more opportunities for persons to

be employed.

It encourages diversity from organisms,

animals and plant life.

Greater yields.

Improve water supply.

Table 1: Table Showing the Environmental and Economic Benefits of

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

In addition to the Estate, Belmont also operates a restaurant in proximity to the plantation.
The restaurant uses organic produce from both Belmont Estate and local farmers. The
restaurant is highly dependent on the produce of Belmont hence the reason why 85% of the
produce used in the restaurant is from their own organic estate and 15% from local farmers.
The sources of the produce used in restaurant are represented in figure 2 below.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Produce Used In Belmont Resturant

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
85%

40%

Percentage of produce
used in resturant 2

30%
20%

15%

10%
0%

Local Farmers
Belmont Estate

Figure 2: Bar Chart Showing the Percentage of Produce Used by the

Restaurant from Local Famers and Belmont Estate

In the early 1960s, late 50s, chemical fertilizer was introduced to Grenada. The use of
agrochemical changed the soil texture. According to a field officer at the Belmont Estate for a
number of years, he stated that organic is the best and it is more economical than fertilizers
because you would have to use chemicals every year and the chemicals are not healthy for
our bodies.

Plate 1: Picture showing waste being recycled to be used as organic fertilizer

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Organic fertilizers are fertilizers derived from animal matter, human excreta or vegetable
matter. Organic fertilizers such as manure contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding
organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are trapped by bacteria in the soil. Higher
organisms then feed on the fungi and bacteria in a chain of life that comprises the soil food
web. It is also a product obtained after the decomposition of organic matter like cow dung
which replenishes the soil with essential elements and adds humus to the soil. Plate 2 below
shows goat urine being drained, filtered and recycled to be used as organic fertiliser on the
estate.

Plate 2: Picture showing goat urine being filtered and recycled to be used as
organic fertilizer

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

The prices of cocoa vary based on one dominated factor, whether it is produced organically
(usage of organic fertilisers) or non-organically (usage of agro-chemical fertilisers). The bar
chart below, figure 3 shows the difference in the prices of organic and non-organic cocoa per
lbs. (pound).

Cocoa Prices per lbs

$3.00
$2.50
$2.00
Cocoa Prices per lbs
$1.50
$2.50
$1.00
$1.50
$0.50
$0.00
Organic Cocoa

Non-organic Cocoa

Figure 3: Column Chart Showing the Difference in Prices of Cocoa for

Organic and Non-Organic per lbs.

Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers

In Grenada and Carriacou, the total amount of skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery
workers are 1061. This occupational group is dominant in St. Andrew with 43% of workers.
The amount of workers is represented by parishes including Carriacou in figure 4 below.
This major occupation group is dominated by males, with 70% (743) of the workers being
males and 30% (318) being females. The amount of skilled skilled agricultural, forestry and
fishery workers by sex is represented in figure 5.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers by Parish

Carriacou; 177; 17%

St. George; 283; 27%
St. George

St. John

St. Mark

St. Patrick

St. Andrew

St. David

Carriacou

St. John; 71; 7%

St. Andrew; 460; 43%

St. Patrick; 70; 7%

Figure 4: Pie Chart Showing the Amount of Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and
Fishery Workers

Skilled Agricultual, Forestry and Fishery Workers by Sex

Females

318
Skilled Agricultual, Forestry
and Fishery Workers by Sex

Males

743

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Figure 5: Bar Graph Showing the Amount of Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and
Fishery Workers by Sex

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Analysis of Data
After extensive examination of the environmental and economic questions asked on both
estates, the year 2 Geography class acquired the followings findings.
Sustainable agriculture can be defined as an act of farming using principles of ecology, the
study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It is the production of food,
fibre, plant or animals products using farming techniques and strategies that protect the
environment, public health, human communities and animal welfare. This type of farming
satisfies human food and fibre needs and it enhances environmental quality and the natural
resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends. It also makes the most efficient
use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrates, where appropriate,
natural biological cycles and controls. It sustains the economic viability of farm operations
and enhances the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. Organic farming aims to
produce food that contains a high content of nutrients by using management practices that
avoid the usage of agrochemical inputs which minimize damage to the environment and to
wildlife.
Prior to 2003, at Belmont Estate there were wasnt practices of intercropping and crop
rotation. There were practices burning of bushes, usage of artificial or synthetic fertilisers and
heavy use on composting. They decided to start organic farming to protect the natural
resources for future generations, to contribute completely to the environment by reducing
farm pollutants, to protect biodiversity and to provide customers with safe wholesome food.
Since going organic, the estate has seen positive effects on the environment and yields. There
has been a reduction in ground water contamination, a reduction in top soil depletion and
increased biodiversity. The estate has also experienced increased yields for cocoa however
they were unable to compare fruits as the orchards were severely damaged during Hurricane
Ivan in 2004 and had to be revitalized.

Sustainable Agriculture contributions and benefits to environmental and

economic development
Agricultural practices at our study areas Belmont Estate and Non-Pariel Estate are both
sustainable because of the reasons shown in table 1 which benefited them and the country in
many ways.
Sustainable agriculture contributes to environmental development because it produces crops
and rare animals without being dependent on toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers,
and genetically modified seeds, or practices that degrade soil, water, or other natural
Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

resources. By growing a variety of plants and using techniques such as crop rotation,
intercropping, conservation tillage, and pasture-based livestock husbandry, sustainable
agriculture protect biodiversity and foster the development and maintenance of healthy
ecosystems.
The production of food should never be more important or a priority over human health.
Using agrochemical fertilizers comes at an expense of human health or food production.
Because sustainable agriculture farms/estates avoid using hazardous pesticides, theyre able
to grow fruits, vegetables and other produce that are safer for human consumption, workers,
and communities in proximity. Through careful and responsible management of livestock
waste, sustainable farmers also protect humans from exposure to pathogens, toxins, and other
hazardous pollutants.
An important feature or benefit of sustainable agriculture is its ability to remain economically
viable. By providing farmers, farmworkers, food processors, and others employed in the food
system with a liveable wage and safe, fair working conditions. Sustainable farms also bolster
local and regional economies, creating good jobs and building strong communities.

Organic Fertilizers
Plate 2 (page 8) shows a picture where goat urine is being filtered and recycled to be used as
an organic fertilizer. Although goat urine is known to have a bad odor, it has the potential to
be a very good organic fertilizer for plants. Goat urine is very useful as an organic fertilizer
that is able to establish, maintain soil fertility and crops, and can reduce pest attacks. Known
content of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphate (P) from urine goat is higher than from
rabbit and cow urine.
Goat droppings can be used in nearly any type of farm or garden, including that of flowering
plants, herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees. Goat manure can even be composted and used as
mulch. Mulch is a material such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost spread around or over a
plant to enrich or insulate the soil.
This manure contains adequate amounts of the nutrients that plants need for optimal growth,
especially when the goats have bed in stalls. As urine collects in goat droppings, the manure
retains more nitrogen, thus increasing its fertilizing potency. However, this increase in
nitrogen usually requires composting prior to use.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Conclusion
After extensive investigation and the successive comprehension of the information weve
gathered, several findings were concluded. Sustainable agriculture aids to environmental
development because it does not change the soil texture, it does not cause any irreversible
changes to the environment such as erosion to the land. Sustainable agriculture does not use
natural resources from the environment that cannot be replenished. These practices encourage
diversity for organisms, animal and plant life. As a result of practicing sustainable there are
also benefits such as a decrease in ground water contamination and a reduction in top soil
depletion. Wastes are also eliminated through recycling, meaning that the wastes are not burnt
which endangers our environment and human life. Environmental development is achieved
by the non-usage of artificial or synthetic fertilizers, the use of composition, intercropping
and crop rotation and non-burning of waste. Sustainable farming practices would protect the
environment for future generations; it also contributes positively to the environment by
reducing farm pollutants, these practices protect biodiversity and provide consumers with a
safe wholesome food.
Not only does sustainable development aids to environmental development but it also play
significant roles in economic development. Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the
present without comprising the needs of the future. Most persons who are involved in
agriculture in Grenada are person residing in rural areas that are in poverty, despite the many
challenges they are able to help feed the nation. A well-managed sustainable agriculture
program will ensure that the natural resources are stabilized. It stimulates production from
resources that would otherwise be under-utilized and reduce the need for food to be produced
and sourced elsewhere. This creates more opportunities for persons to be employed and to
earn money for purchasing food, thereby helping to combat poverty. There will also be
measurable reductions in environmental impacts such as reduced waste and soil loss,
improved water supply which will impact positively on the health and well-being of the
population. The Belmont Estate gives back to local communities through a non-profit
foundation that assist in the helping to improve the lives of the vulnerable. Belmont currently
offer a weekly meal to elderly persons in the communities which provide food hamper to
vulnerable persons in the communities annually, host an annual summer camp for students,
provide support to children for their educational needs through books and uniform assistance,
currently offering a free French classes and support activities of schools and community
groups both sporting and cultural with cash and in kind donations.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Recommendations
Offer Education to Farmers/Field Officers
The Ministry of Agriculture should offer educational programs or workshops to our local
farmers on the importance of sustainable agriculture and how it contributes to the
environmental and economic development of our country. In these programs they would
teach our farmers how to maximize the use of their organic fertilizers by showing them which
fertilizer is more effective on which crop and how to properly apply these fertilizers in the
right amounts at the right times. After the completion of the programs, farmers should receive
certificates. Receiving these certificates makes them more qualified for their jobs and may
allow them to receive higher salaries or pay. As a result of implementing these
programs/workshops more farmers would be interested in practicing sustainable agriculture,
there would be an increase in our food production and our food import bill would increase
along with the environmental and economic benefits listed in table 1 would increase.

Higher Prices for Organic Produce

Since organic products dont cause any harm to consumers health and doesnt cause any
irreversible changes to our land unlike agrochemical fertilizers, their prices should be higher.
The prices of organically produced products should be higher than products produced by the
usage of artificial or synthetic fertilizers because it is more work than using agrochemical
fertilizers and it is very beneficial to environmental and economic development. Practicing
sustainable agriculture is cheaper than using agrochemicals but it is much more work which
tends to detour farmers from practicing it. Increasing the prices of organic products such as
cocoa would draw interest to farmers and could encourage other farmers to continue
practicing sustainable faming.

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.

Bibliography
Morrissey, Mike, & Hart, Graham. Practical skills in Caribbean Geography. San Juan,
Trinidad: Longman. 2005
Nagle, Garrett. Advanced Geography, Oxford University Press, 2000.
The Longman Atlas for Caribbean Examinations, Second Edition, San Juan Trinidad,
Longman, 1999
Waugh, David Geography; An integrated approach Nelson Thorneuk 4th edition

Christopher J. Alexis Jr.