CSA 4H Manual (E-Copy)

CLIMATE-SMART
AGRICULTURE
MANUAL FOR 4-HERS IN GRENADA
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CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
MANUAL FOR 4-HERS IN GRENADA
Author:
Steve V. Maximay
CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE AND RURAL ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME
4-H CLUB GRENADA
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A production of SAEP. Printed in Grenada. Copyrighted 2022.
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Acknowledgement
Agriman illustrations/stories by kind permission of Mr. Alpha Sennon and WHYFARM, the
Copyright owners.
 Video links courtesy the Steve Maximay YouTube Channel, videography by Ms. Michelle John.
Graphic layout and design: Ms. Abeesha Toussaint-Maximay.
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Table of Contents
Foreword ...........................................................................................................................................................vii
Testimonials .....................................................................................................................................................viii
How to use this Manual .................................................................................................................................xi
Abbreviations & Acronynms .........................................................................................................................xiii
Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1
Brief History of 4H ....................................................................................................................................2
Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases ..........................................................................................10
Climate Change and Agriculture ..........................................................................................................12
What is CSA: Why do we need it now ..................................................................................................15
How can I be a Champion? ......................................................................................................................17
Chapter 2 CSA is about thinking, planning and doing ..........................................................................21
Thinking about the six ways we know Climate has changed ........................................................22
Planning ways to reduce the problems (Climate Impacts) ..........................................................23
What can we do? .......................................................................................................................................26
Chapter 3 How to manage land, water, labour and feed .................................................................29
Chapter 4 How to use Energy ....................................................................................................................32
Chapter 5 Safety ...........................................................................................................................................35
Chapter 6 Working with all living things ..................................................................................................38
Chapter 7 Reducing Greenhouse gases ..................................................................................................41
Chapter 8 Here are 4Hers enjoying and practicing CSA ...................................................................44
Chapter 9 2050 and beyond ......................................................................................................................61
Glossary .............................................................................................................................................................65
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Foreword
This Manual is a flagship activity of the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP).
SAEP is financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Caribbean Development
Bank (CDB) and the Government of Grenada. This e-Book is the end product of a series of SAEP-
sponsored training events for 4Hers in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
SAEP focuses on assisting beneficiaries improve their livelihoods through skills training, investments in
agriculture, teaching Climate Smart Practices and providing Business Skills Training. By concentrating on
the next generation of climate-smart agriculture professionals, SAEP is ensuring that the country benefits
way beyond the life of the programme.
This is the first Comprehensive Climate-Smart Agriculture Manual for 4Hers in Small Island Developing
States (SIDS) and although commissioned for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique; it has wide
applicability for all SIDS. The manual is unique in its reinforcement of concepts/practices that were shared
with a wide cross-section of 4Hers in field sessions. The target audience will see themselves in the pictures
and videos that are a part of this manual.
SAEP is proud to be the driving force behind this pioneering effort and will continue to fulfill the
Programme’s ambitious mandate.
- Byron Campbell -
Programme Manager
SAEP
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Testimonials
“While reading this manual, I felt like a child once more. It

was fun and exciting to read about how one as young as
they can be, can approach climate-smart agriculture
(CSA). This manual not only gives important facts and
details about CSA but it has vivid pictures that can “seal
the deal” in understanding the concept to younger children.
As a young farmer and agricultural science teacher, I see
many aspects of the curriculum being taught in the lower
parts of secondary school as outlined in this document. It is
often taken for granted one consciousness of climatic
problems and how they can affect the future, however in
this manual, it is evident to see not only the importance of
CSA but also the “APPROACH” towards Climate Smart
Agriculture to become Climate-Smart citizens”
- Kishon Noel -
Agricultural Science Teacher
Wesley College, St Georges, Grenada
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Climate Change and Climate Smart Agriculture are terms that you hear
at many different levels. The concern is, how many of the users of these
terms really understand what it means? What is Climate Change? What is
global warming? What is Climate Smart Agriculture? The Content of this
manual gives us quite an understanding of the terms. It explains quite
simply, in layman’s language, what exactly these terms means. I had the
opportunity to read the manual. It is very informative and is written in a
manner that the children can understand. The color scheme and the
photos are very captivating and spurs one’s interest. The added videos
bring life and enthusiasm to the reader. I believe that people, both
children, and adults, will enjoy reading it much as I did. There is a wealth of
information in the manual that will benefit all users. Ultimately, the users
will be more knowledgeable of those trending terms relating to Climate
Change, Global Warming, and Climate Smart Agriculture, and what
practices they can implement to adapt and mitigate against those
changes. Excellent job at this manual.
- Anna Abraham -
Agricultural Officer
&
Former 4H Coordinator, Grenada
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I am overwhelmed with excitement for the opportunity to
interact with such a well-structured, comprehensive and
child friendly manual. It’s quite useful to both teachers
and students, and to anyone who seeks a general
knowledge about Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
Each chapter clearly illustrates the key areas of climate
change and its impact to the environment and what can
be done to ensure we achieve sustainability in the
Agriculture sector. Without a shadow of doubt this
manual will assist to bring awareness of CSA through a
fun-oriented, practical and relatable content.
- Norjah Sandy -
Farmer/Homeschooler/Sustainable Community
Development Professional.

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How to use this Manual
Thank you for agreeing to read this manual, to find
out a little more about Climate Change, Agriculture,
Climate-Smart Agriculture, Nutrition Security, and
what you can do whether you are a Primary or
Secondary School Student, a Teacher, or a Mobile Devices
concerned Individual. We are going to take a fun-
filled trip across all of those fancy sounding topics. If
you are in primary school this manual is for you, there
are things that will be fun to learn, fun to do, and fun
to share with others. If you are in Secondary School
there is no way that you have outgrown the fun that
comes from learning and doing. Additionally, there
are text boxes that include some more technical
descriptions and explanations of things referred to in
the texts or video links. YES, there are video links and
stories of people just like you. If you are Grenadian
you may actually see yourself or your community. The
Desktop
Teachers have a logical flow of ideas that can be
used to plan lessons, improve the curriculum and
prepare students for aspects of CXC certification. If
you are a concerned individual you will get a chance
to see why Climate-Smart Agriculture is key to the
survival of Small Island Developing States. Any book
about climate change should really be in
electronic/digital format, but if you are reading a
hard copy you will still be able to interact with the
“web-based videos and other materials” by scanning
the relevant QR codes (Quick Response bar codes)
with a cell phone or public access scanner. So look out
for the cartoons, WhyFarm Agriman
comments/comics, videos of yourself, and familiar Book Form
places.
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Remember the idea is to explain and entertain or
what WhyFarm calls Agri-edutainment, it is not to
confuse or complicate. When technical terms are
used an explanation is provided and the word can be
found in the Glossary. More involved explanations will
Mobile Devices be in the text boxes or online links (you can see them
by clicking the link for digital formats or scanning the
QR code in hard copy/paper version). So thanks again
for taking the trip… Let’s go to Chapter 1.
Desktop
Book Form
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Abbreviations & Acronyms
4H Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
C-SAC Climate-Smart Agriculture Compliant
CC Climate Change
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CSA Climate Smart Agriculture
CXC Caribbean Examinations Council
EU European Union
GHG Greenhouse Gases
GW Global Warming
QR Quick Response
SAEP Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Enterprise Programme
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SIDS Small Island Developing States
TED Technology Entertainment Design
UN United Nations
WHYFARM We Help Youth Farm
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Chapter 1
Introduction
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CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE | MANUAL FOR 4-HERS IN GRENADA
Brief History of 4H
The 4H Movement was originally developed in the United States just over a hundred years ago
“to help young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their
communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy”. Before you start thinking
what does such an old American idea have to do with me, let us check to see if the message is
still valid today. Even before TED Talks that you are familiar with, it was known that there are
ideas worth spreading. The idea that young people like you could change the world is still very
relevant. You are the future is not just “old talk” when it comes to agriculture and how we in
these very small countries are going to feed ourselves.
Indeed, the idea of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4H, and they are the
four values members work on through fun and engaging programs. You are using your Head
… your brain and intellect to solve problems in agriculture; you are driven by your Heart
because you genuinely care about your community, your country and your
classmates/students. Your Hands, because you are not just a thinker and feeler… you are a
doer… you show your dexterity and ability to do thinks in the real world. Lastly, and most
importantly you cherish Health… not just your health but the health of your family, community
and country.
It really does not

matter where it
started, what is
important is that it is
an idea, an approach
and a way of
spreading the tools
to help “young
people and their
families gain the
skills needed to be
proactive forces in
4H CLUB GRENADA
their communities
and develop ideas for a more innovative economy.” Does that last sentence ring a bell,
remind you how relevant 4H is today to you?
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As a 4Her you are a young farmer … you are not in this by yourself... there is always AGRIMAN!
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Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases

This business about Global Warming and Greenhouse gases is always on the news. The
easiest way to understand it, is to think of a car (without heavily tinted windows) closed up
and parked exposed to sunshine at midday. If you went to sit in that car you would
immediately know that it felt even hotter inside the car than it did outside. It felt hotter
inside because we know when sunlight or the sun’s rays passes through the car glass, the
heat gets trapped inside; because the rays enter in one form but are reflected or bounce off
the inside of the car in another form that does not go out of the car in the same way. You
could say that the heat enters as one kind of wave but goes back out at a different wave
length. You know how waves of (water) come up to the beach and the backwash looks
different… the waves don’t seem to have the same length. Heat waves also move at different
wave lengths.
Your relatives in Europe and America understand how to trap heat by building structures in
their yard or back porch made of glass or transparent material, for sunlight to pass through.
You must have seen pictures of people posing with their Hibiscus plants blooming in winter.
Showing off that they can grow flowers just like they did in Grenada using their Greenhouse.
A greenhouse is a building made of transparent material used to grow plants that need heat.
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BOX 1 - GLOBAL WARMING
Earth’s atmosphere works something like a giant glass greenhouse. As the sun’s rays enter our
atmosphere, most continue right down to the planet’s surface. As they hit the soil and surface waters,
those rays release much of their energy as heat. Some of the heat then radiates back out into space.
However, certain gases in our atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor, work like
a blanket to retain much of that heat. This helps to warm our atmosphere. The gases do this by
absorbing the heat and radiating it back to Earth’s surface. These gases are nicknamed “greenhouse
gases” because of this heat-trapping effect. Without the “greenhouse effect,” Earth would be too cold
to support most forms of life.But there can be too much of a good thing. Carbon dioxide is released
when we use fossil fuels. These include coal, oil and natural gas. We burn these fuels, made from the
decayed remains of plants and animals, to run electricity-generating plants that power factories,
homes and schools. Products of these fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, power most of the
engines that drive cars, airplanes and ships. Scientists have been examining air bubbles in ice cores
taken from glaciers. From gases in those bubbles, scientists can calculate what levels of carbon dioxide,
or CO2, have been in our atmosphere throughout the last 650,000 years. And CO2 levels have been
climbing to where today they are 30 percent greater than 650,000 years ago. That rise in CO2 “is
essentially entirely due to the burning of fuels,” Susan Solomon says. She’s a senior scientist with the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in Boulder, Colorado. There, she studies factors that
affect climate. Humans have further increased the levels of greenhouse gases in the air by changing the
landscape. Plants take up carbon dioxide to make food in a process called photosynthesis. Once cut
down, they can no longer take in CO2. That’s led this gas to begin building up in the air instead of fueling
the growth of plants. So by cutting down trees and forests for farmland and other human uses, more
CO2 is also added into the air.“We’ve always had some greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” Solomon
says. “But because we’ve burned a lot of fossil fuels and deforested parts of the planet, we’ve
increased the amount of greenhouse gases, and as a result have changed the temperature of the
planet.”
So to get back to the news story, Scientists have shown that the entire planet, the globe,
earth upon which we live is warming up. They refer to this as Global Warming and they have
shown that there is something acting like the transparent material in a greenhouse that is
responsible for trapping the sun’s heat and warming up the whole world. In other words
there is something out there that is having the same effect as a greenhouse. This greenhouse
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effect is caused by certain invisible gases in the atmosphere. These Greenhouse gases (they
include Carbon Dioxide, Methane and other less common gases you will hear about later) are
responsible for Global Warming. Just like that we know what everybody is talking about
when they say “Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases”
Climate Change and Agriculture

To understand Climate Change, you must Now that we know what Climate is all about,
know what climate is all about and if it is what are these changes and what is causing
really changing. The very first step is to them? Since climate has to do with
separate weather from climate. In everyday patterns or cycles of temperature and
life you most often talk about the weather precipitation are the cycles staying the
….is it raining, is it hot or cloudy outside. In the same or changing. The whole world agrees
Tropics, like here in Grenada, we talk about that the cycles of temperature and
temperature (Heat) and rainfall precipitation are changing, with the vast
(precipitation). Precipitation is about various majority believing that the cycles are
forms of water that evaporated in to vapour changing due to Global Warming (that you
in the clouds falling to earth. We experience mastered a few pages ago) caused by the
drizzle and rain but not sleet, snow or hail. release of Greenhouse Gases …..see why
So weather is the state of conditions you learned about that earlier. So these
(atmospheric) at a particular time and place. changes in the climate are caused by the
That is why when people ask you “what is the earth heating up due to greenhouse gases,
weather like” they mean what is happening which humans (you and people all over the
here at this time. Climate, on the other world) have sent (released) in to the
hand, is about the patterns or cycles of atmosphere. Not so fast, is that the only
weather in a particular region over a long way climate can change?
time, like more than 30 years. The official
textbook definition of Climate (which you It can be shown that there are three main
already know) is a measure of the average ways that the climate can change.There are
pattern of variation of meteorological changes that take place naturally every
variables (rainfall and temperature) over a thousand years or so. There are changes
period of time for a particular region” caused by massive volcanic eruptions that
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can block out sunlight over large areas and regions thereby affecting temperature and
precipitation. Another way the climate can change is through the increasing production of
greenhouse gases due to human activity.
This manual is written to help you deal with Climate Change caused by human activity such as
the burning of fossil fuels like oil/gas, and the release of methane from landfills. Climate
Change caused by the activities of humans goes by the big name “Anthropogenic Climate
Change” but you know what that is. All the fuss about Climate Change worldwide is based
on this understanding that we humans have caused the changes by burning fuels with carbon
that released more carbon dioxide gas into the air …remember you learnt that carbon dioxide
is a greenhouse gas.
We keep talking about Climate Change, how can we tell the climate is changing? Scientists
are able to measure the increases in temperature over the last 100 years and compare it
with temperature changes over thousands of years. The temperature increases we are
seeing now have been caused by greenhouse gases that humans continue to release into the
air.
Let us see what all the fuss is about, how can you explain what has been happening? The
temperatures are going up (Global Warming). It is not only the land that is heating up,
oceans and seas are getting warmer too. Remember there is sea ice on the surface of seas
and snow on mountain tops that are going to be melting as the planet gets hotter. This globe
we live on has two areas at the top and bottom called the poles……the North Pole and the
South Pole. These areas are covered with ice and are called the polar ice caps
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With temperatures increasing globally these

ice caps have been melting as you would
expect. If all that ice is melting that extra
water is going in to the seas and causing sea
levels to rise.
You can look at the video and see/hear stories

about the increasing sea levels in Telescope
and other parts of Grenada. A warmer globe
means increasing evaporation and cloud
formation. With increasing precipitation
there is greater risk of extreme events such
as hurricanes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLGKUR6lvo
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Imagine all of those changes taking place.

Hotter days and nights, sea levels rising and
salt water mixing with underground fresh
water, different rain patterns and more frequent hurricanes. Do you think it will be easier
or more difficult to grow crops and raise livestock? In other words do you see a link or
connection between Agriculture and Climate Change
What is CSA: Why do we

BOX 2 - CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach
need it now?
that helps guide actions to transform agri-food This manual you are reading is dedicated
systems towards green and climate resilient to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA),
practices. CSA supports reaching internationally why is everyone so interested in this
agreed goals such as the SDGs and the Paris thing? People seem to be running after
Agreement. It aims to tackle three main CSA all “hot and sweaty,” maybe all that
objectives: sustainably increasing agricultural talk about global warming is affecting
productivity and incomes; adapting and building them. Do you remember the last
resilience to climate change; and reducing and/or question in the previous section about
removing greenhouse gas emissions, where climate change and agriculture? It was
possible. “Do you think it will be easier or more
difficult to grow crops and raise
livestock?” Well everyone believes that it is going to be more difficult especially for
countries like Grenada and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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They have seen how climate change means the following for agriculture:
It is harder to predict or tell ahead of time when rain will fall to water plants, so
sometimes your plants get too much or too little water.
 Plants and animals can be heat stressed. Just as you are uncomfortable when “the
place is too hot” heat can make plants and animals struggle.
 Climate change means Grenada will be hotter and drier with less water for agriculture
 The hotter land and seas have changed the direction and speed of winds bringing more
pests and diseases to new places
Worldwide, people are realizing that the ways we raise animals and grow crops must change
if we want to avoid all those things that can go wrong as the climate changes. Many years
ago, in 2010, the World’s biggest organization that gives advice on agriculture said “for
agriculture to survive it must be climate- smart.” Since that time many countries and
organizations have said they will introduce and promote Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
This CSA would help small countries like Grenada raise animals and grow crops in a way that
reduces the “problems” that can be caused by Climate Change.
So that is where all this talk about CSA started. Unfortunately, there were people who said
they understood what CSA is all about and how to do it, as if it was “one or two practices and
tools” that you can buy and take to the farm. CSA is not about “one or two practices and
tools” it is what the people who created it call an “Approach.” What that means in English can
be explained using two examples. An Approach is when you take many things in to
consideration. When you hear someone talking about Oral Hygiene that is an Approach to
taking care of your mouth, gum and teeth because you are taking many things in to
consideration. Oral Hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth if you see the big picture,
Oral Hygiene will involve many practices; brushing your teeth with the right toothbrush and
toothpaste, flossing, cleaning your tongue, gargling with mouthwash, eating less candy, visits
to the Dentist etc. So if someone gives you a toothbrush and instructions to brush your teeth
3 times a day; that tool and practice will not lead to Oral Hygiene. As an Approach, Oral
Hygiene takes many things into consideration, it is not about a couple tools and practices.
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For the older reader, Safe Driving is an “Approach” to safety that is more than a couple tools
and practices. Just because you changed your brake pads, or bought new tyres does not
make you a Safe Driver. You have to do a range of practices like staying within the speed
limit, indicating before turning etc. to be a Safe Driver. An Approach involves taking many
things in to consideration.
Coming back to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) many of the persons claiming to be experts
were not treating it as an approach. They were selling a couple tools and practices like
“water harvesting” because we know that water will be needed for agriculture as the climate
changes. It is because you want to know more about the Approach to Climate-Smart
Agriculture that you are reading this manual and watching the comics, cartoons and videos.
If this Climate Change thing is going to make growing plants and raising livestock more
difficult you can understand why it is so important to learn as much as you can about
Climate-Smart Agriculture.
See why we need CSA now!
How can I be a Champion?

You are probably asking yourself, "I am just a student, how they expect me to be a
Champion, and on top of that a Champion of what?" The fact that you joined 4H and
decided to use your Head, Hands, Heart and Health tells the world that you are a Leader.
You have seen in the previous sections how adults have messed up the planet. Whether you
are ready or not you have to help fix it. In this fight to save the planet, just by learning what
you learnt so far makes you part of the solution to the problems.
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A Champion is someone who believes that “one, one cocoa full basket,” that every drop of
water can help fill a bucket, that everything they do will make a difference in the future. Do
you remember what was said earlier in this manual?
Just by learning as much as you can about Climate-Smart Agriculture you are championing
the cause, and helping agriculture in Grenada survive climate change.
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Agriman is all set to help you
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The idea that young people like you could change the world is still very relevant. You are the future is not just
“old talk” when it comes to agriculture and how we in these very small countries are going to feed ourselves
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Chapter 2
CSA is about Thinking, Planning and Doing
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Thinking about the six ways we know Climate has changed

The first H of the 4H movement represents your Head for a very good reason. You think
before you act. Although you are still in school, you do not want to just do things because
everyone else is doing it. So as popular and trending as CSA might be, you want to
understand why you should read a whole manual about that!
Since we learnt that the changes in Climate are forcing us to practice CSA, you need to
consider or think about what those changes are.
1. Temperature: Due to global warming the land and air are hotter
2. Ocean Heat Content: The oceans and seas are getting hotter
3. Sea Ice and Snow cover: Ice at the poles, and snow from mountain tops are melting
4. Sea Levels: Melting of ice and snow on mountains has led to greater flows of water to
the seas and has led to sea level rise
5. Precipitation: Global warming has changed how and where water evaporates and
condenses to produce rain

6. Extreme Events: Global warming has increased the speed and circulation of warm air
over land and sea leading to more frequent and severe hurricanes
Do you see how all those changes are linked? First you have global warming so the heat is on.
The seas are warmer too. Ice and snow melts. All that water adds to the sea and levels rise.
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Warmer water evaporates and condenses as rain. Warmer air, land and water changes
wind speed directions and strength of hurricanes.
It all comes down to Global Warming and the amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) we
put in the atmosphere. In Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique most of the GHG
comes from burning fossil fuels, methane released from landfills and the burning of
trees/bush.
Planning ways to reduce the problems (Climate Impacts)

In the last section we had to think long and hard about Climate Change. Now that you are
sure “the struggle is real” it is time to plan ways to reduce the problem. Climate Change is a
problem for agriculture because it makes it more difficult to rear animals and grow crops.
When we say that climate change is making agriculture more difficult we are really talking
about the climate change “impacts.” A climate change impact is anything that makes it
more difficult to grow crops or raise animals. Examples of climate change impacts include
 High temperature: many plants and

animals are unable to deal with the heat
 Drought: without water most plants will

dry up and animals will die
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 Floods: plants and animals will be washed

away, covered with germs, or drowned
 Hurricanes: plants and animals will be killed

and buildings damage
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 Changing wind patterns: increased

pest and disease problem
 Salt water: sea level rise means more

salt water is mixing with underground
fresh water; salt water will “burn” most
plants and make livestock sick.
BOX 3 - CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

Climate Change Impacts are the consequences of climate change – both expected and realized – for
natural and human systems. The impacts of climate change on different sectors of society are
interrelated. Drought can harm food production and human health. Flooding can lead to disease spread
and damages to ecosystems and infrastructure. Human health issues can increase mortality, impact food
availability, and limit worker productivity. Climate change impacts are seen throughout every aspect of
the world we live in. However, climate change impacts are uneven across the country and the world —
even within a single community, climate change impacts can differ between neighborhoods or individuals.
Long-standing social and economic inequities can make underserved groups, who often have the highest
exposure to hazards and the fewest resources to respond, more vulnerable.
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To reduce climate change impacts you have to use smart techniques, practices and
equipment. All of these practices, techniques and equipment are part of climate-smart
agriculture. Remember the oral hygiene approach example about taking many things into
consideration and not depending on one or two practices and tools. So CSA has to take
many things into consideration. In oral hygiene you are doing things to get rid of germs in
your mouth and also things to prevent germs from getting in.
With CSA you are doing things to change your agriculture to protect it from impacts and you
also want to do things to reduce climate change. The technical terms are adaptation and
mitigation
Adaptation: things you do to change your agriculture to protect it from climate change
impacts
Mitigation: things you do to reduce climate change
The CSA that you are learning about involves adaptation and mitigation. In other words, CSA
includes changes to the way you plant crops and raise animals to protect them from high
temperatures, drought, flood, salt water etc.
CSA also includes changes to the way you plant crops and raise animals that reduce climate
change through a reduction in the amount of Greenhouse gases released in to the air.
Remember it is the GHG that causes global warming, which is responsible for climate
change.
The ways to reduce climate change impacts on agriculture involve changing the way farming
is done whilst attempting to reduce or slow climate change. CSA works on impacts and on
GHG.
By learning about CSA you are planning to reduce the problems of climate change impacts
What can we do?

As a 4Her, you are accustomed to using your Head, Heart, Hands and Health. Now that you
have used your head to think and plan, put your heart in to it, you are now ready to use your
hands to ensure you and your country are healthy. This is what 4H is all about.
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We can:
Ensure that the CSA we learn about and practice includes adaptation and mitigation
 Help others learn about climate change, global warming and Greenhouse gases
 Avoid thinking that CSA is only about one or two practices and tools
 Learn as much as possible about CSA
As a 4Her you are interested in a CSA that “takes many things in to consideration.” You can
be proud that you are learning about an approach to CSA that has been endorsed by the
Ministry of Agriculture and earned a global Trademark registered in Grenada.
The following 5 chapters will provide information on Climate-smart practices, techniques

and tools that include mitigation and adaptation. CSA in this manual includes measures for
adaptation and mitigation that look at
Resource use: (resources are things like land, water, feed/nutrients and labour)
 Energy use:
 Safety:
 Support for all living things: (the technical term is Biodiversity support)
 Greenhouse Gas reduction:
We can continue to protect agriculture
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A MYSTERIOUS INFECTION HAS BEEN SPREADING

ACROSS TOWN. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GETTING SICK.
AGRIMAN MUST MOVE QUICK!
THEY MEET A WOMAN MAKING NATURAL MEDICINE
IN HER NURSERY. HER NAME IS
PHOTOSYNTHESISTA . TURNS OUT SHE STUDIES
TRESS LIKE BARKS, OWERS AND LEAVES TO MAKE
HERBAL REMEDIES.
THEY JOIN FORCES DISTRIBUTING PLANT-
YOUR-PLATE STARTER KIT .
TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO GROW THEIR OWN
FOOD IS A BIG HIT!
BUT BY THE NEXT DAY, IT APPEARS THEIR EFFORTS
WERE ALL IN VAIN.
EVERYTHING IS INFECTED ONCE AGAIN!
INTRUDER! INTRUDER!
THERE IS A PEST SPOTTED ON THE NIGHTVISION
MONITORS. WHO IS THIS THUG? HE LOOKS LIKE A
MUTATED MEALY BUG! HE MOVES FROM PLOT TO
PLOT AND THEN DISAPPERS OUT OF SIGHT. IS HE
DOING SOMETHING TO THE PLANTS IN THE MIDDLE
OF THE NIGHT?
28
Chapter 3
Management of Land, Water, Labour & Feed
29
Climate-Smart Agriculture will always involve techniques, tools and operations that help us
manage the things we need to raise animals and grow crops. These resources like land,
water, feed for animals or material we need to feed plants, and labour are all managed in
CSA.
Land: In CSA you want to protect all

the land you have either by using it for
production, or keeping it covered with
plants or trees to prevent it from being
washed away. Keeping plants on it is a
way to have plant food available when
you cut the grass or chop up the bigger
plants. (You will learn about compost
and green manure later in the manual)
Water: You have already learnt that

water is going to be scarce as climate
change continues so ALL CSA
operations must involve water
management. Not irrigation alone, or
drainage alone, or water storage alone,
or water harvesting alone. You want to
use the best method to provide your
plants and animals with water
Labour: As a 4Her you are prepared to

use your head, heart, hands and health
to do the work of raising animals and
growing crops in the best way possible.
CSA is about working with the right
tools such as solar powered water
pumps and weed whackers in the most
efficient arrangement of plots,
buildings pens etc.
30
Feed/nutrients: Remember CSA is

about adaptation and mitigation so you
want to feed your animals and your
plants with as little material as possible
that has been made by any process
that used fossil fuels. So you want to
use less manufactured feed for your
animals or chemical fertilizers for your
plants. These manufactured
feeds/fertilizers release GHG when
they are made in factories. Instead
you want to use more natural materials
like grass and bagasse to feed animals
and compost, manures and good protected topsoil to feed your plants.
BOX 4 - AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Agricultural resources means the land and on-farm buildings, equipment, manure processing and
handling facilities, the water, feed, fertilizers, and processing and handling facilities which contribute to
the production, preparation and marketing of crops, livestock or livestock products as a commercial
enterprise,
31
Chapter 4
How to Use Energy
32
When people talk about energy what they mean is the “ability to do work” So if you want
your machine or your computer to work, you must give it energy in the form of electricity by
plugging it in or using energy stored in a battery. Fossil fuels like oil, gas and diesel are used
in many ways during crop production and to raise animals. You already know when fossil
fuels are used they produce carbon dioxide, which is a GHG. Because fossil fuels are used in
so many ways, smart 4Hers always check the following
Power: Where is the energy coming

from to drive and move equipment and
tools? In CSA you try to use renewable
energy like solar and wind. When
equipment runs on electricity, you want
to use electricity generated from
solar panels or wind turbines, not
from fossil fuels.
The picture at left is of weed-cutting

equipment using batteries recharged
by solar power.
Lighting: The energy for all lights on the

farm should be from renewables and not
from fossil fuel based electricity
33
Manufactured materials: All the feed,

nutrients, veterinary products and
general supplies used on the farm come
from factories that use fossil fuels, As
4Hers practicing CSA you want to use as
few items from factories as possible,
that is why you use natural feeds and
grasses or manures/compost and as
many locally produced materials as
possible.
Transportation: The movement of

goods and people is a major part of CSA.
The use of renewables is preferred to
fossil fuels. If fossil fuels have to be used,
there should be systems in place to
reduce waste. Farmers are already
using electric vehicles on their farms like
the one pictured here on the right.
BOX 5 - RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable Energy is often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that
are constantly replenished. For example, sunlight and wind keep shining and blowing, even if their
availability depends on time and weather
34
Chapter 5
Safety
35
One of the reasons to study CSA is to be able to protect agriculture from the Impacts
(remember that word?) of climate Change. You young 4Hers know that agriculture is vital
for your country’s survival. You are protecting agriculture so that people can benefit. All
that you do in CSA should be designed to help people and to do so safely. An important H in 4H
is Health and that is why we make certain all the practices and tools are safe.
Production operations: All activities in the field should be safe. There should be Safety
drills. Equipment should meet industry safety standards with respect to use, operating
environment etc.
Harvesting: Safe handling of the picked/cut or dug up product to reduce harm to workers.
Product harvested at the right stage of maturity so it is safe to eat. The picture below
shows the use of a handheld mechanical picking rod for the safe handling of fruit and the
personal safety of the picker
36
Storage: Unsafe storage of inputs and produce can lead to many health problems. Failure to
have rat-proof storage areas can expose workers and consumers to leptospirosis and other
health problems spread by vermin
Utilization: How safe is the product to use, is it contaminated, was the manure or compost
completely cured. Does the product require refrigeration. The St George’s Meat Market
was reopened in August 2022 to provide the public with safe meats.
37
Chapter 6
Working with all Living Things
38
Climate Change has forced us to look at the entire landscape when planning for CSA. All
living things on the farm must be held in balance including the very useful earthworms,
ladybird beetles and bees. The less useful caterpillars, mole crickets and weeds also have a
purpose. Remember CSA is about thinking, planning and doing. A good 4Her will think of the
entire mix of living things on the farm and try to use them in the ways that will help people
most.
Increased risk from flood and droughts, and greater exposure to fires will all pose additional
threats to the living things involved in agricultural production.
Land Clearing: Ensure that the land is zoned for agriculture, try to remove as little topsoil as
possible, do not totally clear steep slopes.
Off-site agri-chemical impact: Any chemicals used in CSA must be carefully managed to
ensure it does not harm other living things in the environment. Once chemicals are being
used, it is very important to ensure they do not wash down (that is what is meant by leaching)
in to rivers or waterways and eventually the sea. These chemicals may be poisonous to fish,
coral and other marine life.
39
Limit the introduction of invasive species: Ensure that any imported seed or plant
material is free from contaminants and pests. All imported animals should be kept in
quarantine for the appropriate time.
Ecosystem services impact: In the midst of doing CSA you should not reduce the amount of
food producing trees or medicinal plants. You must find out if the land was important as part
of the water cycle where water is filtered through the earth to be part of underground
stored water. Is the land part of a recreational park or green space?
40
Chapter 7
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
41
Greenhouse Gases are at the centre of the Global Warming and Climate Change issues. It is
impossible to talk about CSA and not deal with the materials at the centre of all the impacts
this approach to agriculture is meant to solve. We know that those gases come from the
burning of fossil fuels to provide the energy to make things work. They come from the
burning of trees etc and from the breakdown of waste/garbage at landfills. Part of the
solution to reducing GHG is to limit the burning of fossil fuels, manage waste/garbage and
reduce burning of trees. Also some of these gases in the air need to be removed.
Cattle passing gas: If your farming includes the raising of cattle there are ways to feed
them that reduces the amount of greenhouse gas they pass. Yes that is true, cattle belch
methane one of the greenhouse gases…they also expel it through their other end.
Soil Management: Soils give off Oxides of Nitrogen through biological and non-biological
activities, and the rate at which these gases are given off are due to the of fertilizer used or
type of land preparation. Agricultural lands and grasslands are the most significant
emission sources for the purposes of this Manual. The quantity of Nitrous Oxide emitted
from agricultural land is dependant on fertilizer application and the way it is broken down in
the soil
42
Fossil Fuel Use: This entire manual has pointed to the need to reduce fossil fuel use. Every
CSA programme or effort should find ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels and promote the
use of renewables such as solar and wind. If machines like the one at right are used then fuels
from plants (bio fuels) should be used instead of fossil fuels.
Manure/waste Management: You have already learnt about the use of manures and
compost in CSA. Manure and waste if not handled and treated properly can give off
significant amounts of GHG. Smart 4Hers will look for ways to lessen the GHG by storing
and handling manure/waste to reduce GHG and utilize some of the waste to produce biogas.
43
Chapter 8
Here are 4Hers enjoying and practising CSA
44
You have just read a lot of the background material that looks at the reasons why CSA is the
best way to limit Climate Change Impacts. We learnt that CSA is not about “one or two
practices and a tool”. CSA is meant to consider a wide range of practices and tools.
Climate-Smart Agriculture in this manual includes measures for adaptation and mitigation
that look at
 Resource use (resources are things like land, water, feed/nutrients and
labour)
 Energy use:
 Safety:
 Support for all living things: (the technical term is Biodiversity support)
 Greenhouse Gas reduction:
This manual set out the twenty main things you need to consider when putting together a
Climate-Smart Agriculture project, programme or farm.
4Hers in Grenada enjoying Climate-Smart Agriculture
Global Warming to Climate Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG-xXDUf9D8
Children in Carriacou and Petite Martinique help provide explanations about Global warming
and how it is linked to Climate Change
45
Climate Change and Agriculture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS9WtlUf7Ow
4Hers and Teachers listen to the links

between Climate Change and
agriculture.
Wind patterns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anMgRQe6ZJE
Find out what these students know

about wind patterns and Climate Change
Mulching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNKPXdhRKRQ
What is mulch and what is so

“climate-smart” about it?
46
Direct seeding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub6fx0QtM1Q
These students from St. David know

about direct seeding of carrots
Chicken and manure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MYP8qgykI4
Connections between raising chickens

and providing plant food without
the use of fossil fuels and manufacturing
Terracing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppNmleCW-bY
The climate-smart way to plant crops on

slopes, to reduce the speed of “water
runoff”
47
Pen manure and rat apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_xLCXLM3c
What people think is compost is really a

“rat apartment” …if they just add meat
and kitchen scraps in a heap in the
backyard.
Goat housing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF8wXGLS0dA
Some great tips on what proper goat

housing should look like.
Sheep Housing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy2FUsEIB2c
Sheep should be housed and fed like this

… so says the experts in Carriacou.
48
Aquaponics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN6qa1QcAZc
Aquaponics is all about set-ups where fish are grown in containers and the water in which
the fish have done their “numbers” is used to feed plants. The plants may have their roots
just resting in the flowing water or the roots may be in sand or some other material.
Dutch bucket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0CmueZ_mcg
What is a Dutch Bucket …..and what does it have to do with aquaponics?
49
Sea level rise and pore space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLGKUR6lvo
Why are they talking about sea level rise and this thing called “pore space”?
Whilst 4Hers were enjoying what they were doing, The AGRIBOT story was taking place.
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Chapter 9
2050 and Beyond
61
Wow, you have made it all the way to Chapter 9, Congratulations! Why should you be even
thinking about 2050 and beyond? Over 195 countries in the world have set 2050 as a target
year to do some serious things about the Climate Crisis. This manual was written in 2022...
28 years before that grand time when all those countries would have done their best to
reduce emissions (those Greenhouse Gases mentioned in earlier chapters) to something
called “Net Zero” In other words by 2050 most countries will be sending in to the air the
same amount of emissions that they are taking out… what that means in English is that there
is no increase in greenhouse gases in the air. When you subtract the amount of gases
removed from the air from the amount of gases sent in to the air your answer is ZERO. That
is what “net zero” means.
BOX 6 - THE EU AIMS TO BE CLIMATE-NEUTRAL B Y 2050

The European Union (EU) aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas.
This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global
climate action under the Paris Agreement. Net zero emission means that all man-made greenhouse gas
emissions must be removed from the atmosphere through reduction measures, thus reducing the Earth’s
net climate balance, after removal via natural and artificial sinks
2050 is mentioned in your manual because you will be in charge of Grenada or your home
country by that time. When you practice the type of Climate-Smart Agriculture you learnt in
this manual, you will be doing your part to ensure your country will be net zero in Agriculture
and Food Production.
As you grow older and become more involved in agriculture you will be most likely involved in
current trends. Permaculture, which is the laying out of farms as if copying natural systems
such as forests, will become a feature of nutmeg and cocoa estates. The amount of soil
exposed is going to be reduced as water management becomes more difficult in the late
2020s. Movements like “Save Soil” that already have millions of supporters worldwide will
become even more important.
62
BOX 6 - SAVE SOIL

Save Soil is a Global Movement to develop a conscious approach to soil and planet in all. One of the main
objectives of the movement is to show governments across the world that their citizens want policies
that revitalize ecology and soil.
Isha Outreach will partner with the Save Soil movement to facilitate its execution in India. Already,
thousands of eminent figures, including scientists, celebrities, policy experts, and even heads of states
are coming together with this common goal to restore soil health and rekindle our bond with Mother
Earth
In the Caribbean, “Save Soil” is being promoted by “famous” persons and celebrities like
Soca Star Machel Montano who is a registered farmer in Trinidad.
Apart from the 25% by 2025 initiative see text box.
BOX 7 - 25% BY 2025 INITIATIVE

Heads of Government of CARICOM have committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by
25% by 2025. The implementation of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy in the Member States,
is expected to help achieve this target, by giving special attention to priority crops and products such as
poultry, corn, soya, meat (Goat, Sheep, Beef), rice and niche vegetables which are highly imported
products in the region.
there are ongoing programmes such as “Soil Care” and the national declaration of the
Trademarked Climate-Smart Agriculture Compliant (C-SAC) tool and quality standard. The
Comprehensive approach to Climate-Smart Agriculture explained in this manual is based on
the C-SAC training tool and mobile App.
You have to remember that there is a reason why you are learning about CSA... you want to
be able to help your country’s agriculture get to net zero. CSA is about an approach,
remember that! As you grow and grow within this field of agriculture you are the FUTURE...
That is no joke… It is not just old talk. When you started this journey you were promised… fun
… the manual ends as it started
63
Thank you for agreeing to read this manual, to find out a little more about Climate Change,
Agriculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Nutrition Security, and what you can do whether you
are a Primary or Secondary School Student, a Teacher, or a concerned Individual. We are
going to take a fun- filled trip across all of those fancy sounding topics. If you are in primary
school this manual is for you, there are things that will be fun to learn, fun to do, and fun to
share with others. If you are in Secondary School there is no way that you have outgrown the
fun that comes from learning and doing.
64
Glossary
Word Meaning
Adaptation A change or the process of change by which an organism or species

becomes better suited to its environment.
Agrichemical A chemical used in agriculture, such as a pesticide or a fertilizer.
Bagasse It is the fibrous substance that is left behind after the juice of the
sugarcane plant is harvested
Biogas A mixture of gases, primarily consisting of methane, carbon dioxide
and hydrogen sulphide, produced from raw materials such as
agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage,
green waste and food waste
Climate The long-term weather pattern in an area, typically averaged over
30 years.
Compost Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer.
Contaminant A polluting or poisonous substance that makes something impure.
Dexterity Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands
Ecosystem A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical

environment
Fossil The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism
Greenhouse A glass building in which plants are grown that need protection from
cold weather
Landfill A place to dispose of refuse and other waste material by burying it
and covering it over with soil
Leptospirosis An infectious bacterial disease that occurs in rodents, dogs, and

other mammals and can be transmitted to humans.
Manure Animal dung used for fertilizing land
65
Mitigation Avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere to prevent the planet from further warming
Mulch Material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or wood chips) spread around a
plant to protect the soil.
Oxide A chemical compound of oxygen with another element or group of
elements.
Permaculture An approach to land management and settlement design that adopts
arrangements of plants and animals as observed in natural systems
Permaculture An approach to land management and settlement design that adopts
arrangements of plants and animals as observed in natural systems
Precipitation Any product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapor that falls
from clouds.
Renewable A source of energy that does not decrease with use, such as water, wind,
or solar power
Standards Indicators of the level of quality
Terracing A piece of sloped land that has been cut into a series of flat surfaces or
platforms, which resemble steps
Tropics The regions of Earth surrounding the Equator.
Turbine A machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor,
typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of
water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid.
Vermin Wild animals that are believed to be harmful to crops, farm animals, or
game, or that carry disease, e.g., rodents.
Weather The state of the atmosphere at a place and time as regards heat,
dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
66
CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
MANUAL FOR 4-HERS IN
GRENADA

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CLIMATE-SMART

CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE AND RURAL ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME

4-H CLUB GRENADA

Graphic layout and design: Ms. Abeesha Toussaint-Maximay.

“While reading this manual, I felt like a child once more. It

It really does not

Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases

BOX 1 - GLOBAL WARMING

Climate Change and Agriculture

With temperatures increasing globally these

You can look at the video and see/hear stories

Imagine all of those changes taking place.

What is CSA: Why do we

See why we need CSA now!

How can I be a Champion?

Agriman is all set to help you

Thinking about the six ways we know Climate has changed

Planning ways to reduce the problems (Climate Impacts)

 High temperature: many plants and

 Drought: without water most plants will

 Floods: plants and animals will be washed

 Hurricanes: plants and animals will be killed

 Changing wind patterns: increased

 Salt water: sea level rise means more

BOX 3 - CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

Mitigation: things you do to reduce climate change

What can we do?

The following 5 chapters will provide information on Climate-smart practices, techniques

We can continue to protect agriculture

A MYSTERIOUS INFECTION HAS BEEN SPREADING

Land: In CSA you want to protect all

Water: You have already learnt that

Labour: As a 4Her you are prepared to

Feed/nutrients: Remember CSA is

BOX 4 - AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Power: Where is the energy coming

The picture at left is of weed-cutting

Lighting: The energy for all lights on the

Manufactured materials: All the feed,

Transportation: The movement of

BOX 5 - RENEWABLE ENERGY

4Hers in Grenada enjoying Climate-Smart Agriculture

Global Warming to Climate Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG-xXDUf9D8

Climate Change and Agriculture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS9WtlUf7Ow

4Hers and Teachers listen to the links

Find out what these students know

What is mulch and what is so

Direct seeding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub6fx0QtM1Q

These students from St. David know

Chicken and manure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MYP8qgykI4

Connections between raising chickens

The climate-smart way to plant crops on

Pen manure and rat apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_xLCXLM3c

What people think is compost is really a

Some great tips on what proper goat

Sheep Housing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy2FUsEIB2c

Sheep should be housed and fed like this

Dutch bucket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0CmueZ_mcg

What is a Dutch Bucket …..and what does it have to do with aquaponics?

Sea level rise and pore space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLGKUR6lvo

BOX 6 - THE EU AIMS TO BE CLIMATE-NEUTRAL B Y 2050

BOX 6 - SAVE SOIL

Apart from the 25% by 2025 initiative see text box.