CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

CARIBBEAN ADVANCED PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

CARIBBEAN STUDIES
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Research Project: “The Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Production within

Louis Dor/Delaford, Tobago.”

Name of Candidate: Brandan George, Kelson Kirk, Reanna Ollivierre, Shenicia Sergeant

Candidate Number: 1605510146, 1605510227, 1605510286, 1605510324

Name of School: Speyside Secondary School

Centre/Territory: Trinidad and Tobago

Centre Number: 160551

Name of Teacher: Ms. Kadisha Kent De-Freitas

Year of Examination: 2023

Date Due: 18th April, 2023

 Acknowledgement

It is with a good sense of profound gratefulness and humbleness the researchers take this

opportunity in acknowledgment of the many benefactors who have helped with the completion

of this Internal Assessment. The researchers are truly grateful to express haughty gratitude to

everyone including the almighty god, parents, teachers, the librarian, community members of

Louis Dor’/Delaford, the agricultural officer and the agriculture researcher who assisted in

getting this Internal Assessment completed. Their contribution of guidance and constructive

criticism is well appreciated for the completion of this project.

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 Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Purpose of Research........................................................................................................................4
Statement of Problem......................................................................................................................4
Research questions...........................................................................................................................4
Value of Research............................................................................................................................5
Definition of Key Terms..................................................................................................................5
Literature Review............................................................................................................................6
Data Source Collection....................................................................................................................8
Presentation of Data.......................................................................................................................11
 Questionnaire Responses...............................................................................................11

 Interview with an Agricultural Researcher....................................................................24

 Interview with an Agricultural Officer/Agriculturists...................................................39

Analysis of Data............................................................................................................................43
Discussion of Findings..................................................................................................................46
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................48
Limitations.....................................................................................................................................49
Recommendation...........................................................................................................................50
 Climate Change Tips......................................................................................................50

 Sustainable Agriculture Practices..................................................................................52

Appendix........................................................................................................................................54
 Questionnaire Questions................................................................................................55

 Structured Interview Questions......................................................................................60

Bibliography..................................................................................................................................61

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 Introduction

One of the central goals of every developing country is to reach high-income status.

Agriculture plays a critical role in transforming economies to reach the goal, along with

achieving other essential development goals like ensuring food security and improving nutrition.

The crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the territories around the world contribute more

billions to the economy each year. When food-service and other agriculture-related industries are

included, the agricultural and food sectors contribute nearly trillions of dollars to the gross

domestic product.

Agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on the climate. Increases in temperature

and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase some crop yields in some places. But to realize these

benefits, nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions must also be met.

Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers

and ranchers and threaten food safety.  Meanwhile, warmer water temperatures are likely to

cause the habitat ranges of many fish and shellfish species to shift, which could

disrupt ecosystems. Overall, climate change could make it more difficult to grow crops, raise

animals, and catch fish in the same ways and same places as we have done in the past. The

effects of climate change also need to be considered along with other evolving factors that affect

agricultural production, such as changes in farming practices and technology.

Background information

Purpose of study and the importance

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 Purpose of Research

An Investigation into the effects of climate change on agricultural production within the village

of Louis D’or/ Delaford in Tobago.

Statement of Problem

It has been observed that is recent years there is less local agricultural produce being offered for

sale to the public in Louis D’or/ Delaford which is negatively affecting the regions food security.

This can pose a problem which is of great significance not only regionally but nationally.

Research questions

1. What is agricultural production?

2. Is agriculture a viable economic avenue for sustainability and growth for the local

farmers?

3. What is climate change?

4. How prevalent is climate change within the village of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

5. How has climate change affected the agricultural production of farmers within the village

of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

6. What methods can be used to mitigate the effect of climate change on agricultural

production within the village of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

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 Value of Research

Information gathered form this research can be used to spread awareness to appropriate

government sectors such as the Ministry of Agriculture, land and fisheries as well as the Ministry

of Planning and Development.

Definition of Key Terms

 Agriculture- the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the

growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.

 Agriculture production- includes these activities (when they result in a product that will

be sold at retail)

 Climate change- refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These

shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle.

 Natural disaster- a natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or hurricane that causes

great damage or loss of life.

 Effect- a change that results when something is done or happens: an event, condition, or

state of affairs that is produced by a cause.

 Mitigated- the practice of reducing the impact of potential risks by developing a plan to

manage, eliminate, or limit setbacks as much as possible.

 Yield- a standard measurement of the amount of agricultural production harvested, yield

of a crop, per unit of land area.

 Sustainable- the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

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 Literature Review

According to the text Sociology for Caribbean Students written by Nasser Mustapha

(2018), climate change is a pressing issue that has the potential to significantly impact

agricultural production, particularly in the Caribbean region. The Caribbean is a highly

vulnerable area to the impacts of climate change, with agriculture being one of the sectors most

affected. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the relationship between

climate change and the decline of agricultural production in Louis D’or/ Delaford, Tobago.

One study, published in the journal “Global Environmental Change” in 2016, found that

climate change is having a negative impact on agricultural production in the Caribbean,

particularly with respect to crop yields. The study found that warming temperatures and changes

in precipitation patterns are resulting in decreased yields of staple crops such as rice, beans, and

maize. The authors also note that extreme weather events, such as droughts and hurricanes, are

becoming more frequent and severe in the Caribbean, further increasing the decline in

agricultural production (Myers et al, 2017). This is fairly accurate since the Jamaican farmers

that were interviewed in film described the climate as being ‘uncertain’, and ‘hard to predict’

when to plant since when the dry season comes there is long and excessive drought and when the

rainy season comes there is excessive rain, which causes damage to crops (WatchJIS, 2013).

Even in recent years ‘Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday’, a local newspaper article, recorded that

heavy and continuous rainfall in south Trinidad destroyed about 60 acres of crops in Penal

(Williams, 2021).

However, a book titled “Sustaining the unsustainable” based on research, found that the

relationship between climate change and agricultural production is more complex than

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previously thought. The study found that while climate change is indeed, affecting agricultural

production in the Caribbean, the decline is not solely caused by climate change. Instead, the

study argues that other factors, such as land degradation, soil erosion, and unsustainable farming

practices, also play a significant role in the decline of agricultural production in the Caribbean

(Buttel, 2006). An online news article by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on

Agriculture (IICA) in 2018, reported that the Caribbean region is facing increasing challenges to

sustainable agricultural development due to climate change. The study notes that the region is

facing a number of challenges, including sea-level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, and

increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events (IICA, 2018). They suggest and

encourage the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of

climate change to agriculture in the Caribbean and Latin American regions.

The literature suggests that climate change is having a significant impact on agricultural

production in the Caribbean, but it is not the only factor. The studies show that the decline in

agricultural production is also due to other factors such as unsustainable agricultural practices

causing land degradation and soil erosion, sea- level rise, and changes in precipitation patterns. It

is important for the Caribbean region to address the multiple factors which are interconnected

that contribute to the decline of agricultural production in order to increase the resilience and

sustainability of the sector. The introduction of sustainable agricultural practices also furthers the

socio-economic aspect of sustainable development within the country of Trinidad and Tobago.

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 Data Source Collection

To achieve the aim of this research project, the method of collecting data that was utilized

was quantitative which comes in two forms; primary and secondary. The primary sources used

was questionnaires which was given to relevant agriculturalist within the community of Lois

D’or/Delaford Tobago while the secondary sources came through the use of books, written

literatures and articles from valid and reliable sources that commented on the issue being studied.

These methods of information collection were suitable as the population sample being researched

is a small group. The articles and books were used as secondary sources because well-known

researchers who have over the years carried out accurate and up to date researches wrote some of

these materials.

Primary Sources

Primary sources provide raw information, first-hand evidence and gives the researcher direct

access to the subject of the research, hence, the use of questionnaires and interviews. Primary

sources of data, were used because of it would provide not only more genuine information but

would also access a higher level of authenticity than those displayed to the public (secondary

sources). Additionally, it would provide the detailed and specific up to date information

pertaining to the yield of farmers in Delaford/ Louis D’or as well as farming practices. Under

primary sources both an interview and questionnaires were used, the interview consisted of more

open-ended questions that would aid in having the ability to provide detailed and rich qualitative

data, allowing for an infinite range of answers and freedom of expression of opinions. The

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questionnaires consisted of more closed ended questions which keep would assist in keeping the

session brief as well as simplifying the amount of data we have to process.

 Questionnaire- Administration of questionnaires commenced over the period of March

8th, 2023 within the hours of 7:00am to 7:00pm to a sample population of fifteen (15) by

means of the systematic random sampling method. The researchers went to the

community of Lois D’or/Delaford and engaged with only agriculturists by giving out

fifteen (15) structural questionnaires. There was approximately twenty-five (25)

questions in total, both open and closed ended constructed questions that would take an

individual less than thirty (30) minutes to complete. There was number (9) open-ended

question and number (18) closed-ended questions on the questionnaires. The

questionnaire’s structure has been designed to allow or to facilitate unproblematic

interpretation for the researcher as well as for respondents. It ensures anonymity and

confidentiality of information within the sample group and aids in the provision of

answers to the research questions. The purpose of the questionnaires was to gain extra

data and to crucially understand the target audience on the effects that climate change

have on agricultural production. Nevertheless, the advantage of using this method

allowed the researchers to interact with respondents without being too direct and catch

them on guard.

 Interviews- Two (2) structural interviews was conducted. One with an expert Agricultural

Researcher of BDU and the other with an agricultural officer of the Louis D’or bottom

station. The structured interviews with the Agriculture researcher was conducted on

Friday 10th February, 2023 via the zoom online platform. The type of questions utilized in

the construction of this discussion were primarily open-ended questions which was

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 approximately ten (10) questions total, taking approximately two (2) hours to complete,

due to the vast amount of information to be offered. Whereas a face-to-face structural

interview with the agricultural officer of the Louis D’or bottom station was conducted on

Thursday 23rd March, 2023. The same construction of the ten (10) open-ended questions

used before was again utilized for the view of different perspective as it relates to one’s

field of work. However, this interview had only lasted approximately one (1) hour. These

sources provide an in-depth analysis and understanding of the problem stated. An

interviews’ structure is a prepared format of discussion, used to assess multiple

candidates fairly and accurately. The drive of the interviews was to attain information on

the research topic; “the effects of climate change on agriculture production. Moreover,

the advantage of using this method allowed the researcher to gather important and

excessive information to use in this research paper, and for additional knowledge. It also

allows the researchers to capture the interviewee’s emotions and behaviours, which can’t

be captured through a questionnaire.

Secondary sources

Secondary sources were created by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in

the events or conditions one’s researching but rather interprets and analyses primary sources,

providing second-hand information and commentary from other researchers. In this Internal

Assessment, secondary sources were used to provide vital background information, since having

as much knowledge as possible is crucial for understanding the topic in depth. This source

consisted of an online scholarly article, books, videos as well as an electronic newspaper article,

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these were used to gather more information on climate change and its general impact on

agricultural production See specific sources in bibliography.

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 Presentation of Data
Questionnaire Responses

 Question 1
What is agricultural production?
Table 1

DEFINITION OF AGRICULTURE
Respondents definition No. of Respondents
The use of cultivated plants or animals to 12
produce products for sustaining or enhancing
human life.

Question 2
In your opinion, is agriculture a viable economic avenue for sustainability and growth for
the local farmers?

WH ETH ER OR NO T AGRICULTURE
IS A VIABLE ECONO MIC AVENUE
No. of Respondents

Yes

No

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Figure 1: Bar Graph

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  Question 3
How long have you been in agriculture?

Figure 2: Column Chart

 Question 6
What factors mainly affect agricultural production on your farm?
Table 2

FACTORS THAT AFFECT CROP PRODUCTION NO. OF RESPONDENTS

Nutrients 4

Climate 12

Water Availability 7

Pest and Diseases 10

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  Question 7
How would you describe the average yield per acre in the past and present?
Table 3

RESPONDENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE YIELD NO. OF RESPONDENTS

Decrease in Yield per acre 5

Yield Remained Consistent 7

 Question 8
Have you seen a change in the yield produced in the past years as compared to recent
years?

WHETHER OR NOT THERE'S A

CHANGE IN YIELD PRODUCED

17%
Yes
No

83%

Figure 3: Pie Chart

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  Question 9
Please explain the difference between climate change and natural disasters.
Table 4

DIFFERENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL DISASTERS

Respondents Explanation No. of Respondents
Climate change is the adverse changes in the 12
weather patterns while natural disasters is a
result of climate change such as floods,
hurricanes, etc.

 Question 10
How prevalent is climate change within the village of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

PREVALENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Not Prevalent Prevalent Slightly Prevalent Very Prevalent No Response

25%

33%

42%

Figure 4: Pie Chart

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  Question 11
Do you believe climate change affects the agricultural output of local farmers?

Figure 5: Pie Chart

 Question 12
What do you think are the main causes of climate change?

CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

100%
Consuming too much
Cutting down forests
Manufacturing goods
Using transportation
Producing food
Generating power
All of the above

Figure 6: Pie Chart

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  Question 13
What do you think are the main effects of climate change?

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Hooter temperature
increased droughts
A warming, rising ocean
More serve storm
More health risk
Poverty and displacement
Not enough food
Loss of species
All of the above

100%

Figure 7: Pie Chart

 Question 14
In your opinion, what can individuals in the society do to prevent climate change?
Table 5

PREVENTATIVE STEPS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

RESPONDENTS RESPONSES NO. OF RESPONDENTS
Renewable energy 12
Waste management 7
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 12
Ocean preservation 5
Sustainable transportation 9
Air pollution prevention 10

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  Question 15
Have you noticed any long-term shifts in temperature on your farm? If yes, warmer or
cooler?

Long term shifts in temperature

No
24%

Yes
76%

Figure 8: Pie Chart

Table 6

SHIFTS IN TEMPERATURE NO. OF RESPONDENTS

Warmer 8

Cooler 2

 Question 16

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Have you noticed any long-term shifts in precipitation on your farm? If yes, drier or
wetter?

LONG-TERM SHIFTS IN PRECI-

PATION

12

12

10

2 0

0
Yes No

No. of Respondents

Figure 9: Column Chart

Table 7

SHIFTS IN PRECIPITATION NO. OF RESPONDENTS

DRIER 3

WETTER 4

BOTH (DRIER AND WETTER) 5

 Question 17

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How has climate change affected the agricultural production of farmers within the village
of Louis D’or/ Delaford?
Table 8

RESPONDENTS DESCRIPTION OF WEATHER NO. OF RESPONDENTS

Scarcity of water for irrigation (drought decreases the 12
environmental carrying capacity and productivity of the soil)
Increased incidence of pests (changes in temperature and 9
humidity increase the vulnerability of agrosystems to pests &
introduced species)
Food insecurity (changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures 7
affect the timing of agricultural production and crop yields,
affecting food prices and availability)
Too much rain fall (the need for increase fertilizers application 5
due to loss of nutrients and due to leaching)

 Question 18
Have you experienced any significant loss in agriculture production due to climate
change/natural disasters in recent years?

SIGNIFICANT LOSS IN AGRICULTURE

PRODUCTION
Yes No

33%

67%

Figure 10: Pie Chart

 Question 19

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Can you provide an estimate of the percentage of crops lost due to climate change/natural
disasters in the past 3 years?

Respondents Significant loss in crops

5% - 10% 10% - 15% 15% - 25% 25% - 35% 35% - 45% 50% plus No lost

18%

45%

36%

Figure 11: Pie Chart

 Question 20
Have you adopted any climate-resilient agricultural practices?

CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES

20%

80%

Yes No

Figure 12: Pie Chart

 Question 21

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What are the biggest challenges you face in adapting to the changing climate?

CHALLENGES FACED TO CHANGING

CLIMATE
No. of Respondents

10
I n c r e a se d E x p e n se s

5
L o w So il Fer tility

8
I n c r e a se d N a tu r a l D i sa ste r

2
Oth ers

Figure 13: Bar Graph

 Question 22
What methods have you used to mitigate the effects of climate change/natural disasters on
your agricultural production?
Table 9

RESPONDENTS MITIGATION METHODS NO. OF RESPONDENTS

Ensuring Ecosystem Compatible Drainage 12
Improved Irrigation Efficiency 12
Rainwater Harvesting 8
Cover Crops 6
Crop Diversification and Rotation 12
No-Tillage or Minimum Tillage 2
Application of organic fertilizers 5
Minimizing off-farm flows of nutrients and pesticides 4
Use of Adaptive Crops 12
Growing of short duration crop varieties 9
 Question 23

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How effective has these practices been in reducing crop loss due to natural disasters?

EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIES
IMPLEMENTED

Not Effective Effective Slightly Effective Very Effective No Response

Figure 14: Pie Chart

 Question 24
Are you able to make ends meet with these current agricultural practices and yield?

ABILITY TO SURVIVE WITH CURRENT

PRACTICES AND YIELD

40%

Yes
No

60%

Figure 15: Pie Chart

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  Question 25
Have you received any support from the government or other organizations in improving
your agricultural production and reducing the impact of climate change?

SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT OR

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
No. of Respondents

Yes No

Figure 16: Column Chart

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 Interview with an Agricultural Researcher

Question 1: Can you tell us about your contribution to the agricultural sector within
Trinidad and Tobago?
The Agricultural Development Bank – “ADB” dates back to the 1800s, when the
“Agricultural Bank” a colonial agency with restricted legislation and limited financial
resources was established as a mortgage lending institution, in the wake of a disastrous
hurricane. The objective was to assist cocoa plantation owners to replant their estates. In
the early 1940’s (the depression years) the cocoa industry was devastated by Witches
Broom disease. This, coupled with a fall in world cocoa prices led many plantation
owners to go into bankruptcy, resulting in many properties being transferred to the
Government through the Agricultural Bank.

In 1963, hurricane “Flora” struck Tobago, devastating the agriculture sector. On the
advice of a Reconstruction Committee set up by Government, the first branch of the
Agricultural Credit Bank was established in Tobago, to administer credit to the sector. Up
until then, the Bank’s role as a tool for economic development, though discussed was
never fully explored. In 1965, based on the recommendation of a Finance Institution
Committee, the Agricultural Development Bank Act was drafted. The statute was enacted
on 25th January 1968 and the assets and liabilities of the Agricultural Credit Bank were
transferred to the “Agricultural Development Bank” (ADB). The ADB was mandated to
“encourage and foster the development of agriculture, commercial fishing and
industries connected therewith and to mobilize funds for the purpose of such
development”. The loan portfolio of the ADB in 1968 was $5M. Its first loan was granted
in March 1969. Today the asset base is $669M TT. The Agricultural Development Bank
(ADB) of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a development bank statutorily
established under the Agricultural Development Bank Act Chap. 79:09 with the mandate
to “encourage and foster the development of agriculture, commercial fishing and
industries connected therewith, and to mobilize funds for the purpose of such
development”. Although incorporated in 1968, the ADB’s legacy extends as far as the
1800s as the colonial “Agricultural Bank” and today, it proudly stands as the only
agriculture-focused development bank in the Caribbean region. The ADB caters to

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 several lower income and rural persons in the agriculture and agriculture-adjacent sectors.
The ADB has five (5) branches which are strategically located in Port-of-Spain, San
Fernando, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas and Scarborough. The bank has staff 167 staff
members comprised of 139 women (83%) and 28 men (17%). Presently, the bank offers
(9) credit products offered to support all primary, marketing, and value-added production
along the value chain, multi-purpose fishing, ago-processing, support services, and
disaster recovery.

1. FINANCIAL

2020 2020 2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022

Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2

Commercial 162.9 160.6 158.6 161.8 151.4 158.1 195.2 179.4

Banks
Finance
Companies and 37.0* 37.0* 37.0* 37.0* 37.0* 37.0* 37.0* 37.0*
Merchant
Banks
ADB 398.8 404.5 410.4 407.1 406.4 412.4 413.6 412.94
Total Value of
the 595.6 565.1 606 605.9 557.8 607.5 645.8 592.34
Agricultural
Credit Market
ADB’s Market 67.00
71.58% 67.72% 67.19% 72.86% 67.88% 64.04% 69.71%
Share %

2. NON-FINANCIAL
NON-FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION MADE
FACTOR

KNOWLEDGE The institutional knowledge of ADB continued to be leveraged for sector

SHARING AND POLICY development though resources allocated to assist external developmental
FORMULATION initiatives as follows:

1. Agro- Incentive - Technical and administrative contributions were made on

the Agro-Incentive Assessment Programme Committee where grant payments
were made to farmers. The Bank’s five (5) Branches also continues to serve

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 as collection centers for agro-incentive applicants throughout Trinidad and
Tobago.
2. Representatives of the Bank contributed to the Programme Coordinating
Committee (PCC) of the Youth Agricultural Homestead Programme (YAHP)
Ministry of Youth Development & National Service (MYDNS).
3. The ADB updated and disseminated its 106 Cost of Production Models
(COP) in the second quarter of 2022 for specific agricultural commodities
across Trinidad and Tobago (68 for Trinidad and 38 for Tobago).
FOOD SECURITY 1. Adverse weather along with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have spiked food
inflation globally. Domestically, T&T’s food inflation rate increased from
6.5% year-on-year in January 2022 to 11.6% year-on-year in September 2022
and expected to increase further in 2023. Based on available data, as of
December 2021, the ADB’s credit funded approximately 37% of the food
crop cultivated by acreage and approximately 39% of food crop produced by
volume in T&T. Key to the development of the agricultural and fishery sector
post-pandemic is the increased participation of youth in the sector. The
Bank’s metrics define youths as individuals between the ages of 18 to 35
years old over first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, the Bank funded 86
loans valued at approximately $12.41 Million disbursed to young
entrepreneurs of agricultural and fishery projects.
LIVELIHOOD AND 1. Rural development is inextricably tied to agricultural development in T&T as
SOCIAL PROTECTION the major agricultural and fishing communities are in the country’s rural
regions. To this end, the ADB places special emphasis in the disbursement of
credit to small and medium sized agricultural projects within rural
communities. Credit to active projects financed by the ADB retained 198 jobs
in the agricultural, fishery, forestry, agricultural services, food manufacturing
and food distribution sub-sectors within rural regions of T&T.

SECTOR
SUSTAINABILITY 1. In October 2018, the ADB developed a Disaster Relief Loan (DRL), to assist
the recovery of agricultural and fishery projects from disasters to salvage
agricultural projects which were affected by disasters which ranged from
adverse weather events and COVID-19.

2. To promote project sustainability, the ADB approved the easing of credit

conditions via the ADB Boost Loan.
3. Women are key agents for rural and agricultural development as noted by the
UN-Women. As such, the ADB focuses its credit key performance indicators
on credit demand and loan performance of women. In the first quarter of the
2022/23 financial year, the ADB disbursed 60 loans valued at approximately
$7.8 Million to women.

CAPACITY BUILDING 1. Operation of the Mobile Banking Unit (MBU) was able to conduct a total of
AND PUBLIC 26 outreach events in communities throughout Trinidad, over the first quarter
EDUCATION of the 2022/23 financial year.
FINANCIAL 1. ADB promotes financial inclusion in rural communities through its savings
INCLUSION and fixed deposit.
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Question 2: In your own words, kindly define climate change.

Climate change causes long-term shifts in external conditions, atmospheric balances and
weather patterns. Since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate
change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Burning fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped
around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.

Examples of greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change include carbon dioxide
and methane. These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a building,
for example. Clearing land and forests can also release carbon dioxide. Landfills for garbage
are a major source of methane emissions. Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture
and land use are among the main emitters.

Question 3: Do you believe climate change affects the agricultural output of local farmers?
Kindly provide relevant examples.

The ADB’s clients are among the most exposed to climate risks and vulnerable to its
impacts because of the intimate relationship between climate and agriculture. The
FARMERS, community, or organisations must understand and address their socio-
economic and environmental vulnerabilities so that they can withstand and recover from
climate shocks. ADB works to develop credit products to support climate resilience in the
agricultural production of food crops such as vegetables and root crops, agri-business,
commercial fishing, and other rural sectors. Further, meaningful financing and in-kind
support to the conservation of biodiversity and the applications of nature-based solutions
(NbS), including ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) MUST BE INCORPORATED.

Question 4: Please explain the difference between climate change and natural disasters.

UPLANNED EVENTS -Natural Disasters are catastrophic events that result from any of
the Earth’s natural phenomena. These can range from floods and hurricanes to tsunamis

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 and earthquakes. Natural disasters are occurring nearly five times as often as they were in
the 1970s, because of climate change. Repeated floods, droughts and temperature
extremes are affecting crop and livestock production.

Question 5: Do you believe that natural disasters affect the production rate of farmers
within the community of Delaford, Tobago?

Yes

Branch No. Clients Affected Acreage

 Central 53 62.6 Ha

East 53 184.53 Ha

     

North 12 6.5 Ha

     

South  47  18.6HA

     

Tobago nil nil

Question 6: In your opinion, is agriculture a viable economic avenue for sustainability and
growth for the local farmer?

YES – ADB lends over $100 Million TT each year to farmers.

Question 7: What preventative steps would you give to local farmers to adapt in order to
combat the effects of climate change?

“Agricultural food systems can contribute to water, soil and biodiversity conservation in
addition to other nationally significant benefits that include, but are not limited to (i)
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 enhanced food security, (ii) increased food sovereignty, (iii) wealth creation among rural
communities, (iv) economic growth and diversification, and (v) significant reductions in
food import expenditure. Thus, the growth of a sustainable agricultural sector is of
national importance. The GoRTT also acknowledges that the agricultural sector is among
the most dependent on the quality of the environment, and most vulnerable to
environmental catastrophe.
Preventative steps are:
a) Ensure that lands best suited for crop production are prioritised for
agricultural purposes but prepared using sustainable land preparation
practices and suitable equipment;
b) Encourage, by way of market-based mechanisms, standards or alternative
incentives for sustainable agricultural practices, agricultural processing
and food production;
c) Encourage partnerships at the national, regional and international scale to
develop a sustainable food production system that:
i. Increases productivity and production;
ii. Increases resilience to the impacts of climate change;
iii. Maintains ecosystems; and
iv. Improves the land and quality of soil.
v. Reduce harmful chemical and fertilizer usage
vi. Use proper garbage disposal procedures not to contaminate water
ways and reservoirs
d) Empower government entities to better undertake their mandates with
respect to the development of a sustainable food production system by
way of enhanced technical, financial and human-resource capacity
development;
e) Undertake, in collaboration with stakeholders, programmes towards the
objectives of the CARICOM Common Agriculture Policy
f) Empower small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous
peoples, and family farmers, through improving secure and equal access
to: land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial

32 | P a g e
 services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm
employment; and
g) Undertake, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, private
sector and community groups sustained public education and awareness
campaigns that encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and the
consumption of locally-produced agricultural goods.”

Question 8: What advice would you give to interested agriculturalists to mitigate against
the effects of natural disasters?

a. Establish a sustainability position and framework for your project.

b. Provide a structure for the development and achievement of climate protection efforts
on your farm.
c. Ensure that you are empowered to be part of the transition towards a green-blue
economy based on a sustainable, resilient, low-carbon agricultural sector.

Question 9: In your opinion, what is the most difficult challenge faced by financial
institutions such as the Agricultural Development Bank in ensuring that local farmers have
the best quality of produce for marketing?

a. Record keeping
b. Adoption of sustainable farm practices
c. Adoption of technology

Question 10: Does your organisation offer educational support for farmers within
Delaford, Tobago to raise awareness on the impact of climate change?

Just completed a capacity building exercise in TOBAGO

Capacity Building in Tobago

ADB’S purpose in Tobago was to build the capacities and capabilities of the participants
in the Agricultural Sectors in Tobago with special focus on the youths in Agriculture in

33 | P a g e
 this farming community. It is no secret that the proportion of individuals and firms that
use financial services—has become a subject of considerable global interest among
governments and other international groups. Reactions have been cantered on the fact
that half of the world’s adult population—more than 2.5 billion people—do not have
accounts at formal financial institutions. This heightened attention to financial inclusion
has moved it up the reform agenda in many developing nations where in recent years,
some 50 countries have set formal targets and goals for financial inclusion - signalling
their acceptance of its role in economic and social development. It further indicates a
growing recognition that access to financial services has a critical role in reducing
poverty, boosting shared prosperity and supporting inclusive and sustainable
development. While we are aware that some of the non-use of financial services
demonstrates a lack of demand, we also recognize that barriers such as cost, knowledge
thereof, travel distance, and time; play a key part in impeding farmers and fishermen
from accessing our services. As such the ADB came to Tobago and did a capacity
building exercise.

ADB’S LOAN PRODUCTS

Name of Loans Description
(formerly known as our Get
Growing Loan):
Our most requested loan facility;
New Reality Loan flexes to meet
the needs of any type and size of
activity or Agri-entrepreneur.
We tailor loan amounts and
repayment to suit our client’s
specific needs.
Features
 Flexible payments structured to your project’s
cycle (monthly, quarterly or semi-annual
repayments)
 80% financing for any type of viable
agricultural project
 Interest rate ranges from 3-5% (effective)
 Lower interest rate incentives (youth, women,
technology, project certification etc)
 Repayment generally over 1 to 7 years (longer
terms negotiable as needed)
 Negotiable Moratorium
 Collateral options: -
 Certificate of Security (collateral support via
max. 25% of loan funds)
 Guarantees (personal, corporate)
 Mortgage (land, vehicles and equipment)
 Cash Collateral (Fixed Deposits, Shares,
Insurance (CSV))
 Debentures on fixed and floating assets of
companies

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Name of Loan Description
Special Promotion – Short term promotion in response
to COVID – 19 economic and
New Reality - Boost social disruptions. Soft loans to
assist the nation’s food producers
and stimulate sector activity.
Special budget allocation of $5M
over 12 months which- ever
occurs first.
Name of Loan Description
The School Nutrition Caterers
Loan
Collaborative effort / ADB and
the National Schools Dietary
Services Ltd - provision of safe,
healthy food to our nations
school population.
Provides funding to contracted
caterers of the NSDSL to
Encourage
• technological upgrades
(plant, equipment, infra-
structure)
• caterers attaining ‘certified
kitchen status’
• increased food production
Clients can benefit from:
 Assigning private life
insurance.
 ADB Service - Group
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 Group insurance
 No lending limit (lending subject to credit
criteria and project appraisal)
Features
 New borrowers - up to $20K
 Existing and past borrowers - up to $100K
 Key considerations:
 6 C’s of Credit and case by case credit risk
assessment
 Focus on primary production crops and
livestock
 Funding of establishment and maintenance;
project rehabilitation; marketing and
distribution; operating costs and working
capital
Features
 Soft lending terms for up to a maximum of $500K:
a. Working capital needs.
b. Capital intensive infrastructure work towards
plant and equipment upgrades
c. Equipment purchase.
d. Vehicle purchase and repair.
e. Project expansion.
f. Land purchase.
g. Debt liquidation needs
h. Training needs.
i. Purchase of insurance
j. Loan fees (except Loan Application Fee &
Trans Union Fees)
 Low Interest rate 4% (effective)
 Loan repayment (1 – 5 yrs.)
 Collateral Requirements:
 Personal Guarantee (s) of the directors of the
catering company and
 a Promissory Note
Negotiable collateral options as follows:
o Bills of Sale / Chattel Mortgages on Equipment
/ Vehicles.
 Life insurance coverage
for loan facilities up to
$200k can be accessed
in-house.
 Option to re-finance
loans
Name of Loan Description
The Revised Dairy Gro Loan
product supports a modern
developmental business model as
outlined by existing
collaborating partner Nestlé
Trinidad & Tobago Limited
(NTTL) in its Shared-Value
Dairy Development Programme
(DDP). The DDP provides
productivity incentives and
technical support to transition to
the higher degree of best
management practices required
for Dairy Sector Development.
Focus includes increased food
security by facilitating the
purchase of high milk producing
animals via a Public Private
Partnership Initiative (PPP)
between Ministry of Food
Production (MFP), NTTL and
the DDP Farmers.
Name of Loan Description
A loan product similar to an
overdraft facility available to
individuals and corporations that
requires specific access to
working capital for their
operations or every day running
of their project.
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o Mortgages on Property.
o Debentures
o Assignments of Liquid Assets:
 80% financing of project cost
 Monthly instalments.
 Moratorium negotiable.
 Fees & Charges:
• Application fee (non-refundable, payable by
cash or certified cheque).
• 1% Management fee
• * Legal & Life Insurance fees
• * Option to include in loan
 Convenient debt servicing via a mandatory
Assignment of Sales from the National Schools
Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL)
Features
A two (2) - tiered loan package as follows for the two
(2) beneficiary groups:
 Loan A - Dairy Farmers contracted to NTTL
and enrolled in the DDP.
 Loan B - Other dairy farmers contracted to
NTTL but not enrolled in the DDP.
 Applicants must be supplier of fresh milk to Nestle’
(min.6 mths)
 Purpose - dairy inventory, infrastructure (solar
fencing, pens, farm house repair), pasture
establishment, equipment, used vehicles
 Loan A- $5K-200K (max) 3% (effective Interest
rate)
 Loan B- 5K-100K (max) 4 ½% (effective interest
rate)
 Loan period 18-60 mths
 Mandatory assignment of milk sales from Nestle
Trinidad and Tobago and Assignment of
Agricultural Incentives from the Ministry of Food
Production required.
 Loan secured by:
 Promissory note
 100% funding available (negotiable)
Features
 Available to existing clients with good credit ratings
 Loan period 18-24 mths
 Repayment can be structured to the operating cycle
of the business – generally every 90 days
 No lending limit ($10K min.)
 Effective Interest rate is between 4% and 5%. For all

Name of Loan Description
An emergency ‘unsecured
‘Package Loan capped at $50K.
Designed to respond to the need
to quickly restore productive
capacity and mitigate potentially
disastrous impacts that may be
experienced by the farming,
fishing and agri-business
community.
 Urgent project assistance is
specific to disaster relief to
restore / salvage productive
capacity of projects
negatively impacted by
 Climate Change, adverse
weather (excessive
rainfall/ flood/ drought /
fire etc), rainfall damage
to crops/slopes and
 other weather and non-
weather-related losses
(e.g. locusts, pest &
diseases).
 Expanded project rescue
initiative in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility criteria have been
expanded to include
 regional and global
disasters as well as
 economic disruptions
that may adversely
impact agricultural value
chains; supply chains;
trade activities; social
services and social order
re associated production,
market and labour force
uncertainties.
Name of Loan Description
A loan product focused on
‘Funding Fisher - Folk
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RLA loans the effective rate is equal to the Amortized rate
Features
 Approval of ADB’s CEO activates the DRL guided
by over-sight organizations e.g. ODPM, TEMA,
TTMS, MALF
 Funding to existing or past borrowers with:
 satisfactory credit ratings and
 collateral assigned to the Bank
 Interest rate 5% (effective)
 Funding available up to 100%
 Loan Period 5 years
 Flexible repayment matching the project cycle of
the activity - Monthly, Quarterly, or Semi - Annual
instalments
 Moratorium of up to 6 months (where applicable)
 Clients may be:
 Individuals, Companies and Agricultural
Co-operatives
 Involved in full or part-time activities
 Project types - any Agri- related sector:
 Primary production (crops, livestock,
apiculture, fishing, hydroponics,
aquaponics, aquaculture).
 Agro-processing / value – added activities
(i.e. manufactured goods).
 Agri-support service type activities (Agro-
shops, seedling nurseries, tractor services,
landscaping etc.).
 Marketing.
 Forestry, Woodworking and Saw Milling
 Horticulture
 Agro and Fish Tourism.
 Loan purposes (expanded):
 Working Capital.
 Equipment purchase.
 Farm infrastructure development (minor
farm-house or pen repairs /maintenance,
pasture, fencing, internal roads, sheds).
 Marketing (selling and distribution).
 Debt Consolidation
 Payment of fees and charges.
Features
A loan product focused on ‘Funding Fisher - Folk
 Responsibly’- targets support Responsibly’- targets support to:
to:  existing artisanal* inshore fishing fleet without
 existing artisanal* inshore promoting any increase in fleet size.
fishing fleet without  promote and encourage the adoption of sustainable
promoting any increase in fishing practices, sustainable fishing gear (green
fleet size. technology), record keeping and training in the
 promote and encourage the practice of safety at sea
adoption of sustainable
fishing practices, sustainable Provides funding to purchase:
fishing gear (green
technology), record keeping
 Boats and engines (new / used pirogues, mother
and training in the practice
boats outboard / inboard engines)
of safety at sea
 Equipment (Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
Tracking Systems; safety gear; generators; lanterns
Provides funding to purchase: water /fuel/ fish / ice storage containers; mobile
phones; computers; short wave radios;).
 Boats and engines (new /  Working Capital (Compliance Guidelines Fishing
used pirogues, mother boats Gear applies)
outboard / inboard engines)  Vessel refurbishment / boat and engine repairs
 Equipment (Global  Project infrastructure development (e.g. shed
Positioning Satellite (GPS) construction / minor house repairs, fencing,).
Tracking Systems; safety  Marketing (fish vending).
gear; generators; lanterns  Training programs (e.g. seaman ship/ out-board
water /fuel/ fish / ice storage engine repair; first aid; personal safety & social
containers; mobile phones; responsibility; & record keeping).
computers; short wave
radios;).
 Working Capital
(Compliance Guidelines
Fishing Gear applies)
 Vessel refurbishment / boat
and engine repairs
 Project infrastructure
development (e.g. shed
construction / minor house
repairs, fencing,).
 Marketing (fish vending).
 Training programs (e.g.
seaman ship/ out-board
engine repair; first aid;
personal safety & social
responsibility; & record
keeping).

Name of Loan Description Features

ADB and the Cocoa
Development Company of T&T
Ltd. (CDCTTL’s) special
collaboration with tagline
Valuing Rich Traditions’ is
focused on rejuvenation and
development of T&T’s Cocoa
and Chocolate Industry to safe-
guard it’s 100% Fine & Flavour
 Available to existing and new cocoa farmers Agro-
processors (primary level e.g. commercial
fermentaries and micro-processors; value added
chocolatiers and marketers in the cocoa value chain
 Mandatory CDCTTL recommendation with Phase1
emphasis targeting: -
 Progressive farmers identified as early adopters
and innovators by the CDCTTL with identified
successors, and chocolatiers who may provide

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 international certification.
Available budget allocation of
$1M
It collaboratively targets 120 and
15 recommended farmers, Agro-
processors (primary level) and
value-added micro-processors in
phase I to support the entire
cocoa value chain through:
 Phased estate rehabilitation,
new cultivation and inter-
cropping to boost production
and productivity in cocoa
clusters
 Purchase of small equipment
(production / value added).
 Infrastructural development
and repairs (e.g. ponds; solar
dryers; sheds; bean storage
rooms).
 Value added product
development, testing and
certification costs. *
 Towards working capital
(e.g. buying of beans; Agro-
processing inputs).
Name of Loan Description
A loan specifically to purchase a
new or used vehicle or tractor&
attachments and farm machinery,
which is held as the sole security
item.
39 | P a g e
a demonstration effect for future phases.
 Regular attendees of CDCTTL Farmer Field
School (FFS) Cluster Training courses
 Farmers meeting pre-qualification criteria of
rehabilitating or establishing a minimum of 1
hectare of their estates
 Benefit of CDCTTL technical oversight & best
practice recommendations
 Focus – Ease of doing business!
 Benefits include quick access pprocessing using the
New Reality – Boost simplified appraisal format and
scoring methodology; leveraging the 6 C’s of Credit,
and case by case credit risk assessment
 Micro-loan $5,000.00 - $25,000 (maximum).
 Interest Rate 5% (effective) and 4% in Tobago
 Client Contribution Nil – 100% financing available
 Short term loan ranging from 24 – 48 months
 Moratorium – 6-8 months
 Monthly Instalments
 Assistance with all fees except Application Fee,
TransUnion and Judgement fees
 Management Fee 3%
 Security - 25% cash collateral. Options include:
 Fixed Deposits (ADB or non-ADB)
 ADB Certificate of Security (liquid collateral
support to maximum of 25% of loan)
 Promissory Note
 Statutory Approvals - Food Badge; Chemistry Food
& Drug Division; County Medical Officer of Health;
CDCTTL Certification Mark:
 Existing Agro-processors/ micro-lot processors
and value-added chocolatiers (where available/
applicable) - use from existing file &/or include
as post disbursement condition.
 New entrants’ certification is a reimbursable
application pre-requisite
Features
 Available to new and existing clients
 No maximum loan size
 Long term loan – max 10 years
i. Up to 8 years to for new items. (negotiable to
10 years max. if requested).
ii. Over 8 years to maximum period of 10 years
can be considered with Management’s
discretion for new items classified as
machinery. Deviation fee must be applied.
iii. Up to 5 years for used items.
iv. Over 5 years can be considered with
Management’s discretion for items classified as
used vehicles, once age at the end of the
repayment period does not exceed 10 years.

Name of Loan Description
Financing of security solutions
(surveillance, monitoring,
alarms, perimeter fencing &
personal / family security etc.)
Available for any agri-business
type project (crops, livestock,
fishing, aquaponics, aquaculture,
Agri-support services, marketing
and Agro-processing)
40 | P a g e
Deviation fee must be applied.
v. Over 5 years to maximum period of 10 years
can be considered with Management’s
discretion for used items classified as
machinery. Deviation fee must be applied.
 Monthly, Quarterly, Half yearly instalments
 Effective Interest rate is between 4% to 5%
(Trinidad and also in Tobago)
 Funding options:
a. Up to 100% ADB Funding for new items–
existing clients only.
b. A minimum of 5% contribution for new items
(up to 95% ADB Funding) – new clients.
c. A minimum of 20% for used items (up to 80%
ADB Funding) – existing and new clients.
 Full Comprehensive Insurance (vehicles) or Third
Party all Risk (tractors) applies
 Loan secured by:
a. New item – Chattel or Mortgage Bill of Sale
(MBS) on the new item & Promissory Note.
b. Used item – Chattel or Mortgage Bill of Sale on
the used item & Promissory Note, plus any other
security as deemed necessary, based on the
client’s credit risk profile. (Branch Management
discretion).
c. Any other security as deemed necessary based
on the borrower type.
 Management Fee – 1%. Deviation Fee - $400.00.
 Loan reduction feature via assignment of MALF
Agri-Incentive.
Features
 Soft lending terms
 Lowest interest rate on the T&T market – 5%
effective to help boost Agri-investor confidence
 Loan reduction feature via mandatory assignment of
the Praedial Larceny Agri-Incentive
 Collateral requirements:
 A Chattel Mortgage / Mortgage Bill of Sale on
equipment to be purchased (where available)
 A minimum of 20% cash collateral to be
considered
 Flexible financing options (negotiable loan equity -
lower contribution)
 Assistance with fees and encouragement to access
affordable, modern, farm, home and personal
 security solutions
Additional Information  Experienced security providers to be encouraged
(due diligence required)
FARM SECURITY  Savings and investment opportunities
OPPORTUNITIES  Convenient Repayment in 5 years inclusive of
moratorium
1. Crops, Livestock,
Equipment, Vehicles Important Considerations for Security
2. Farm Family & Staff Providers:
3. Project Site 1. Appropriate & Affordable (low vs. high tech)
2. Easy to use / Maintain
Farm Residence & Buildings 3. Durable, Weather, Tamper & Theft Proof
4. Reputable / 3 years in existence /Good Track
Record of Performance & Service &
availability of parts

What are some FARM SECURITY OPTIONS?

1. Livestock Micro-Chip Transponders
2. Perimeter, Farm Entrance Security
(Controlled Gate Access)
3. IP Surveillance Equipment (DVR & CCTV
systems, remote /internet monitoring, night
vision cameras, dummies)
4. GSM / Cell phone messaging alerts
5. Security Lighting, Intrusion Systems (Alarms
& Motion Detectors)
6. Solar Powered Fencing (rechargeable, clean
energy sources)
First Response Back-up Service (linked to Hot-Line
for MFP Praedial Larceny Squad or private
service)

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 Interview with an Agricultural Officer/Agriculturists
Mrs. Verita Wright wears two hats as she is a profound Agricultural officer as well as a
practical farmer for more than twenty years and throughout her tenure she considers herself in
being a great contributor to the Agricultural sector within Trinidad and Tobago. To explain
further in detail, she is an agricultural assistant 3 in the department of food production in Tobago.
Currently the manager of the Louis D’or demonstration station where they do a lot of
demonstration for crop production like for example, where there a new variety of vegetables like
tomatoes, sweet pepper, curly flower. They would first try to get that variety of sample of seeds,
sew them and do the whole agronomy of the plant so they know exactly when it comes in
bearing, its yield, its resistance to pest and diseases and the quality of the product, the quality of
the food whether its juicy or its dry. In doing this, when famers come to the station and ask any
particular questions about the products, they have data to show that this is what it is like. They
have an open-door policy where they entertain not only farmers but house wise as persons have
their own backyard garden now a days, as well as school children like us who goes to observe
their practices and so on. They engage in doing all these things. Apart from that, Mrs. Wright as
said before, is a practical farmer doing farming for years. At present she is farming on about 2 to
2 and a half acres of land and doing mainly vegetable production like tomatoes, flavor peppers,
celery, chives, or well seasoning on a whole. Reasons why she chose these particular varieties for
example, the chive and the celery, is because when individuals go to the market, 95% of the
celery and chive these days on the market comes from outside of Tobago. She further implies
that the country does a lot of importation, not only from Trinidad but around the different
islands. And, she is of the opinion, given food security and safety of food, when people do those
kinds of production on a large scale, a lot of chemicals are involved, and she is a bit head
conscious, so she tries to plant by using more organic pesticides like maim but mostly using
natural manure. Additionally, she also was involved in production. At one time, probably about a
year ago, she used to be also involved in heavy rabbit production for the meat which in fact, she
had a ready-made market suppling restaurant and more on a regular basis. However, because of
the COVID-19 intervention were a lot of businesses went out of business, she was forced to stop
her production for the reason that, people aren’t getting the amount of money there accustom to
getting. The spending power that people use to have, they no longer have that. So, rabbit meat
became a delicacy. Its only once in a while persons would gravitate to eating a piece of rabbit

42 | P a g e
meat, they would more likely stick to pork, chicken or saltfish and these things although there
little expensive too. At one time she was a very lucrative producer, who still has her pens in tack
and on the look to see how the economy would switch to decide whether or not she would start
back on that line. However, for now, she is more focused on vegetable production, producing
food and selling to individuals or vendors. She is tying her best on her ends as a farmer as well as
to share her knowledge and little experiences with people, the general public, who so ever may
come. She wouldn’t keep it to herself because it wouldn’t benefit her anything after she passed
on and gone with all that knowledge in the box, that doesn’t make any sense.

She defines climate change as a drastic change in the environment where mankind
doesn’t have no kind of prediction but is in fact, more caused by manmade habits. Because of
what individuals put out in the atmosphere, the excessive amount of carbon gases than
greenhouse gases are what causes these changes in the climate. The outer world, one must take in
mind that they are the main ones producing a lot of the carbon in this atmosphere. These heavy
industrialized places like England, America, or Japan are the ones who are really mass producing
the carbons but yet still they a calling upon the small islands to control it. So, the whole climate
change is the change in our environment, the change in our climatic conditions and hence
resulted in our agriculture sector suffrage.

In addition, Mrs. Wright is of the opinion that, climate change definitely affects our
agricultural production. She explains saying that the weather is unpredictable meaning when we
expect rain, we get sun and when we expect sun we get rain. When there is rain, there is a lot of
pest and diseases involved which would cause a drastic deduction in production. However, when
there is sunlight, the crops tend to be dehydrated and needs to be watered every few minutes.
Added to that, water too is a problem because when there is excessive amount of heat it also
helps to evaporate the water from our water source and that also affects the water supply and
production.

According to Mrs. Wright, agriculture is indeed, a viable economic avenue for

sustainability and growth for the local farmer. Because if you don’t have food you can’t survive,
so, you have to have food especially in this time here now where we have so much of shortage of
crops, vegetable and crisis because of the weather conditions. She further implies, agriculture is a
very vibrant and sustainable way because a man could live very comfortable just in planting. All

43 | P a g e
one has to do is monitor the market, and don’t try to plant what everybody else is planting. You
have to try a stager your production and plant what people are not planting in a big way, so
there’s always a demand for your product. Apart from that, one of the short come in the
agricultural sector in our cultural island is that you have to look for market for your produce
because there isn’t any proper wholesale market area. She suggested that if the public sector or
the government should have a market place where persons can come and purchase nice things in
a bulk and where farmers don’t have to worry about market, all they have to do is produce,
things would get much better. But for now, it is fairly alright but there is always room for
improvement.

The most she would advise farmers to do is to get educated to be able to adapt and
combat the effects of climate change. You have to know what you are doing. You can’t just plant
anything. Choose varieties of plants that are resistant to certain weather conditions, whether its
rain or sun, choose different varieties of crops which can withstand those elements. Being
educated doesn’t mean you have to get a degree, being educated means that you’re going to
produce, you need to know what are your options, what varieties there is that can withstand
whatever weather condition that comes about because climate change is both rain and sun, so
you have to have plants that could resists whether the conditions may be. So, in order to prevent
or to get less affected by what is to come, is to be educated in knowing what is the best thing to
plant, how and when. Also, to learn to pe proactive in order to prevent lost age. You need to
know what diseases are being prevalent during this time to spray your plants before they actually
come down with the problem. All in all, is to be educated and get enough information about this
particular variety.

The most difficult challenge faced by financial institutions such as the Agricultural
Development Bank in ensuring that local farmers have the best quality of produce for marketing
is farmers not being able to do there repayments as was stipulated when the agreement was
signed. She draws reference to, if a natural disaster comes and hit you as a result of climate
change, there is no way you can get money to pay back the bank. On the other hand, individuals
also face challenges when trying to obtain help from these financial institutions which is
landtania. If you have to approach the ADB Bank for example for a loan, to do something, you
have to have some proof that the land your utilizing to do such, belongs to you or you have some

44 | P a g e
proof of ownership that is available. The greatest challenge for individuals is documentation for
their land, some of which were owned by for parent or estate owners.

Nonetheless, the organization she works in does offer educational support for farmers
within Louis Dor’/Delaford, Tobago to raise awareness on the impact of climate change. She
explained that, there’s an institution that they have which is the Kendal farm school, that
normally offers a wide variety of courses to educate the farmers like financial management or
pest control, how to use chemical or anything to do with agriculture, which they could get this
via the extential officers. Likewise, there are 8 extential officers within the districts of Tobago
which in fact, Delaford and Roxborough is a joined district and there is an agricultural officer
assigned to the district, who is like a lazier officer between the department and farmers.

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 Analysis of Data

With a view to attain the desired outcome of this study, a primary source of information was

collected in the form of a questionnaire, to investigate the effects of climate change on

agricultural production within the village of Louis D’or/ Delaford in Tobago. Primal questions

were extracted from the data collection instrument and analysed using Pie-charts, Bar chart and

Tables. This provided the necessary information needed to assist with the accomplishment of the

set objectives which were all efficiently met.

From conducting an analysis from the data collected, in Table 1 all (12) respondents defined

agricultural production as the use of cultivated plants or animals to produce products for

sustaining or enhancing human life. In addition, extreme weather events, associated with climate

change causes reductions in agricultural productivity as represented by the (100%) respondents

in Figure 5. Climate change, as defined by all (12) respondents in Table 8, is the adverse

changes in the weather patterns whereas natural disasters is however, as a result of climate

change such as floods and hurricanes. Likewise, in Figure 4, it is evident that the issue of climate

change is quite prevalent by (67%) respondents in the village of Louis D’or/Delaford since most

of the population sample had combated theses unpredictable circumstances throughout their

time.

Agriculturists have had to adapt to the conditions imposed on them by the climate of their region

since the inception of agriculture, but recent human-induced climate change is throwing them

some unexpected curve balls. Extreme heat, floods, droughts, hail, and windstorms are some of

the direct effects as demonstrated in Figure 7. Table 8 reflects that climate change affects

agricultural production by few factors such as scarcity of water for irrigation where drought

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decreases the environmental carrying capacity and productivity of the soil by (12) respondents,

increased incidence of pests that is changes in temperature and humidity increase the

vulnerability of agrosystems to pests & introduced species by (9) respondents, food insecurity

which is the changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures affect the timing of agricultural

production and crops and affecting food prices and availability by (7) respondents as well as too

much rain fall that causes the need for increase fertilizers application due to loss of nutrients and

due to leaching by (5) respondents. In addition, respondents also stated pest and disease

pressures, on top of potentially depleted soils and water stress.

Fortunately, there are many practices that agriculturists can adopt and changes that can be made

to the agricultural production system to make the system more resilient to our changing climate.

As a result, in Figure 12, the majority (80%) respondents adopted climate-resilient agricultural

practices to combat with these factors. It can be seen in Table 9 that there are many of the

mitigating practices typically associated with sustainable agriculture can also help increase the

resilience of the agricultural system to impact of climate change, such as: improved irrigation

efficiency being (12) respondents, crop diversification and rotation being (12) respondents,

application of organic fertilizers being (5) respondents, minimizing off-farm flows of nutrients

and pesticides being (4) respondents, ensuring ecosystem compatible drainage being (12)

respondents, rainwater harvesting being (8) respondents, cover crops being (6) respondents, no-

tillage or minimum tillage being (2) respondents, use of adaptive crops being (12) respondents

and growing of short duration crop varieties being (9) respondents. Moreover, as highlighted in

Figure 13, these agriculturists faced several challenges in adapting to these practices. One

being increased expenses stated by (10) respondents, increased natural disaster stated by (5)

respondents and soil fertility stated by (8) respondents. Even so, in utilizing these practices to

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reduce crop loss, Figure 14 revealed that some had implied that these practices came out to be

not effective (17%), effective (33%), slightly effective (17%) and very effective (8%).

The general trend of the data analysis shows in Figure 10 that because of these unpredictable

circumstances, agriculturists heads down the road of experiencing extreme significant loss in

agriculture production which can be potential problems to production in the long-run because

agriculturist would be ineffective in carrying out their expected roles for sustaining or enhancing

human life. But, despite these unpredictable circumstances, agriculture in fact, as specified by all

(100%) respondents in figure 1, agriculture is however, still a viable economic avenue for

sustainability and growth to local agriculturists.

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 Discussion of Findings

From the information gathered, the researcher was able to document that agriculturists of Louis

D’or/Delaford are solely affected by climate change. In fact, their agricultural practices are quite

significant where climate change is related. Agriculture and climate change are interrelated

processes that exist mutually making it harder to reduce one without affecting the other.

Agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures eventually reduce

yields of desirable crops while encouraging weed and pest spread. Changes in precipitation

patterns increase the likelihood of short-run crop failures and long-run production declines. The

effects of climate change is felt daily, especially by farmers, but very few solutions have been

utilized to address these catastrophic threats to production. Some farmers practised reducing

tillage, expanding crop rotations and planting cover crops which have proven to reduce

agriculture's own footprint as well as capture the excess carbon generated by other industries.

This captured carbon is then converted into plant material and/or soil organic matter, improving

soil health and increasing the ability to produce food on the land in the future. This is according

to the data received from the questionnaires.

Many might know that, the backbone of a stable nation, socially and politically, is agriculture.

Agriculture is the largest sector that provides a nation with food and employment. According to

Ms. Verita Wight who is a profound Agricultural officer and a practical farmer, Agriculture is

currently being affected by climate change and at the same time it is also a contributor to climate

change. Also, as mentioned by Mrs. Beharry Agriculture contributes to climate change through

their output of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints. These are caused by the

activities that agriculturists engages with such as breeding of livestock, ploughing of fields,

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deforestation, and the use of pesticides and other agrochemicals. Climate change is affecting

agriculture by interfering with the efficiency of crop production. Agriculture is facing droughts,

flooding, sea level elevations, natural disasters, and health hazards for employees. All of these

exponents lead to crop failure that creates famines and food prices to rise. Moreover, she implies

that the climatic particularities nowadays are not the same as they were before. Analysing how

climate change affects agriculture, agriculturalists have to adopt methods they have never

previously tried. The impact of climate change on agriculture forces farmers to constantly adjust

to abnormal or atypical weather like when expecting hot sun to shine it rains nonstop, or vice

versa, when expecting rainfall, the sun is out. Another impact of climate change on agriculture is

the atypical lack of rainfalls that brings the necessity of manmade irrigation in the regions where

it was done solely by nature before. Quite the opposite impact on agriculture due to climate

change is excessive moisture, too. Plants are sensitive to floods as much as to droughts and

perish both ways. High temperatures increase pest infestations involving higher insecticide

applications and require more water resources. Under severe conditions agriculture turns to a

very challenging business.

The information received from the secondary sources however, counteract this view. As they

have clearly indicated that the relationship between climate change and agricultural production is

more complex than previously thought. However, one must understand that while climate change

is indeed, affecting agricultural production in the Caribbean, the decline is not solely caused by

climate change. Instead, the study in a book titled “Sustaining the unsustainable” argues that

other factors, such as land degradation, soil erosion, and unsustainable farming practices, also

play a significant role in the decline of agricultural production in the Caribbean (Buttel, 2006).

Furthermore, the researcher has been able to interpret that the agriculture practices of local

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agriculturist of Louis D’or/Delaford does in fact, cause climate change which then affects

agricultural production.

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 Conclusion

Human activity is the main culprit of the unimpeded growth of greenhouse gas emissions that

raises the earth's temperature. Climate change and natural hazards pose key threats to agricultural

production. The main challenges from climate change include droughts, temperature increase,

lower precipitation, as well as shifting agricultural seasonality which lengthen the growing

season or allow different crops to be grown, it also make agricultural practices more difficult.

Agriculture is very sensitive to weather and climate. It also relies heavily on land, water, and

other natural resources that climate affects. The effects of climate change on agriculture will

depend on the rate and severity of the change, as well as the degree to which farmers can adapt.

Likewise, the Louis D’or/Delaford agriculturists already have many practices in place to adapt to

a changing climate, including crop rotation and integrated pest management. Moreover,

Agriculture truly serves as an interrelated part that contributes to sustainability and economic

growth. If the agricultural sector however fails to carry out its function in contributing to food

supply, providing economic as well as environmental impacts, the overall impacts of climate

change on agriculture are expected to be negative, threatening global food security.

However, the research was successful as the hypothesis “The Effects of Climate Change on

Agricultural Production within the village of Louis Dor/Delaford, Tobago” was effectively

tested. As well as the fact that all research questions were successfully answered.

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 Limitations

1. With regards to the structured interviews, the individuals who was interviewed to

help discuss aspects of the research was unable to meet due to time constraint and

location. It was understood that the researchers had to reschedule the date to meet

because it was not suitable enough to fit on to the individuals busy work schedule.

Given the problem with the location and time constraints for these individuals, the

researchers resorted to using technology to continue the discussion via Zoom and

Whatsapp call.

2. In other words, the other problems encountered with the overall process was of time

constraints of distributing and collecting questionnaires to persons throughout

Delaford/Louis D’or there was incomplete and non-received questionnaires. It was

not expected that out of the twenty (20) questionnaires distributed, seven (7) was not

returned while two (5) was incomplete.

3. The data collection method of structured interview was supported with only open-

ended questions which each individual had a vast amount of information to offer.

There requiring a lot of summarizing which resulted in a setback in the estimated time

to get the research project done.

4.

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 Recommendation

Climate Change Tips

1. Efficient Irrigation Management – Conserving water use is vital to any farm, particularly
in times of drought. But given that the majority of energy use on farms is from
groundwater pumping, irrigation efficiency is also key to reducing fossil fuel
consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Water- and climate-wise farmers can
use an arsenal of methods to save water and reduce energy consumption such as using
drip irrigation, planting cover crops, dry farming, and more.
2. Renewable Energy – Maximizing energy efficiency and shifting away from fossil fuels
are important steps that farms can take to reduce their climate footprint. This can include
on-farm renewable energy production such as solar panels and wind turbines, minimizing
use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides, and reducing dependence on fossil fuel
inputs for farming, storage, and transportation of crops.
3. Organic Practices – Since the middle of the twentieth century, the industrialization of
agriculture has led to widespread dependence on petroleum-based pesticides, herbicides,
and fertilizers in conventional farming. Organic farming prohibits most synthetic inputs,
which means reduced GHG emissions, as well as cleaner soil, water, and food.
Furthermore, organic and sustainable techniques bring additional benefits for farmers,
such as increased soil health and fertility, which leads to additional climate-friendly
benefits.
4. Increasing Soil Health – A major set of sustainable practices that shows great potential
for mitigating and even helping to reverse the effects of climate change is carbon
farming. Through photosynthesis, plants serve as carbon sinks to draw CO2 out of the
atmosphere. About 40% of that carbon then gets deposited into the soil, where it feeds
microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. Those creatures, in return,
give mineral nutrients to the plants, providing a natural fertilizer. Farms can support this
process of carbon sequestration by increasing plant matter and building soil fertility
through practices such as compost application, planting cover crops, and reduced or no-
till cultivation

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 5. Keeping Agriculture Green – Land management practices such as reforesting rangelands,
restoring riparian zones, and planting hedgerows and other perennial plants serve many
benefits, such as providing shelter for wildlife, beautifying farms, and attracting
beneficial insects for pollination and natural pest control. On the climate front, trees,
shrubs, and other woody vegetation also store carbon in their biomass, protect the soil
from erosion, and conserve water.
6. Reducing Livestock Methane Emissions – Through anaerobic decomposition, manure
lagoons on industrial dairy and cattle farms (concentrated animal feeding operations, or
CAFOs) create harmful emissions and pollute water supply. Holistic pasture-based
livestock management through practices like rotational grazing can help to mitigate this
impact, since grasses provide high-quality forage that is better for cattle’s digestion,
while their hooves break up soil and manure as they move through rangelands helps to
fertilize the soil.
7. Pasture-Based Livestock Management – Over half of California’s land is rangeland,
which holds great potential for carbon sequestration. This all contributes to soil health
and microbial life, while helping perennial grasses grow and storing water in the soil.
8. Protecting Farmland – Due to development pressures a loss in acres of farm land occurs.
This is bad news for not only our food supply, but also the climate, given the potential for
sustainably managed farm and rangeland to sequester carbon and reduce GHG emissions.
Farmland conservation also preserves local food sources, protects wildlife habitat, and
promotes biodiversity, among other climate-friendly impacts.
9. Supporting Farmers Markets and Local Food – All this shipping uses fossil fuels and
other natural resources, and generates GHG emissions. When farmers sell directly at the
farmers market or through other local distribution channels, food is transported shorter
distances, conserving those resources. Supporting local farmers at the farmers market
keeps farming viable, so that farmers can stay on their land and be successful growing
food that sustains us while caring for the earth.
10. Pushing for Climate-Friendly Policies – There are many ways to support climate-friendly
farming on the ground, but reducing the damage of climate change and building climate
resilience will require major policy changes. Climate-smart agricultural policies,
including incentives, technical assistance, and research to support farmland conservation,

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 healthy soils, water stewardship, renewable energy, and other practices. However, if
citizens stand with climate-wise agriculturists, this can protect their future by urging their
legislators to take action now.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

1. Rotating crops and embracing diversity - Planting a variety of crops can have many
benefits, including healthier soil and improved pest control. Crop diversity practices
include intercropping (growing a mix of crops in the same area) and complex multiyear
crop rotations.
2. Planting cover crops and perennials – Cover crops such as clover, rye, or hairy vetch are
planted during off-season times when soils might otherwise be left bare, while perennial
crops keep soil covered and maintain living roots in the ground year-round. These crops
protect and build soil health by preventing soil erosion, replenishing soil nutrients, and
keeping weeds in check to retain soil erosion, expenses reduction for the need for
fertilizers and herbicides.
3. Reducing or eliminating tillage – Traditional plowing (tillage) prepares fields for planting
and prevents weed problems but can cause soil loss. No-till or reduced-till methods,
which involve inserting seeds directly into undisturbed soil, can reduce erosion and
improve soil health. Since planters or drillers incorporate seeds immediately after
digging, no-till prevents soil compaction, minimizes operation time and fossil emissions,
contributing to economic and ecological stability.
4. Applying integrated pest management – A range of methods, including mechanical and
biological controls, can be applied systematically to keep pest populations under control
while minimizing use of chemical pesticides. The role of IPM in sustainable agriculture is
to minimize harm for humans and non-target species as well as nature in general.
5. Integrating livestock and crops – Industrial agriculture tends to keep plant and animal
production separate, with animals living far from the areas where their feed is produced,
and crops growing far away from abundant manure fertilizers. A growing body of
evidence shows that a smart integration of crop and animal production can make farms
more efficient and profitable.

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 6. Adopting agroforestry practices – By mixing trees or shrubs into their operations, farmers
can provide shade and shelter that protect plants, animals, and water resources, while also
potentially offering additional income from fruit or nut crops.
7. Managing whole systems and landscapes –Sustainable farms treat uncultivated or less
intensively cultivated areas as integral to the farm. For example, natural vegetation
alongside streams, or strips of prairie plants within or around crop fields, can help control
erosion, reduce nutrient runoff, and support bees and other pollinators and biodiversity in
general.
8. Irrigation Techniques – Crop production greatly relies on irrigation involving a
tremendous use of aquatic and energetical resources. Sustainability aims to support plant
hydration needs yet optimize water and energy consumption. Sustainable water use in
agriculture is carried out through planting less-water-consuming crop species and
implementing smart irrigation techniques. In particular, drip vs. furrow (flood) irrigation
requires 20-40% less water while getting 20-50% more crops
9. Integrated Weed Management – Sustainable weed control strategies aim to preserve
natural resources by avoiding chemicals and introducing nature-friendly practices. These
imply using more resilient crop types, cover crops, insects and birds to destroy weeds,
manual and mechanical weeding, allelopathic plants, crop rotation, and other organic
farming measures of control.
10. Permaculture Technique – Permaculture imitates naturally established ecosystems with
their diversity, stability, and harmony. The technique promotes sustainability by reducing
waste, using replenishable sources, tackling pollution, and improving soil fertility in
nature-friendly ways.

Other Sustainable Agriculture Methods

polyculture,

biodynamic and organic farming,

sustainable agriculture intercropping,

mulching,

using biofuels and zero-emissions transport,

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urban agriculture, etc.

The choice of sustainable agriculture activities depends on the crop type and farm specifics. Still,
the best practice is holistic management of the whole systems and landscapes, where all elements
are interconnected and equally valued.

Appendix

Lucy Vale,
Speyside,
Tobago.
27/02/2022

Dear Participant,
The purpose of this questionnaire is to assist with our understanding of the proposed topic of
investigation being the “The Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Production within
Delaford, Tobago.” The group consisting of the following students namely; Brandan George,
Kelson Kirk, Reanna Ollivierre & Shenicia Sergeant. We are industrious students of Upper Six
attached to the Speyside High School. This interview is critical for the successful completion of
our CAPE CARIBBEAN STUDIES Internal Assessment portfolio. In order to make this
investigation a success, your voluntary participation in this structured interview will assist in data
collection for the proposed topic.
We are conducting research, on the impact of climate change upon agricultural production
specifically within the village of Delaford/ Louis Dor’. The study also seeks to investigate if
traditional agricultural practices can boost the productivity level of modern-day farmers. In this
interview, questions pertaining to agricultural production, natural disasters and
sustainability will be asked. This research seeks to raise awareness on the importance of
sustainable agricultural practices. Resultantly, findings will be shared to relevant authorities
inclusive of the Divisions of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as well as the Ministry of Planning
and Development since this critical information would be relevant in resolving issues which
plague the agricultural sector.
Your participation in this research is completely voluntary. Yet, in order to make this a
success, we will kindly need your participant and dedication into answering a few questions that
should take less than twenty (20) minutes of your time. However, please try to answer all the
questions ask, to the best of your ability and complete the following questions honestly and
truthfully. All information gathered would be kept confidential. We thank you in advance for

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 your kind cooperation, your assistance will be greatly appreciated towards the complement of
this endeavour.
Respectfully,
Brandon/Kelson/Reanna/Shenicia

Questionnaire Questions
INSTRUCTIONS: Read each of the following questions carefully. Tick a box to select your
answer or write a short response where necessary.

Age Range: 18-29 [ ] 30-49 [ ] 50-69 [ ] 70-89 [ ] 90 & over [ ]

Gender: Male [ ] Female [ ] Village: __________________________________

Marital Status: Single [ ] Married [ ] Divorce [ ] Widow [ ] Others: ____________________

Profession: _________________________ Household size: _____________________________

Household income $500-$3000 [ ] $6000-$10,000 [ ] $11,000-$20,000 [ ] $21,000 [ ]

(per month):

Agriculture production

1. What is agricultural production?

2. In your opinion, is agriculture a viable economic avenue for sustainability and growth for
the local farmers?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

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 3. How long have you been in agriculture?

6 months – 1 year [ ] 1 year – 2 years [ ] 2 years – 5 years [ ]

5 years – 10 years [ ] 10 years – 20 years [ ] 20+ years [ ]

4. Can you tell us about your contribution to the agricultural sector within Trinidad and
Tobago?

5. What are the primary crops grown in your farm?

6. What factors mainly affect agricultural production on your farm?

Nutrients [ ] Climate [ ] Water availability [ ] Pest and Diseases [ ]

7. How would you describe the average yield per acre in the past and present?

8. Have you seen a change in the yield produced in the past years as compared to recent
years?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Climate change

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 9. Please explain the difference between climate change and natural disasters.

10. How prevalent is climate change within the village of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

Not Prevalent [ ] Prevalent [ ] Slightly Prevalent [ ] Very Prevalent [ ]

11. Do you believe climate change affects the agricultural output of local farmers?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

12. What do you think are the main causes of climate change?

Consuming too much [ ] Cutting down forests [ ] Producing food [ ]

Using transportation [ ] Manufacturing goods [ ] Generating power [ ]
All of the above [ ]

13. What do you think are the main effects of climate change?

Hotter temperature [ ] Increased droughts [ ] Not enough food [ ]

More serve storms [ ] A warming, rising ocean [ ] Loss of species [ ]
More health risk [ ] Poverty and displacement [ ] All of the above [ ]

14. In your opinion, what can individuals in the society do to prevent climate change?

Renewable energies [ ] Reduce/Reuse/Recycle [ ] Sustainable transportation [ ]

Waste Management [ ] Ocean preservation [ ] Air pollution prevention [ ]
All of the above [ ]

Effects

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 15. Have you noticed any long-term shifts in temperature on your farm? If yes, warmer or
cooler?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

16. Have you noticed any long-term shifts in precipitation on your farm? If yes, drier or
wetter?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

17. How has climate change affected the agricultural production of farmers within the village
of Louis D’or/ Delaford?

18. Have you experienced any significant loss in agriculture production due to climate
change/natural disasters in recent years?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

19. Can you provide an estimate of the percentage of crops lost due to climate change/natural
disasters in the past 3 years?

5% – 10% [ ] 10% – 15% [ ] 15% – 25% [ ]

25% – 35% [ ] 35% – 45% [ ] 50%+ [ ]

Mitigate

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 20. Have you adopted any climate-resilient agricultural practices?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

21. What are the biggest challenges you face in adapting to the changing climate?

Increased Expenses [ ] Increased Natural Disaster [ ] Low Soil Fertility [ ]

Others: ___________________________________________________________

22. What methods have you used to mitigate the effects of climate change/natural disasters
on your agricultural production?

23. How effective have these practices been in reducing crop loss due to natural disasters?

Not Effective [ ] Effective [ ]

Slightly Effective [ ] Very Effective [ ]

24. Are you able to make ends meet with these current agricultural practices and yield?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Others

25. Have you received any support from the government or other organizations in improving
your agricultural production and reducing the impact of climate change?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

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 THE END!
Thank you for Participating.

64 | P a g e
 Structured Interview Questions

1. Can you tell us about your contribution to the agricultural sector within Trinidad and
Tobago?

2. In your own words, kindly define climate change.

3. Do you believe climate change affects the agricultural output of local farmers? Kindly
provide relevant examples.

4. Please explain the difference between climate change and natural disasters.

5. Do you believe that natural disasters affect the production rate of farmers within the
community of Delaford, Tobago?

6. In your opinion, is agriculture a viable economic avenue for sustainability and growth for
the local farmer?

7. What preventative steps would you give to local farmers to adapt in order to combat the
effects of climate change?

8. What advice would you give to interested agriculturalists to mitigate against the effects of
natural disasters?

9. In your opinion, what is the most difficult challenge faced by financial institutions such
as the Agricultural Development Bank in ensuring that local farmers have the best quality
of produce for marketing?

10. Do your organisation offer educational support for farmers within Louis Dor’/Delaford,
Tobago to raise awareness on the impact of climate change?

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 Bibliography

Buttel, F. H. (2006). Sustaining the unsustainable: agro-food systems and environment in

the modern world. Handbook of rural studies, 213-229.

Frank Gumbs. (1981). Agriculture in the Wider Caribbean. Ambio, 10(6), 335–339.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/4312731

IICA (2018). Climate change and its impact on agriculture in the Caribbean. Inter-

American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture: https://www.iica.int/en/press/news/path-

towards-sustainable-agricultural-practices-latin-america-and-caribbean

Mustapha, Nasser. (2018). Sociology for Caribbean Students. Kingston: Jamaica, Carlong

Publishers (Caribbean) Limited

Myers, S.S.; Smith, M.R.; Guth, S.; Golden, C.D.; Vaitla, B.; Mueller, N.D.; Dangour,

A.D.; Huybers, P.; (2017) [Accepted Manuscript] Climate Change and Global Food Systems:

Potential Impacts on Food Security and Undernutrition. Annual review of public health. ISSN

0163-7525 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031816-044356 (In Press)

WatchJIS. (2013, August 22). Climate Change & Its Impact on Jamaican Farmers.

Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Qu_e-Bis8&t=168s

Williams, L. (2021, March 16). Crops destroyed in penal floods, farmers call for

compensation - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday: https://newsday.co.tt/2021/03/15/crops-

destroyed-in-penal-floods-farmers-call-for-compensation/

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