IBSA Fund Annual Report- SAINT LUCIA

Partners

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives; FAO Saint Lucia

Overview

This project helped to increase the production and commercialization of quality livestock products through the establishment of infrastructure and the introduction of relevant technologies and support systems. The Beausejour Agricultural Station (BAS) was established as a national centre of excellence for demonstrating technologies and best practices in livestock production and management. The project also has strengthened the technical and managerial capacities of livestock farmers organizations, extension officers and veterinarians.

Key Achievements

• 4,000 high-protein forage species were propagated and distributed for the establishment of forage banks on 50 small ruminant and cattle farms island-wide to supplement the nutrition of their animals and hence their productivity. 
• A Livestock Policy and Strategy document, which would guide the development of the sector for at least the next ten years, was formulated. 
• The Beausejour Agricultural Station (BAS) was established as a national centre of excellence, with training, management and agricultural extension and research facilities.
• 40 small ruminant farmers, 44 broiler and layer farmers and 29 swine farmers participated in the farmer field school training modules and received certificates.
• 15 livestock extension officers and 40 farmers participated in a one-week training workshop on small ruminant breeding and reproduction as well as the best management practices for livestock production, led by an expert from Jamaica.

Challenges

• Owing to the Government decision to relocate the project site, the construction of the BAS was delayed. A new project work plan and budget had to be developed in mid-2017.
• Delays in procurement that were beyond the control of the project team also contributed to the delay of some activities. A project no-cost extension was required to complete the full implementation of all planned activities.