By Brent Simon
The FAO technical mission under TCP/ANT/4001 (D): Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production officially wrapped up on Friday, following six days of focused field work and sector engagement aimed at strengthening protected agriculture across Antigua and Barbuda.
Led by Dr. Omardath Maharaj/ Agri-Business Finance Specialist, the mission worked alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy (MALFBE) and the Department of Environment, to evaluate production systems, improve water-use efficiency, and guide future investment plans.
Throughout the week, the technical team assessed six protected-crop farms, examining water management, infrastructure performance, production cycles, and operational constraints.
These assessments provided the data foundation for five upcoming business case models that will support national decision-making and strengthen the financial viability of protected-crop production.
A half-day training session brought together extension officers, technical staff, and farmers for practical guidance on record-keeping, financial literacy, and data-driven decision-making.
Participants welcomed the emphasis on improving farm management and profitability, noting the value of more structured support in this area.
The mission also included consultations with farmers and sector agencies to gather insights on challenges and opportunities within protected agriculture.
On Friday, representatives including Mr. Gregory Bailey / Director of Ageiculture, Dr. Omardath Maharaj / Agri – Business Finance Specialist, Permanent Assistant Secretary Mrs. Denise Matthias-Thomas, Mr. Ika Fergus / Senior Extension Officer, Mr. Adrian Bowen / Extension Officer, and Mr. Brent Georges / FAO Focal Point, met for a final debriefing session. Dr. Maharaj presented preliminary findings, outlined emerging recommendations, and discussed the next steps toward the full mission report.
By the end of the week, the mission had delivered:
Completed data sets from six protected-crop farms
A half-day training session
A formal debriefing with national partners
An outline for the final mission report
Positioning Agriculture for the Future
With the mission now completed, Antigua and Barbuda has a stronger platform for improving water management, boosting climate resilience, and refining investment strategies within a protected agriculture sector.
The results from last week’s work will assist to form a national policy, guide financing decisions, and support farmers as they adapt to changing climate and market/economic realities.
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