Here we are together again to exchange experiences and to use each other’s knowledge and ideas to drive agriculture forward in the Region.
People ask me if I think that agriculture is moving fast enough what I think of the progress that has been made in relation to the 25X25, and my answer has been that a lot of effort and a lot of progress has been made and much of it has been in re-setting the foundation for a more efficient, productive and sustainable sector, and that my expectation is that the “ visible” advances will accelerate in the next five years.
I hope that time proves me right. For sure, we have to keep our foot heavily on the gas.
In this pressing context, with all of us being swamped with work, why do we keep coming back to CWA?
One answer for me is “where else could I find all of the key players all in one place?” I certainly will be stalking Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, SG Barnett, and other colleagues from the CARICOM Secretariat leadership, and collaborators from partner agencies. So watch out!
But we are not here only to focus on our own interests. We are here to listen and learn from each other and to support the collective. We are here to put our energy behind the advance that we are collectively seeking, and to be held to account for how we have or have not supported that movement forward.
I think back to the 18th Session of CWA and I see continuity and progress. For example:
- We participated in a session on promoting private investment in agriculture. We and other key actors have acted on the shared lessons and experiences, and the collective effort has led to a new fund that is operational and has started to mobilise private capital for investment. There will be a session on Tuesday morning to reflect on the gains and prepare to expand on these.
- Last year’s discussions on “Youth engagement in Agriculture” have also evolved. There is a session later today on LAFP as part of the youth strategy rollout. Additionally, four countries have come together to leverage GEF funding for advancing the CARICOM Youth in Agriculture Policy.
- Mariculture – Our proposal, during the last CWA, to launch mariculture pilots, was met with great interest, and I am pleased to say that mariculture cages are now in the water in Jamaica and will soon be filled with fish. We are also well on the way in St Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia.
- In line with what was discussed in the Climate Smart Agriculture session last year, several countries are now using soil scanners, digital sensors and fertiliser programmes
- At the last session of CWA, we stated that we had supported several countries to be ready to implement a national agricultural census. Since then, three countries have completed their censuses and two others are close behind
This continuity is important. CWA is a check-in point where we share ideas, get feedback and plan forward, but then we really have to move forward.
CWA is more valuable when we can count on what we hear and use this information in our own planning.
As useful a gathering as CWA already is, I believe that it could become even more so. I look forward to more consolidation of sessions to enable holistic discussion of the vexing issues that are hindering inclusive and sustainable sector development.
I would like to see CWA as a think-tank that offers insights that truly influence the Caribbean’s path forward.
I wish us an insightful week.
CWA is much more than an excellent opportunity to network. And it can be even more influential in developing the guidance that takes the Region forward together.
I look forward to even more consolidation of sessions to enable holistic discussion of the vexing issues.
