A groundbreaking collaboration between the Government of Argentina and Caribbean nations launches the Triangular Project, aiming to revolutionize water and soil resource management for sustainable agro-food systems amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering regional cooperation and resilience against climate change.

The Triangular Project, aimed at strengthening water and soil resource management for the sustainability of agro-food systems in Caribbean countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, has kicked off with its mission in St. Lucia. This collaborative initiative is led by the Government of Argentina, in partnership with the Argentine Agency for International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid White Helmets, the Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), along with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

The project focuses on facilitating cooperation between Argentina and Caribbean nations to provide technical support for enhancing agricultural practices and improving water and soil management. It aims to fortify the region’s capacity for sustainable farming methods.

As part of the project, Caribbean focal points were actively engaged in identifying demonstration plot installations that exemplify effective soil and water management practices. According to Representative of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) Juan Pablo Zamora Gomez,  by establishing this enhanced capacity, the project sets the stage for future interventions that will further reinforce sustainable agricultural practices and bolster resilience to climate change in Caribbean countries.

The project team alongside ministry officials also visited the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to gain valuable insights into the development of the demonstrative plot and observe firsthand the progress made in sustainable land and water management practices.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Barrymore Felicien says this project stands as a prime example of effective cooperation between stakeholders, pooling resources to strengthen water and soil management capacity in the Caribbean region.

 “The resurgence of this project since 2022 has meaning on the technical support services that our extension services will be providing since we are also partnering with Sir Arthur Lewis. We look at demonstration plots, looking at good agricultural practices, and ensuring that knowledge can be transferred to our farmers and that it can reach our households.”

The ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with Triangular Project to reinforce water and soil resource management for sustainable agro-food systems in the Caribbean reflects the unwavering dedication of the ministry and its international partners in supporting Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector to improve livelihood and ensure food security.