Agriculture and Fisheries Census Pilot Training

Pilot Training Launches for Supervisors Ahead of 2025 Agriculture and Fisheries Census: Aiming for Accurate Data Collection to Boost National Sectors 

A week-long pilot training session for supervisors involved in the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Census kicked off this week, aimed at equipping participants with the skills necessary to utilize a newly introduced tablet system known as Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) questionnaires. The census, scheduled for January 2025, seeks to gather crucial data from local farmers and fishermen to enhance the quality and standard of the agricultural and fisheries sectors across the nation.

The pilot training focuses on various aspects of the census process, including a comprehensive review of the work plan, implementation strategies, logistics, and resource requirements. Participants in the training will learn how to effectively interview farmers and fishermen, ensuring the data collected is both accurate and reliable. This initiative will also serve as a platform for assessing the competencies of potential field coordinators and supervisors.

Approximately five field coordinators and thirty supervisors are expected to be appointed for the full census, highlighting the importance of robust training to ensure a smooth and effective data collection process. The pilot will also help in double-checking logistics and resource allocations, which are vital for the success of the larger census initiative.

Agriculture and Fisheries Census Coordinator, Rufina Paul, emphasizes the value of the pilot program in supplying the necessary experience and practical training for all supervisory staff members for January 2025.

“I must emphasize that the pilot census is an excellent opportunity to provide on the job training for all supervisory staff, field coordinators, and supervisors will be entrusted with the supervision of the fieldwork of approximately or estimated 200 numerators in January and these persons come with different backgrounds different dispositions so it is important that the pilot training does not underestimate the value of becoming very much engaged in understanding what the requirements as far as implementing the census and being part of the supervisor stuff which is going to manage the field operations when we come to january. ” 

The feedback and outcomes from this pilot training will directly inform the final plans for the full census, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the agricultural and fisheries sectors through evidence-based decision-making. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Barrymore Felicien, outlines the responsibilities of the Saint Lucia CAF and highlights the value of the data in shaping agricultural and fisheries policy in the future.

“The Saint Lucia CAF 2024 will capture information on farms and fisheries and is designed to take a snapshot of the Agriculture and fisheries landscape as of this year. The data to be collected in this census will serve as important information to formulate policies, plans, and programs for socioeconomic development is not only agricultural and fisheries, but more importantly, the country as a whole. This pilot provides a tremendous opportunity to test the survey instrument to ensure that it is fit for purpose.”

As the training progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential impact this census could have on the agricultural and fisheries sectors in Saint Lucia, setting the stage for sustainable development and enhanced productivity in these critical areas of the economy.