INTRODUCTION
Jesse Houston is Grenada’s sustainable living farmer. Jessie grew up in a farming family and as a young man, he often helped other community farmers. Now 31 years old, he lives in Conference, St. Andrew with his wife, son, and elderly grand uncle.
UKaid SUPPORT
SkYE is partnering with the St. Andrew’s Development Organization (SADO) Training Centre to deliver training in general Crop Production. Jessie has successfully completed a CVQ Level II in Crop Production under this training programme. Through the UKaid funded programme at SADO, Jesse was able to transition to a fully organic farm and expanded operations to include Seamoss Farming and processing of cassava into by-products such as Cassava Flour. Jessie established his farm as a business named ‘The Island Farm’ catering to a niche market for premium healthy products for both consumption and farming.
LIFE NOW vs THEN
Jesse at work on his farm
Jesse was introduced to the SkYE-sponsored training by a family friend in a neighbouring village where he was conducting a self-help training in Apiculture. While having previous knowledge about farming, Jesse referred to his training experience at SADO as transformative. The Life Skills training has helped improved his interpersonal skills and professionalism, “Now I have an employment letter for all employees, first aid kits on site, salaries are paid in envelopes and are confidential, farm operation is guided by weekly workplan and some daily tasks are scheduled by time (sunlight) for efficient use of resources,” Jesse beamed with pride. He took the role of “ice breaker guy” to bring good energy and reduce anxiety during class. Moreover, he supported other trainees’ learning given his prior knowledge in farming.
When asked about the transformation of his business, Jessie claimed, “The training added value to the transition process such as making bio-nutrients, handling, usage and storage of bio-solution, adopting permaculture methods and managing weeds without harming the soil and plant. It wasn’t easy; it was a gradual process. Since Grenada has a high incidence of predial larceny so an energy efficient micro camera and bees were introduced as alternative security measures. Additionally, some of my improved product offerings post-training are (1) farming Seamoss in 14 different methods based on consumption need, (2) exporting of Cassava Flour and (3) establishing aquaponics on the farm”.
Jessie stated excitedly, “I will recommend this training to anyone who is interested and loves farming. It is my intention to establish an institute for sustainable farming from ridge to reef. I am keen in experimenting with alternate and safe methods of farming because I believe in continuous learning. I premise this motivation on trust in God, humility and performing to the highest standard”.
COMMUNITY AND WIDER CONTEXT
The Government of Grenada has established several concessional financing mechanisms to support farming but especially youth farming. Agriculture is one of the priority sectors of the economy yet still, the food import bill is extremely high. This UKaid funded initiative under SkYE supports government policy and programming in contributing to climate resilient food security.
FACTS
Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) is a four-year, UKaid funded programme to provide certified skills training for 6,000 disadvantaged young people, including those challenged by disability, in four Eastern Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Programme will develop a more productive and inclusive workforce in sectors with good economic growth potential.
SkYE is supporting national training authorities and training providers to make systemic improvements to the development, delivery and quality assurance of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) in the four focus islands through targeted capacity building.
