Carriacou - A reconnaisance survey
1985
Buckmire, K.U. | Chase, V.M. | Hammerton, J.L. | Rao, M.M. (Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute)
Carriacou, with an estimated population of 7,000 is the largest of the Grenadines. None of Carriacou soils are suitable for cultivation on slopes of 10 percent or more, yet cultivation has been and continues to be carried out on much steeper slopes with little use of anti-erosion measures. A reconnaisance survey was carried out to obtain information on the farming systems of Carriacou to inform the planning of a farming systems research and development programme on farm and supportive research activities. A typical farming system in Carriacou is a simple one with two distinct components: a cropping system which is maintained primarily for the consumption of the farm household and a livestock system which is maintained primarily for sale. The predominant cropping system is a corn and pigeon pea system, there may or may not be other components. Such as sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, peanuts, curcurbits and okra. These subsidiary intercrops are often planted sporadically over the fields often at low densities. Small plots of bananas, plantains and other tree crops are grown in yards, along pastures or along fence lines. Only a few farmers cultivate vegetables for sale in the local market. The livestock system is divided into two components: poultry and swine which are reared for home consumption and for sale within Carriacou and ruminants which are reared for export to Grenada and Trinidad. Constraints to increased production include unavailability of inputs, especially pesticides and fertilizers, lack of processing facility, soil erosion, lack of water conservation measures, dependence on manual labour and lack of proper marketing facilities.
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