Growing interest in farming: BAMSI benefitting Long Island
Long Island farmers and residents are reaping the benefits of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) extension services, which have brought critical support and new opportunities to the island’s agricultural sector.
“This year, I have seen more farmers investing their time and energy into farming. More younger persons want to get involved,” David Adderley, BAMSI’s extension officer in Long Island, said. The growing interest in farming reflects a renewed focus on agriculture as a viable livelihood, bolstered by BAMSI’s hands-on initiatives and community outreach programs.
In 2024, BAMSI launched several impactful programs and participated in a number of important events in Long Island, including breaking ground for a research and training facility, participating in Mutton Fest, regular farm and school visits, and a summer program hosted in partnership with the Long Island Museum. Seedling production was another major focus, with BAMSI providing farmers with healthy seedlings and technical guidance.
“Farmers have benefited from access to healthy seedlings but are looking forward to having access to fruit trees and animals,” Mr. Adderley, who is a 2016 graduate of BAMSI’s associate degree program in agriculture, said. While farmers appreciate BAMSI’s efforts, they also emphasised the need for the Institute to “keep its promises” and continue delivering tangible support.
However, challenges remain for the island’s farmers. Limited tools and resources, manual irrigation, and pest and disease issues have posed difficulties. These were addressed through the use of pesticides and resourceful problem-solving, but more support is needed in 2025.
As in other Family Island communities, BAMSI’s seedlings programme has been a notable success with enthusiastic participation from farmers and residents. “The results from others who participated before have driven growth in community participation,” Mr Adderley explained.
Other highlights for the Long Island extension office include the involvement of young people through summer camp activities, where children learned about plant and animal care and participated in a seedling competition.
Looking ahead, BAMSI aims to expand its seedling production and encourage more young people to pursue farming as a career. School visits will continue to be a priority, introducing students to the opportunities available at BAMSI College after high school.
Additionally, Mr. Adderley plans to focus on climate-smart practices, such as helping farmers adopt drought-resistant crops and diversify their income through agritourism and alternative crops. Virtual training sessions and webinars are also on the horizon, aimed at making extension services more accessible and effective.
Other exciting initiatives include a farm-to-school program that will connect local farmers with schools to supply fresh produce for meals, and the establishment of a greenhouse at a local school, with technical support from BAMSI.
Regular feedback from farmers and social media updates will play a vital role in strengthening BAMSI’s connection with the Long Island community. “Gatherings and visits” will be a key strategy to identify areas for improvement in programs like the seedlings initiative.
For Mr Adderley, the motivation behind his work is simple yet profound: “Helping my island out with the knowledge, advice and seedlings, and seeing good results motivates me.”
Reflecting on 2024, Mr Adderley noted that communication challenges and unexpected weather conditions impacted BAMSI’s outreach. As BAMSI moves into 2025, improving communication strategies and preparing for unforeseen events will be central to the Institute’s approach.
With a vision to empower farmers, engage the next generation, and expand its reach, BAMSI’s extension services are set to continue making a meaningful impact on Long Island and beyond.
For more information on BAMSI’s extension services in Long Island, email info@bamsibahamas.edu.bs visit www.bamsibahamas.edu.bs and follow us on social media.
