New Training and Grant Initiative Supports Farmers, Sustainable Land Use and Food Production
A coordinated national effort to strengthen land management, expand domestic food production and build climate resilience advanced on Feb. 26 with the launch of the Integrated Land Management (ILM) Training Series and Grant Programme at Crypto Isle on East Bay Street.
The seven-island pilot initiative pairs technical agricultural training jointly designed and delivered by the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) with grant funding administered through the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB). BDB officials said the funding component is designed to work in tandem with structured training to improve project readiness and long-term viability while providing schools, farmers and agribusinesses with financial support to modernize operations and strengthen sustainability
The pilot programme will launch in New Providence on Wednesday, marking the start of a national series designed to combine technical instruction with practical guidance on sustainable land management. A second course will be held in New Providence in late March before the training initiative moves to Andros in April. Sessions will be conducted live on-island, via zoom and recorded to broaden access across the country. Farmers, agribusiness operators and individuals interested in entering the agricultural sector are encouraged to participate.
BAMSI President Dr. Raveenia Roberts-Hanna welcomed the initiative, noting that the institute remains committed to advancing national development through education, research and practical agricultural training. She said BAMSI is proud to support initiatives that strengthen leadership, build capacity and empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to the country’s agricultural future. Dr Hanna described the ILM National Project as a collaborative effort grounded in vision, growth and shared impact, adding that the Institute looks forward to the long-term benefits the programme can produce for both institutions and the nation.
As a principal technical partner, BAMSI will play a central role in delivering the Suite of 10 Sustainable Land Management training courses over the next six months in collaboration with CARDI and other project partners. Zakita Bethel, project consultant with BAMSI, outlined the structure and scope of the programme, which will be rolled out across Abaco, Andros, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Long Island and New Providence. If successful, the pilot initiative is expected to expand to additional islands.
Ms. Bethel noted that the curriculum will cover regenerative soil fertility management, integrated pest and disease management, water and irrigation systems, animal nutrition and feed development, livestock productivity and broader climate-smart agricultural practices.
Representatives from partner agencies were also on hand to deliver remarks and outline their respective roles in the initiative, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture and responsible land stewardship across The Bahamas.
During the question and answer portion of the launch, audience members highlighted concerns surrounding pesticide management, regulatory oversight and ingredient standards — reflecting the growing importance of clear policy guidance and safe agricultural practices within the sector. The discussions emphasized the need for strong compliance frameworks alongside efforts to increase production.
Among those in attendance were farmers, agribusiness operators and agricultural stakeholders, signaling strong interest in coordinated, island-based approaches to strengthening food security and sustainable land management.
Farmers, agribusiness operators, schools and individuals interested in participating in the free ILM training series are encouraged to register online at https://form.jotform.com/260622579051860
The ILM Training Series is being implemented through collaboration among the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), the United Nations Environment Programme and the Bahamas Development Bank. This initiative is supported under Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project “Integrated Landscape Management for Addressing Land Degradation, Food Security and Climate Resilience Challenges in The Bahamas”.
For further information contact:
Yolanda Deleveaux
Information & Communications Officer
The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute
Tel : 376.6821
E-mail : ydeleveaux@bamsibahamas.com
Website: www.bamsibahamas.edu.bs
