ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: The Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Project in Grenada has proven to be a model example of how a public-private partnership can work successfully to build long-term productivity and self-reliance. The project has played a major part in reviving approximately 500 farms in the rural Parishes of St. Andrew and St. Patrick. “The image of Grenada in the international arena is one of resilience and opportunity. By securing funds for the regeneration of agriculture that help to alleviate poverty and enable further rural development, Grenada is saying to the world that we are focusing on sustainable development. Moreover, this financial support mirrors the confidence that the multi-lateral agencies have in Grenada to maintain both economic and political stability,” Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said. The project is the result of a first-ever collaboration among the Agency for Reconstruction and Development Inc. (ARD) and the Ministry of Agriculture with the international humanitarian agency Oxfam and the Stanford Financial Group, led by Chief Executive Officer R. Allen Stanford. With an EC$1 million unrestricted financial grant from Stanford Financial Group and logistical support from Oxfam, the ARD facilitated the multiple faceted project on behalf of the Government of Grenada. Mr. Allen Stanford noted that one of the founding philosophies of Stanford Financial Group is an enduring commitment to strengthen every community the company serves. According to Mr. Stanford, this is the kind of project that truly changes lives and communities. "These farmers and their families – and indeed, the community as a whole - will reap the benefits of this project for years to come. It's how public-private partnerships are meant to work, and we are glad to have been a part of this success story. Whether it is ensuring the health of children or providing for economic security for entire families and regions, we are honored to participate in any program that improves the lives of our Caribbean neighbors in such tangible and lasting ways. The entire global Stanford family continues to extend our hearts and thoughts to the citizens of Grenada, and we hope this support offers true inspiration for a brighter future," he said. Technically, the project ran from September 26 2005 to January 11 2006; however the benefits continue, as the participating farmers endeavour to maintain production and provide fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken and pork at the village level and through the Marketing and National Importing Board. Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries Gregory Bowen says the project reflects the many benefits that can be derived when farmers have the correct inputs and effective support services following such a major setback as two hurricanes within a 10-month period. “The benefits of this project are multiple. Not only has it helped to revive some 500 farms, thereby contributing to our national Food Security Program, the project has served to alleviate poverty and set these farming operations on a path of sustainable production. As we continue with the revival of the agricultural sector, I envisage a degree of continuity emerging from this project with respect to our newly introduced Agricultural Enterprise Development Program, which has a credit facility and a grant component. There may well be beneficiaries of the Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Project who are eligible to access a loan or a grant through the Agricultural Enterprise Development Program,” Minister Bowen said. Barbados-based Oxfam Coordinator Margaret Harris noted that the project says a lot about the emphasis of the Government of Grenada and the ARD in working with civil society organisations. “We work across a wide range of areas both on the political level and at the level of the field where implementation is concerned. So, for us this represents a first initiative, a first step in the direction where we think that certainly many more governments in the Caribbean should be considering; that is engaging more closely, more intimately if you will, in partnerships with civil society organisations that are really there at the base, operating at the community level,” Ms. Harris said. The Parishes of St. Andrew and St. Patrick were selected due to the extensive damage caused to farms by two hurricanes in the course of 10 months. Ivan, a category four hurricane with sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, destroyed 90 percent of Grenada’s agricultural crops in September 2004. In July 2005, Emily, a category one hurricane, brought heavy rains, wiping out much of the recovery made by farmers in the two parishes. As a result, land clearing, replenishing planting materials and rebuilding farming operations have been major challenges. In total, the project provided: assistance with land clearance of 280 acres for 432 farmers; cash for work opportunities for 237 agricultural workers; chickens, coops, feed and training for 51 female farmers; pigs, pens, feed and training for 21 farm families; and distribution of 912 bags of fertiliser. A total of 504 farmers received a variety of inputs. These included: 20,700 banana plants; 11,770 dasheen plants; 1,253 trays of seedlings; 1,142 packets of vegetables seeds; 1,000 guava saplings; 175 cashew nut saplings; 966 agricultural crates. Local Oxfam coordinators visited farmers on a weekly basis to monitor progress and to ensure farmers received adequate support and guidance. This included training sessions by Ministry of Agriculture Extension Officers. Additionally, the services of the Grenada Red Cross were utilised so that farmers and field workers received First Aid Training. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com