The aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and María showed us that building a sustainable and new path for Caribbean agriculture is not optional but mandatory. Rural communities feel the dire need to establish sustainable agriculture and are asking more questions about how to manage the destructive impacts of climate change. Due to lack of knowledge and limited resources, many communities are having difficulty in fully embracing climate concern about the impact of climate change on their farms. The need of capacity building for sustainable agriculture and rural development is evident to help agriculture and rural communities become resilient to the effects of climate change.

On December 9, 2017, UNDP Suriname launched the project “Everyday Food: Growing Vegetables No Matter What Weather” in Leliendaal, Commewijne, as one of the pilot projects under the outcome of the Japan Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (JCCCP), with the subtitle of “Education on simple sustainable agricultural methods at selected primary schools through the use of second hand PET-bottles.” The project aims to teach fourth and fifth grade schoolchildren in Commewijne district how to use second hand PET-bottles. The event was held at the first greenhouse built under the JCCCP project next to Bielke School. A welcome speech from the District Commissioner Mr. Enrique Ralim kicked off the launch event. Mr. Ralim emphasized the importance of early education to achieve sustainable agriculture and empower rural communities. Students and teachers from local schools, representatives from National Institute for Environment and Development (NIMOS) and Foundation of Kesabaran participated to celebrate the launch of the project.

Why is it important for children to learn sustainable agriculture? By developing knowledge and capabilities and being equipped with positive attitudes and skills for sustainable development through the training on sustainable agriculture, our children will become caring citizens committed towards the sustainable development of Suriname. Throughout the training, the children will be guided by school teachers and the project management members. Especially, farmers, nominated by the Parents’ Committee, and extension officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Committee will contribute to this training program. Students will learn how to build nurseries/greenhouses with used PET-bottles; how to cultivate vegetables from seed to plants in used PET-bottles; how to manage pest and disease in organic manners; how to utilize harvesting techniques in organic farming; how to aerate nursery/greenhouse; and how to monitor and evaluate maintenance and management of nursery/greenhouse.

With the launch of the project, 3 more greenhouses/ nurseries are expected to be built in Commewijne during the project period.