Promoting Sustainable Nutrition in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Catherine Brown
Research Associates on the Caribbean team of the Global CFaH project, Catherine Brown and Khadija Patel, recently travelled to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to visit the Richmond Vale Academy (RVA)
Since late 2024, the Global CFaH project in partnership with RVA has been providing farmers with seedlings, equipment (manure, fencing etc) and education on sustainable, organic farming techniques to assist them in setting up backyard gardens.
The purpose of this visit was twofold, to participate in a short nutritional workshop hosted by RVA and to visit the backyard gardens of a few farmers which were recently established as a part of the project in SVG.
The attendees at the nutritional workshop and the farmers came from several communities near to RVA including Chateaubelair, Barrouallie, Layou, Vermont, Petit Bodel, Rose Hall and Rose Bank.
The Nutritional Workshop
The half-day workshop educated participants on the nutritional value of a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs, many of which the farmers were growing in their backyard gardens with seedlings provided by the RVA through the project. Marvin, the field supervisor of the SVG intervention and current staff member of RVA, led an informative presentation on how different crops could contribute to the participants' health. He taught them about balanced diets and how growing their own food could improve their nutrition.
The foods highlighted included vegetables, fruits and herbs, alongside a breakdown of the nutrient content (including vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants etc.) and the effects these can have on the human body. This knowledge can be a vital step in helping the participants to understand the benefits of consuming their own locally grown produce and motivating them to do so more often.
The participants were eager to learn, and shared their own experiences of consumption of particular foods and the impact it had on their health. Throughout the workshop, participants also shared photos of their gardens and the crops they’ve been growing. These shared experiences helped them to learn from each other and the exchange of knowledge and ideas created a warm sense of community and mutual support.
A Tour of Richmond Vale Academy
Following the workshop, the team toured the RVA campus, where we learned about the academy’s efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental education. We saw the variety of activities offered at RVA including their experimental garden for RVA students, plots of herbs and vegetables, their expansive fruit forest and their collection of pigs.
We also got a first-hand view of the damage caused by the volcanic eruption of Mount Soufriere in 2021 and the additional damage caused by the Category 4 Hurricane, Beryl, in 2024. Despite the impact it was reassuring to learn about RVA’s rehabilitation efforts to recoup what was lost. The tour ended with the distribution of additional seedlings and organic pesticides/fertilisers to participants.
RVA's unique techniques and practices align with their mission of capacity building and empowerment through sustainable practices in agriculture. These practices include composting, recycling of plant materials, the use of organic pesticide, mulching, companion planting/intercropping, rain water harvesting and different garden bed methods. Seeing the RVA campus allowed the participants to observe successful organic and sustainable farming techniques in action.
Visiting the Backyard Gardens
One of the highlights of the visit was touring the backyard gardens of three farmers. Each garden was unique, filled with different crops, from leafy greens to fruits. Some were neatly placed farms on flat landscapes, while others were located on hilly inclines. Despite varied garden sizes and required resources to suit each setting, participants were successfully cultivating nutrient-rich food for their families and neighbors. This clearly demonstrates the real impact of the project on capacity building, self-sustainability and hopefully, household nutrition.
The Impact of the Visit
The team left with a deep appreciation for the dedication of RVA and the importance of their work to their communities. This importance was echoed through the appreciation that participants expressed for RVAs help. Building capacity and empowerment through backyard gardening assistance reinforces the value of community-driven initiatives in promoting nutrition and sustainable living. It is clear that the intervention isn’t just teaching people to grow food but empowering them to take control of their health and well-being. Their experience serves as a reminder of the power of local, hands-on education from dedicated teams in creating healthier, more sustainable communities.
As the interventions continue through to mid-late 2025, we hope that participants continue to dedicate themselves to their gardens and enjoy the fruit of their labour, literally. Follow-up data collection on dietary diversity, health status, quality of life, agricultural activities and intervention processes will explore how these backyard gardens may impact the nutritional status and health status of these participants and agricultural quality of their gardens.