December
We used the period between November 25th into late December to seek out as many suitable sites for nurseries as possible (within and outside project scope). The likely first candidate at Roxborough, which we had provided details to the IICA-EbA Tech team at PMU. And as a consequence (unfortunately) generated high expectations for, could not work. The main reason was the high rent fee asked.
However we did manage to elaborate on the business potential and other benefits of vetiver to a Charlotteville landowner family, who’s scion (Greville Nicholson) signed a 10 year lease for a peppercorn amount.
We also recruited - for the first time, people who did not participate in the formal IICA-EbA project training (by VEEP as project partner) to function as planters in-project. Among these were workers at the larger or non-leased portion of the Nicholson Estate. Their attraction to us were; drive, proximity and high likelihood of being available after the project closure in 2023.
December works
By December 10th. We have 890 slips of the expected 2000 in the Flagstaff nursery. We have decided to end planting until the rains come in 2022 and will now monitor and evaluate slip growth but without a maintenance regime where vetiver plots on private properties. We can now count 38,000 vetiver slips in the ground. 20000 at satellite sites and 18000 at Charlotteville. Note: Red dots indicate slip installation and nursery locations. |
During this month we also engaged in conversations with schools (with large unused grounds), churches - one of whom ran a denominational or non-state school. We are attempting to culture vetiver in Tobago in this model as it will deliver nursery plots and if we pursue the openings given us by these stakeholders, we will have some of the schools’ population to bring to Climate Smart Agri thinking.
Community craft market
December 19th. We sought and got approval from PMU for this market (with funding provided from the wider project.). As it may the first of more such markets we held this one in the same compound we had refurbished for the project exercise (building formerly used by the Heritage Festival groups but never maintained).
Although it was not the busiest of markets ever, sixteen crafters committed to attending. They their goods as did three other cottage class entrepreneurs (with sweets, wood carvings).
The THA Secretary for Agriculture Ms Natischa Pantin paid a visit and committed to supporting the concept of nature based Climate Adaptation and Climate Smart Agriculture via her portfolio.
Project partner IAMovement attended the event, bringing skilled staff, a photographer and vetiver slips to give away.
The market was supported financially by the local branch of the JMMB (J’ca Bank) who attended and manned a booth - to show and demonstrate financial products that may have value to the crafters. This institution also cover the cost of our NGO staffing on the day. Click Here to see our Google folder with full coverage.
Figure 7: Community craft market