FFA Newsletter November 2016

FACULTY of FOOD and AGRICULTURE NewsletterVolume 5 Issue 3 November 2016 Tropical Agriculture Journal Goes On-line By Professor Emeritus E Julian Duncan Editor-In-ChiefThe Ephesian philosopher Tropical IPC Science and Technology Press. Heraclitus, famous for his Agriculture staff However, in 1993, publication wasinsistence on ever-present change from left: Ms taken over by the Faculty on thebeing the fundamental essence of Sarojini Ragbir St Augustine campus in Trinidad.the universe, left us the aphorism – (Managing Initially the format was more in thechange is the only constant. Editor), nature of a newsletter and fact sheet. Ms Treasure An interesting note in the January issueChange! Change can be effected Alcindor of the 1937 Volume states: “Tropicalthrough one of two processes: (Research Agriculture is published monthly atrevolution – a sudden, rapid Assistant) and the ICTA. The Editor will be glad tochange that can sometimes be Professor Julian consider authoritative articles fordestructive; or evolution – a gradual Duncan (Editor publication. Increasing numbers ofdevelopment of something from -In -Chief) enquiries are being received froma simple to a more complex form. various parts of the tropics, which Tropical Agriculture over Agriculture (ICTA), instituted that can be answered only by personsits 90 odd years of existence has year here on the St Augustine campus, possessed of an intimate knowledgeundergone many changes. First was issued on a monthly basis: today of local conditions. Enquirers shouldpublished in 1924 as the official journal it is published quarterly. In 1926, the first check with the local Departmentof the Imperial College of Tropical cost per annum of the 12 issues was of Agriculture”. Today that notice six shillings, post free to all countries reads “Tropical Agriculture is glad to of the British Empire: today the yearly receive and consider for publication subscription for a printed volume is manuscripts in English on topics US$285. Its distribution is no longer concerning tropical agriculture”. limited to the remnant of what was the As the research arm of ICTA British empire but is now world-wide. was strengthened a change was seen The early issues were in the type or articles published- these published by the Government Printer now being more of a research nature, a at the Government Printing Office in trend that has grown from strength to Port of Spain. Over the 1954-1992 strength. While formerly the greater period, the journal was published in output was from the ICTA, today the London on behalf of the ICTA, and offerings are international. Of the 58 later for the Faculty of Agriculture, articles appearing in Volumes 92 and by Butterworths Scientific Ltd and 93 (years 2015 and 2016 respectively) submissions were from Australia, Continued on Page 2

2 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterTropical Agriculture Journal Goes On-line continued from Page 1 In this IssueEthiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Nigeria, Staff Research Awards, which Tropical Agriculture Journal GoesPakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, allowed for the Enhancement of On-line 1Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Trinidad Tropical Agriculture Journal,and the United States of America flagship journal of the Faculty Delegation from China Agricultural– 60.34% of the 58 articles were of Food and Agriculture.submitted from Nigeria. Back issues from 1924 University visits FFA 2 Since its inception in onwards were digitized and an on-1924, as can be gleaned from line journal management system FFA Prizes Award Ceremony 3the foregoing, volumes of (OJMS) was implemented, throughTropical Agriculture have all the assistance of Mr Khemchandra Motivational Speakers Encouragebeen published in printed format. Persadsingh and Ms Laura Bigram In an effort to reach a wider of the Alma Jordan Library. Students to set Goals 3 readership than currently exists and Thomson-Reuters wasto fall in line with present trends in contacted to have the journal publishing, among other things, re-evaluated for listing andthe Editorial Board decided that in eventually the assignment of World Food Day Celebrations 4addition to the printed version, an an impact factor. on-line version will be introduced. The launch of the OJMS Plant Quarantine Officer Training 6 Ms Sarojini Ragbir, took place on 19th October CourseManaging Editor of TA, 2016 at the Alma Jordanobtained a grant from the Library, St Augustine Campus. CAEPNET 6 Food and Nutrition Security for the Americas 7 CACHE Exchange Student Tour 7 Geography Awareness Week 7 Plant Protection in the Tropics Conference 8Delegation from China Agricultural Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College Fair 8 University visits FFA International Food MicrobiologyThe FFA hosted two members commercialization of the AIP and Conference 9of China Agricultural University the two additional green houses(CAU), President Professor which the park will acquire from UWI Solidarity Brigade EmbracesKe Bingsheng and Director of China. Revolutionary Art and RadicalInternational Office, Professor Also discussed were the Geography 9Weizhe Feng, in October 2016. status of the graduate trainingThe main items discussed were programmes offered by the CAU Drones for Monitoring 10the progress of the Agricultural and the progress of FFA students Agricultural Production 10Innovation Park (AIP), the pursuing graduate studies at CAU. Value Added Cassava Products How “Fiery Hot” are our Local Pepper Sauces? 10 Geography Student Wins Green Talents Competition 11 International Rice Blast Conference 11 Impacts of Climate Change on 12 Food Security in SIDS Dr Wayne Ganpat, Dean, FFA; Dr Wendy-Ann Isaac, Lecturer, Department of Food Produc- Agricultural Innovation Systemtion, FFA; and Mrs Donna Caesar, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Dean (right); indiscussion with Professor Ke Bingsheng, President, CAU; Professor Weizhe Feng, Director, for Tropical Regions 12International Office, CAU; and Professor Jianhua Tang, Director, Confucius Institute, UWI

Volume 5 Issue 3 3 FFA Prizes Award CeremonyThis year, at the Faculty’s 4th annual prizes award ceremony, held on 17th October 2016, eight students whoreceived first class honours, were among those receiving awards. They were: Reann Jan Martineau Allan SylvesterBSc Agribusiness Management BSc Human EcologyOnica Gordon Osei MarinBSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics BSc Geography (Special)Nicole Orr-Allsop Christal BenjaminBSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics BSc General with Double Majors in Geography and Environmental & Natural Resource ManagementDanielle Sookram Zonnia ShallowBSc General with a Major in Environmental & Natural BSc General with Double Majors in Geography andResource Management Environmental & Natural Resource Management Ms Christal Ms Shamla Benjamin Maharaj, grad- gives the uant of the MSc valedictorian Marketing and speech Agribusiness degree, receives award from Dr Lynda Wickham, Deputy Dean, Outreach and International- ization Motivational Speakers Encourage FFA to keep moving forward. She recognized her parents for Students to Set Goals their invaluable contributions to her life and education. Mrs Jean-Baptiste-Samuel delivered a veryOne of our goals of the FFA is to keep our students expressive and spirited presentation, much to the delight of engaged and encouraged throughout their time at The the audience. Her presentation was based on her personalUWI. To this end, a recent graduate from FFA, Ms Nelisha and family experiences, obtained throughout her life,Hosein, and lawyer, motivational speaker and orator, Mrs education and career, with the ultimate message of theDeborah Jean-Baptiste-Samuel, were invited to offer words importance of setting goals and constantly aiming for them.of encouragement and inspiration to the students. Ms Hosein Approximately 30 students attended the session,spoke on overcoming personal obstacles during her time at which was held on Thursday 10th November 2016 in theThe UWI. She also shared a few heart-warming stories about Faculty.her source of encouragement, strength, and her determination Submitted by: Mr Joshu Morris, Dean’s Office, FFAStudents listen attentively to Mrs Deborah Jean- After the event a student sent the following messageBaptiste-Samuel, left, and Ms Nelisha Hosein, to the Dean, FFA: “I would like to thank you and yourright FFA staff for organizing such a timely motivational lecture. I was so blessed by this lecture. I really wished that more of the student body had attended. This was just what I needed at this time to remind me that I had treasure inside me. For the past couple of weeks, I was really feeling down and out but this speech was so opportune that it gave me a sense of reassurance and purpose. Keep up the great work.”

4 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterThe Faculty of Food and Agriculture World Food Day CelebrationsClimate is changing. Food and Agriculture must too, the conservation of key natural resources needed forwas the theme of this year’s World Food Day and the improved food output. These posters were mountedFFA celebrated with a series of events and activities in the Foyer of the Sir Frank Stockdale Building fromfrom Tuesday 11th October to Friday 21st October 2016. Tuesday 11th October to Friday 21st October 2016. Also students representing the FFA’s SocietiesLaunch of Journal On-line Management System mounted an exhibition on the greens outside the Sir Frankand Book on climate change Stockdale Building on Wednesday 19th October 2016.During the World Food Day week, the FFA launched Students at the rabbits displaythe Tropical Agriculture (TA) on-line journalmanagement system (see Page 1) and a book titled Donation of Hampers; Sharing our WealthImpacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Small Hampers containing fruits and vegetables produced atIsland Developing States (see Page 12), which was the FFA’s farms were given to members of UWI Senioredited by the Dean of FFA, Dr Wayne Ganpat and Managment, Faculty Deans and Heads of DepartmentsDr Wendy-Ann Isaac, Lecturer in the Department of of FFA. In addition, five boxes of fruits and vegetablesFood Production. Professor Julian Duncan, Editor- were donated to the St Mary’s Children Home inIn- Chief of TA spoke on behalf of the OJMS, while Tacarigua.Dr Lystra Fletcher-Paul, Sub-Regional Coordinatorfor the Caribbean, Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations, delivered the WFDaddress on behalf of the FAO Director-General,José Graziano, and gave comments on the book. Dr Wendy Ann Isaac and Dr Wayne Ganpat Ms Sarojini Ragbir, coordinator of the FFA World present a copy of the book to Dr Lystra Food Day Activities presents fruit and vegetables to Ms Fletcher-Paul Lucretia Burns, Acting Deputy Manager, of St Mary’s Children Home. Looking on are students from FFA.Poster Display and Exhibitions From right: Deneisha Madray, Hannah Thomas and Ananda Ramlochan. On the left is another staff memberStudents pursuing course ENRM 3000 (Natural from the HomeResource Economics and Assessment), preparedposters highlighting ways to mitigate and adapt toclimate change in the Caribbean, with an emphasis on

Volume 5 Issue 3 5 The Faculty of Food and Agriculture World Food Day CelebrationsAs part of their coursework, students (classes of 2013/14 and 2014/15) who pursued the geography undergraduatecourse GEOG 2014, mapped the edible fruit trees that are found on the St Augustine Campus and produced amanual, The Edible Campus. As part of the World Food Day celebrations, with maps in hand and led by Dr PriyaKissoon, Head of Department of Geography, members of the campus community proceeded on an “edible campuswalk” to identify some of the edible fruit trees.Students and staff were greeted by Principal Brian Copeland, An edible fruit tree was identified on the grounds of thewho tied a ribbon around a mango tree on the grounds of his office of the Deputy Principal, Professor Rhoda Reddock. office. He was presented with the manual, Professor Reddock was presented with a copy of “The Edible Campus” “The Edible Campus”Participants sample breadfruit ice cream breadfruit souse, dasheen chips, sweet potato chips at theTobago World Food Day celebrationsFrom 19th to 20th October 2016, the FFA participated across the island were informed about the programmesin the Tobago House of Assembly’s Annual World offered by the Faculty and the University in general.Food Day Exhibition, which was hosted by the Visitors to the booth were intrigued by the “farmDivision of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing to fork” display and the samples of flour madeand the Environment at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. from breadfruit, cassava, sweet potato, dasheen, Students and teachers from secondary schools green banana and plantain. They were treated to samples of breadfruit ice cream, breadfruit souse, dasheen chips, sweet potato chips and soft cheese. Visitors participated in nutrition and food safety quizzes and answered questions on food groups. They were given tips on how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in their diets, daily nutritional requirements and food serving sizes. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, body mass index and body fat percentages were also conducted. Ms Nequesha Dalrymple, from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, interacts with students from the St Patrick’s Anglican Primary School

6 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterThe UWI Regional Plant Quarantine Officer Training: Principles and Procedures CourseThe Faculty of Food and Agriculture hosted the 6th Participants of Regional Plant Quarantine Officer edition of the Regional Plant Quarantine Officer Training CourseTraining: Principles and Procedures Course with acomprehensive curriculum delivered over ten days, departure.which addressed all relevant areas of plant protection The course, which took place from 1st to 12th Augustand quarantine. 2016, was funded by the United States Department of This year’s training welcomed 22 participants Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Servicefrom Anguilla, Antigua, Belize, Cayman Islands, (USDAAPHIS) – Greater Caribbean Safeguarding InitiativeBahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, (GSCI), the Inter-American Institute for CooperationJamaica, Montserrat, Nevis, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent, on Agriculture (IICA), and the Organisation of Easternand Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean States (OECS). In previous years, it was required that participantscomplete an individual project after return to their hometerritories. The submission of the completed project tookmonths, and as a result, lengthened the duration of theprogramme. In recent years the course was modifiedreplacing the individual project with a group project whichwas added as a unit to the curriculum, therefore allowingparticipants to complete the programme prior to their CAEPNet MeetingThe FFA serves as the secretariat for the Caribbean Agriculture ExtensionProviders Network (CAEPNet) and hosted30 members for its annual meeting and thepiloting of the ‘New Extensionist’ Learning Kit. The ‘New Extensionist’ outlines thecompetencies needed to build capacity at theindividual, organizational, and system levelto promote agricultural development at thelocal, national, regional, and global level. The ‘New Extensionist’ contains 13modules with 12 competency areas. Hlamalani Ngwenya, a GlobalForum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS)consultant from South Africa, guided the Participants of CAEPNetCAEPNet Team through some of the modules. It is expected that the learning kit will be ready by the end of 2016 and will be available on-line, face-to-face, or asblended learning. The meeting took place from 9th to 11th August 2016.

Volume 5 Issue 3 7 Food and Nutrition Security for the Americas: Challenges and OpportunitiesFood and Nutrition Security for the Americas: Challenges Henry and Ms Nequesha Dalrymple (Food andand Opportunities for this Century, was the title Nutrition); and Dr Vidya de Gannes (Biotechnology).of a workshop hosted by the Inter-American Networkof Academies of Sciences (IANAS) which was held From Left to right: Dr Mark Wuddivira (FFA), Ms Shantelleat the Mexican Academy of Sciences in MexicoCity from September 17th to September 20th, 2016. Henry (graduate student), Dr Michael Clegg (IANAS Programme The goal of the workshop was to produce a book Coordinator), Dr Vidya de Gannes (FFA), Ms Nequesha Dalrympleon countries’ assessments of the main challenges and (FFA), and Prof Gerrit Meerdink, (FOE)opportunities to food and nutrition security, by the endof 2017. Eighty participants, representing more than20 countries of the Americas and the Caribbean regionattended the workshop. The UWI was represented bystaff and students from the FFA and the Faculty ofEngineering (FOE) including: Dr Mark Wuddivira(Soil and Water); Prof Gerrit Meerdink, Ms ShantelleCACHE Exchange Student Study Tour Department of Geography hosts Secondary School Students during its Geography Awareness Week 2016 Students with Dr Lynda Wickham, Head of Geography Department, Dr Priya Kissoon, who coordinated the FFA input addresses school childrenThe FFA and the University of Trinidad and Tobago, On 17th November 2016, the FFA Lecture Theatre Centre for Biosciences, Agriculture and Food was filled with 170 secondary school studentsTechnology (UTT BAFT), both members of the Caribbean who were invited to learn about geography andCouncil of Higher Education in Agriculture (CACHE), participate in quizzes and other geographicalcollaborated and hosted 19 students from 11 regional activities, as part of the geography awareness week.tertiary level institutions. Other exciting activities that took place in One of the benefits of CACHE membership is the celebration of geography week were: a national nationalopportunity to host and engage students from CACHE photo competition for environmental science and geographymember institutions in an annual study tour. This year’s secondary school students, a workshop on Open Source GISstudy tour took place from July 3rd to 9th , 2016. mapping (QGIS) for 50 government and corporate sector The students came from institutions in the Bahamas, employees, visits to secondary schools, and a career panelBarbados, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Puerto Rico, of industry experts who addressed students in the Faculty.Suriname and Florida.

8 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterPlant Protection in the Tropics Conference Advances in Lecturer of the Department of Food Production, from 3rd to 5th, August 2016 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. technology The conference was organized by the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in collaboration of pest and with Malaysian Plant Protection Society (MAPPS). Dr Saravanakumar presented a research paper on “Bacillus disease amyloliquefaciens in healthy seedling production of hot pepper”, in the session titled Biological Control management, I. A discussion on the feasibility of developing a chemical free management system for plant diseases Emerging in the tropical ecosystem followed the presentation. The conference provided a great opportunity invasive pests, for the 300 experts in the field of tropical agriculture from all over the world to discuss Biopesticides various topics of plant protection in the tropics. and Pesticide Submitted by: Dr Duraisamy Saravanakumar, Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Production, FFA science and Students Genetic listen to FFA Modified graduate student, Mr Organisms Augustus Thomas asDr Duraisamy Saravanakumar were some he explains the processof the topics of the 9th International conference on involved in identifyingPlant Protection in the Tropics (ICPPT), which was diseased plantsattended by Dr Duraisamy Saravanakumar, Senior FFA participates in the Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College’s Annual Science FairIn an attempt to encourage secondary school studentsto pursue degrees in the FFA, the FFA participated inthe Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College’s Annual ScienceFair with a number of informative and interactivedisplays, all reflecting the offerings of the Faculty.Students expressed interest in all the displays andwere treated with fruit and milk samples. Theevent took place on Wednesday 12th October, 2016. FFA graduate student, Mr Micah Martin, Students playing the game, “how fast can you buildexplains the process of composting to students the digestive system” as an Institutional and Commu- nity Dietetics and Nutrition intern coaches them

Volume 5 Issue 3 9Professor Neela Badrie, Keynote Speaker and are thus a concern of public health. at International Food Microbiology Conference The topic of her address, which was co- authored by Narita Singh, Sharianne SuepaulProfessor Neela Badrie, from the Department of and Marsha Singh, was “Microbiological qualityFood Production, was the keynote speaker at an of ready-to-eat salads sold at popular foodinternational conference on food microbiology establishments in Trinidad”.with the theme: “Meeting the Needs for Sustainable Professor Badrie obtained three certificatesand Safe Future”. The conference focussed on: at the conference:(1) The challenges and complexity posed by (1) Phenomenalandworthykeynotepresentation diverse aspects of food microbiology; (2) Special recognition for esteemed support as(2) International and local/regional issues an organising committee member in food safety and food hygiene to food (3) Outstanding services rendered in organising biotechnology;(3) The applications of molecular approaches the conference. in all aspects of modern food microbiology; The conference was held in Birmingham,(4) The current research on microbes that have both beneficial and deleterious England from 8th to 10th August 2016. effects on the safety and quality of foods, Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie, Department of Food Production, FFAUWI Solidarity Brigade Embraces Revolutionary Art and Radical Geography, in Chiapas, MexicoIn July 2016, the Zapatistas (rebel Mayan peasants/ lesson in the importance of art, imagination, and farmers living in the highland countryside and rural mutual aid – not to mention radical geography.jungles of Chiapas, Mexico) hosted a worldwide artfestivaltitledCompARTEporlaHumanidad(“Sharing Members of The UWI Solidarity Brigade (Dr Levi Gahman,Art for Humanity”). Making the trek to Mexico to IGDS/Spanish Graduate Xaranta Baksh, and Geographyshare art with the Zapatistas, as well as thousands of Student Johannah-Rae Reyes) share their painting withinternational sympathizers, was a “solidarity brigade” striking teachers and Zapatista sympathizers at a blockade infrom The UWI compromising Dr Levi Gahman Chiapas, Mexico.and students from the Department of Geography Submitted by: Ms Xaranta Baksh, UWI Alumna, 2016)and Institute for Gender and Development Studies. and Levi Gahman, Lecturer, Department of Geography, FFA At compARTE, The UWI Solidarity Brigademet with singers, dancers, poets, rappers, jugglers,acrobats, musicians, painters, graffiti artists, activists,community organizers, and Zapatistas to exchangestories and experience each other’s creative works. The UWI Solidarity Brigade learned fromthe Zapatistas that the roots of building healthierand more resilient communities stem from sowingthe seeds of creativity, autonomy, anti-capitalistresistance, food sovereignty and gender justice.The experience thus proved to be quite a powerful

10 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsletterUsing Drones for Monitoring Agricultural Production on Small FarmsAworkshop on “Using Mapping Drones for Monitoring How “Fiery Hot” are our Local PepperAgricultural Production on Small Farms”, was Sauces?conducted at the University Field Station for studentsand staff on the 2nd September, 2016. Edwin Joseph, How “Fiery Hot” are our Local Pepper Sauces?Professor of Sustainability and Programme Director, was the top research project in the MSc Agri-FoodCollege of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Indiana University Safety and Quality Assurance course for 2016.South Bend, facilitated the training. This project was conducted by Mr Nigel Butts, Integrated Development of Value Added graduate student, as part of the requirement of Cassava Products in the Caribbean the MSc in Agri-Food Safety and Quality Assurance, offered by the Department of Food Production,In December 2015, The University of the West FFA. He was awarded the prize donated by the Indies and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Honourable Minister of Food Production, for theOrganisation (FAO) signed an agreement for a best performing student in the mandatory researchproject on ‘Integrated Development of Value Added project, at the recent FFA prizes award ceremony.Cassava Products’ in the Caribbean, for the sum of The study evaluated the sensory characteristicsUS$149,138. The project leaders are Professor Neela of leading brands of very hot pepper sauces asBadrie of the Department of Food Production, FFA, characterised using the Scoville Index method,and Professor Gerrit Meerdink of the Department Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) andof Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. Hedonic Testing. Four local brands of pepper saucesCARICOM has identified cassava as one of were analysed and compared with two leadingthe root tubers with the highest potential for brands from the United States of America (USA).value-added development and for addressing The pungency range of all hot pepper sauces usingthe region’s food and nutrition security needs. the Scoville Index method ranged from 90,000 National workshops were held in Barbados SHU to 125,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).and Jamaica in July 2016 and a regional workshop The results of the consumer acceptancetook place on October 6th, 2016 at The UWI, St testing indicated that three of the local pepperAugustine, with participants from Barbados, Belize, sauces were ranked at the top. They were rated asGrenada , Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent and Jamaica. “liked moderately” (7.3/9) for overall consumer They were welcomed by Dr Reynold acceptance using the 9 point Hedonic Scale.Stone, Head of the Department of Food The project was supervised by Professor NeelaProduction, FFA and Dr Raffie Hosein, Head Badrie and Dr Marsha Singh. of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Composite Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie, Department of cassava Food Production, FFA bread in- corporating 20% cassava flour with 80% wheat flourSubmitted by: Professor Neela Badrie, Department ofFood Production, FFA

Volume 5 Issue 3 11 Geography Student Wins Green Talents Competition Ms Melissa Atwell being carried out by cutting-edge institutes and companies in Germany in two separate visits toMs Melissa Atwell, PhD student in the Department Europe, the second of which is a three month researchof Geography, is one of the 25 outstanding young stay at a research institute or company of her choice.scientists selected to be the winner of the Green Talents Ms Atwell was invited to participate in aCompetition 2016 for High Potentials in Sustainable two-week science forum which involved touringDevelopment. Funded by the German Ministry of Germany’s top research institutes such as the Siemens‘Education and Research, this award presents Ms Gas Turbine Plant Moabit, the Potsdam Institute forAtwell with unique access to state-of-the-art research Climate Impact Research, the Max-Planck-Institutein green technologies and sustainable development for Plasma Physics, Technical University Hamburg- Harburg, the Southern African Science Service Center for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The award also offered Ms Atwell the opportunity to present her research to select experts. According to Ms Atwell, the opportunity to tour various research institutes ignited ideas that can be applied to her research in soil ecosystem services and the sustainable management of the impacts of land use development upon this ecosystem. Source: UWI Today, St Augustine Campus, November 2016 International Rice Blast ConferenceMr Rajendra Persaud, PhD student in Tropical Mr Rajendra Persaud, PhD student participates in 7thCrop Protection, Department of Food Production International Rice Blast Conference, IRRI, Philippinespresented two research papers as poster presentationsat the 7th International Rice Blast conference heldat the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)in the Philippines from 9th to 14th October 2016. His poster presentations were on Screeningfor blast resistance in rice germplasms in Guyanaand An effort to explore strategies for the sustainablemanagement of blast disease of rice in Guyana. During his visit to IRRI, he had anopportunity to visit the Gene Bank, RiceWorld Museum and field experiments in rice.

12 Faculty of Food and Agriculture Newsletter Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Small Island Developing States The book, Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Small Island Developing States, edited by Drs Wayne Ganpat and Wendy Ann Isaac, was launched on 19th October 2016 at the Alma Jordan Library, St Augustine Campus. The aims of the book are: Agricultural Research and Development Institute). The book discusses: climate change projections, (1) To educate climate change under different scenarios, protected agriculture, post-production practices, strategies to caribbean food producers sustainably manage soil resources in the Caribbean, marine plants as a sustainable source of agri-fertilizers, and students about the a solution to Sargassum seaweed invading the shore lines of beaches throughout the Caribbean and other impacts of climate change SIDS, sustainable management of alien invasive species in SIDS and the education, extension and(2) To position the FFA as a leader in the provision training interventions that are needed in this changing global climate situation.of cutting edge and relevant information to a worldwide Submitted by: Dr Wendy-Ann Isaac, Deparment of Foodaudience, particularly the Small Island Developing Production, FFAStates (SIDS). The book contains 12 chapters, whichare written by 29 authors from 7 countries,including the Fiji, Seychelles, Solomon Islands,Papau New Guinea, Mauritius and the Caribbean(UWI St Augustine and Mona, Universityof Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Agricultural Innovation System for Tropical RegionsDrAtaharul Chowdhury, Lecturer in the Department countries in Africa (Angola, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Rwanda), Asia (Bangladesh, Laos) and Centralcontributed in developing a common framework America (Guatemala, Honduras) as part of EU-for capacity building of an Agricultural Innovation funded initiative called Capacity Development forSystem for tropical regions. He worked with a team Agricultural Innovation Systems. The frameworkof international consultants assigned by the Tropical has three parts, conceptual background, guidanceAgriculture Platform (TAP). TAP is a platform note on operationalization, and a synthesis document.initiated by G20 and acts as a multilateral and dynamicfacilitation mechanism bringing together more than 40 Submitted by: Dr Ataharul Chowdhury, Lecturer,organizations including FAO of the UN, the CGIAR, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), FFAthe Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation(Embrapa), CABI, the Chinese Academy of the Layout and DesignAgricultural Sciences (CAAS), the Chinese Academy Ms Sarojini Ragbirof Tropical Agriculture Sciences (CATAS), and theInternational Fund for Agricultural Research (IFAD). Photography The main objective of the platform is to Mr Terry Sampson and contributorsfacilitate innovation for intensifying agriculturalproduction in a sustainable way in the tropics. Editors The Framework is being tested in eight Ms Sarojini Ragbir and Professor Julian Duncan