FFA Newsletter June 2014

FACULTY of FOOD and AGRICULTURE NewsVolume 3 Issue 2 June 2014 Official Launch of the Faculty of In This Issue Food and Agriculture Launch of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture 1 FFA collaborates with CAU 2 3 From the desk of the Dean DAEE student cops most 4 outstanding poster award Youth in agriculture blog winner 4 Students experience agriculture in Guyana 5 Graduate research in the Department of Food Production 6 Swedish university 7 learns about FFA From Left: Dr Isaac Bekele, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture; Celebrating the faculty’s alumni 8Senator the Honourable Devant Maharaj, Minister of Food Production;Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat; Soil management workshop 9Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Tertiary Educationand Skills Training; Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President of Guyana; Taking control of our children’sProfessor Indar Ramnarine, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technologyand in the background, Dr Brian Cockburn, Master of Ceremonies nutrition and health 10On 12th May 2014, the He informed the audience of CariWatNet receives award 11 Faculties of Food and the scope of research that isAgriculture and Science being conducted in the faculty. Health components of citrus fruits 12and Technology officially He also discussed thebecame independent facul- plans for the development On the road to food security 14ties, although the actual de- of the Orange Grove Farmmerger of the two faculties into a modern Agricultural Creating excitement in agriculture 15took place two years ago. Innovation Park to include a Dean Isaac Bekele, in leisure and recreation zone, New, innovative and emerging 16his presentation at the launch crops research zone, aquatic technologies ceremony, stated that inspite research zone and a teachingof the fact that there are zone. Layout and Designserious challenges facing the Pro Vice–Chancellor Ms Sarojini Ragbirregional agricultural sector, and Campus Principal,several new programmes were Professor Clement Sankat, Photographybeing developed to encourage Mr Terry Sampson and contributorsyoung people to enter the field. Continued on Page 2 Editors Ms Sarojini Ragbir Professor Julian Duncan Ms Jhivan Pargass

Page 2 Faculty of Food and Agriculture NewsOfficial Launch of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture continuedtold the audience that the new Faculties sector have been calling for an increasedof Food and Agriculture and Science and focus on food and agriculture to deal with theTechnology became functional on August 1st issues pertaining to food security in the region.2012, and the official launch was symbolic to Other invited guests who addressedcommemorate the founding of the faculties the audience included the Former Presidentand to celebrate the strides made thus far. He of Guyana Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Senator Fazalreminded the audience that for 14 years, the Karim, Minister of Tertiary Education andFaculty of Agriculture was merged with the Skills Training; and Senator Devant Maharaj,former Faculty of Natural Sciences to form the Minister of Food Production. This historicFaculty of Science and Agriculture. He further event took place at the Daaga Auditorium atstated that stakeholders in the agriculture The UWI, St Augustine Campus. The Faculty collaborates with China Agricultural University to Develop New Field Station into State-of-the-Art Agricultural Innovation ParkThe Faculty’s Agricultural Innovation Drs Isaac Bekele, Wayne Ganpat, GregoryPark (AIP) to be located in Orange Grove, Gouveia, Wendy-Ann Isaac, GovindTrincity, is being designed as a state-of- Seepersad and Mr Antonio De Gannes, tothe-art facility, with the assistance of the produce a draft design plan of the Park. It isChina Agricultural University (CAU), envisaged that the park will consist of sevenChina’s leading University in Agriculture. zones: technology service zone (15 acres), The park, to be built on the 200 crop zone (45 acres), horticulture zone (60acres of land donated to The UWI by the acres), aquatic production zone (25 acres),Government of Trinidad and Tobago, mini zoo (5 acres), leisure and recreation zonewill provide for agricultural training, (35 acres) and commercial zone (15 acres).education, outreach, research and The visiting team also toured variousinnovation and enterprise development. agricultural facilities throughout Trinidad, To start the planning process, in including the University Field Station at MtApril 2014, The UWI hosted a five-member Hope.delegation from theCAU, consisting ofDrs Du Jinkun, HanYijun, Wang Jianhua,Zhang Tianzhu,Ren Huazhongand President ofthe university, DrBingsheng Ke. TheCAU memberscollaborated withtheir counterpartsfrom the Faculty ofFoodand Agriculture, Pro Vice–Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat, centre, President of the Chinese Agricultural University, Dr Bingsheng Ke, to his left, with the Dean of FFA and Joint AIP planning team members

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 3 From the Desk of the DeanIn many ways the Academic Year 2013/14 Partnership for Regional has been a period of consolidation for Developmentthe Faculty of Food and Agriculture. Asthe Faculty prepares to a new Academic The UWI over the years has establishedYear, looking back at some of the partnership with many regional anddevelopments of the year would be useful international institutions and universitiesto internal and external stakeholders. for the single purpose of supporting the development agenda of the region through Enriching Student Experience collaboration in research and training in relevant fields. This year, UWI has signedThe University of the West Indies is a memorandum of understating with thecommitted to providing an environment Technical Centre for Agricultural andwhere its students leave with rich and diverse Rural Cooperation (CTA) to collaborate inexperience. In this regard many students of areas of mutual interest to support regionalthe Faculty have participated in organized development in sustainable agriculture, foodeducational tours (Guyana), regional and and nutritional security and related areas.international conferences (Barbados, United The Faculty considers this and other similarStates, South Korea, Turkey, US Virgin initiatives in the pipe lines as important toolsIslands), and regional and international short- necessary to build capacity through pooledterm training (Trinidad, Israel, Germany). resourcesforeffectivesupportofstakeholders’ mutually recognised developmental goals. Curriculum Development Orange Grove Farm and the RiseThe Faculty continued with curriculum of UWI - East Campusdevelopment this year as well addingthe following to the existing attractive Since September 2013, development of thearray of undergraduate programmes: Orange Grove farm commenced with earnest. To date, over 150 acres of the 200 acres of• A revised and updated Major in land have been brought under cultivation. AEnvironment and Natural Resource new well has been sunk and electric powerManagement and potable water were installed. The farm is now being utilized in the training of students.• A new Major in Entrepreneurship More importantly, a plan for a futuristicThese are relevant, exciting and futuristic multi-functional, educational, training andprogrammes many students will find demonstration, research and innovationattractive. With flexible entry qualification, centre to be established on the site hasstudents who add any one of these as a now been finalized through a collaborativesecond major, will be able to exploit the effort between The UWI and the Chineseopportunity. Agricultural University. The Orange Grove Farm now forms the East Campus of The UWI.

Page 4 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News DAEE student cops most outstanding Youth in Agriculture Blog poster award at international Competition Winner conference Luke Smith, one of nine winners in “The“Relationships Youth in Agriculture Blog Competition”between the Mr Luke Smith, graduate student pursing an MSc in Agribusiness and Marketing in theoperational Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, was one of nine winners of the ACPproblems of countries, in the second edition of the YoBloCo Awards. Mr Smith’s blog follows agriculturalsmall scale related issues and events in Trinidad and Tobago, while raising the awareness of thefarms and attractiveness of the agricultural sector. The blog is part of the “Agriculture,selected farmer Rural Development and Youth in the Information Society” (ARDYIS) project whichcharacteristics is an initiative of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EUin Trinidad” was (CTA), in collaboration with some key partners. Its purpose is to raise youth awareness andjudged the most outstanding poster in the student capacity on agricultural and rural development issues in ACP countries through ICTs.category, by the Association for International Mr Smith will receive his prize at a ceremony for the competition duringAgricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) CTA’s 2014 international conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14th to18th July 2014.at their 30th annual conference held from 26thApril to 1st May 2013 in Miami, Florida. Theposter was prepared and presented by Mr AlphaSennon, graduate student in the Department ofAgricultural Economics and Extension, withassistance in preparation from Dr Wayne Ganpatand Mr Stephan Moonsammy (also from theDepartment). Ms Tessa Barry, another studentfrom the department, also presented a postertitled “Making Schools Financially Sustainablethrough Agriculture: Case of St Michaels RCSchool Grenada”. Both students were able toattend the conference through support by theHead of Department of Agricultural Economicsand Extension and the Office of the Dean. The department was alsorepresented by Dr David Dolly and DrWayne Ganpat, who presented papers. Dr Ganpat received a citation asfirst runner up for “most outstandingJAIAEE journal article for 2013. From L to R : Tessa Barry and Alpha Sennon with their posters

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 5 Students Experience Agriculture in GuyanaAgriculture is a means of liberating operated by indigenous people at Mainstay. the souls of Caribbean people whohave been held hostage by their colonial Commenting on the visit, Bahamianpast, so said the Agriculture Ministerof Guyana, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, to student Ms Zakita Bethel noted, “this trip20 undergraduate students, who paidhim a courtesy visit during a study tour. was well-timed and vitally important. The The students, from different Caribbeancountries and pursuing the BSc in the Faculty ability to make connections between allof Food and Agriculture, were exposed tolarge scale and technology-driven food areas of study from the past three years atproduction methods of primary agriculturalproduction as well as processing, research and The UWI and to be exposed to large scaleextension activities in Guyana, as part of thetour during the period 18th to 25th May 2014. agricultural production was amazing. This They also visited the Food andAgriculture Office in Georgetown, the opportunity has significantly changed theGuyana School of Agriculture, the NationalAgriculture Research and Extension way I see my future in agriculture. It was anInstitute, the Guyana Sugar Corporation(GuySuCo), the Enmore Sugar Packaging educational and informative experience”.Plant, the Mahaica/Mahaicony/AbaryScheme, Caricom Rice Mill, Kayman The team also paid courtesy visits toSankar and Ramlakhan Rice Mills and anaquaculture farm and a pineapple farm being the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Guyana, Mr George Jervis and Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager, Mr Jagnarine Singh. GRDB Extension Manager, Mr Kuldip Ragnauth, a member of the recently formed Caribbean Extension Providers Network (CAEP net), was the main facilitator for the study tour. The visit was conceptualized by Dean Dr Isaac Bekele at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture,which was held in Guyana in October 2013, and was made possible through collaboration with the Guyana Agriculture Ministry, the Guyana Rice Development Board and Faculty of Food and Agriculture, UWI. The students were accompanied by team leaders, Drs Wayne Ganpat and Lynda Wickham. Students visit pineapple farm operated by indigenous people

Page 6 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News Graduate Research in the Department of Food Production Genetic diversity and cultivar Sequestering carbon and improving soilcharacterization of breadfruit (Artocarpus fertility using organic amendments altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) in the Caribbean Sequestering carbon and improving soil fertility Oral using organic Daley amendments is research being conducted by Mr Renaldo Belfon, MPhil student in Soil Science.Genetic Diversity and Cultivar OrganicCharacterization of Breadfruit (Artocarpus amendments Renaldo Belfon have tradition-altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) in the ally been used to improve soil fertility butCaribbean is the title of the research being there is increasing interest in their ability toconducted by PhD student, Mr Oral Daley. sequester carbon. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is Mr Belfon’s research focuses on thecommon throughout the Caribbean and cycling of carbon in terrestrial environmentshas great potential to contribute to food and the development of management strategiesand nutrition security. It is a rich source of to enhance soil carbon sequestration. carbohydrate and has been promoted as Specifically, the research examinesone of 25 superfoods that are useful in the the decomposition rate of stabilized organicmanagement of prevalent diseases such as amendments under different conditionsdiabetes and hypertension. However, it is and their effects on plants and soil faunalargely underutilized and its commercial value which has implications for agriculture,for food and other uses has been minimally horticulture and the natural environment.explored due to constraints such as seasonal This work is being conducted at thebearing, high variation in fruit quality, Department of Food Production, Facultyhighly perishable fruit, tall trees and lack of of Food and Agriculture, St Augustine ininformation on orchard establishment and conjunction with the School of Environmentalmanagement. These constraints can possibly Sciences of the University of Guelph,be addressed by cultivar selection. Mr Daley’s Canada, through the support of a Canada-research will characterize existing and newly CARICOM Scholarship from Foreignintroduced breadfruit germplasm and assess Affairs and International Trade Canada.the genetic diversity by using morphological The collaborators of this study includeand DNA markers. Additionally, the Drs Gaius Eudoxie, Gregory Gouveia,research will assess the phenotype of known Isaac Bekele, Denise Beckles, Professorcultivars in different environments. Mr Paul Voroney and Mr Micah Martin.Daley is being supervised by Drs LauraRoberts-Nkrumah and Angela T Alleyne.

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 7Graduate Research in the Department of Food onion, and parsley seed) were investigated toProduction continued determine their efficacy as inhibitory agentsAntibacterial properties of essential oils for Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonellaof herbs and spices and their effects in Enteritidis, Salmonella Newport and Salmonellacombination with Salmonella Bacteriophage Choloraesuis. The minimum inhibitoryagainst selected Salmonella Serovars concentration method, whereby the zone of inhibition was measured for four differentMs Staysha Clunis is pursuing concentrations of each essentialthe MSc in Agri-Food Safety and oil, was used to initially determineQuality Assurance. the inhibitory properties of Ms Clunis has completed these essential oils against theher courses and is at present, selected Salmonella serovars.conducting her research on The Bioscreen C MicrobiologyAntibacterial properties of Plate Reader (Labsystems,essential oils of herbs and spices Helsinki, Finland) was used toand their effects in Combination obtain growth curves for eachwith Salmonella Bacteriophage Salmonella serovar when treatedagainst selected Salmonella with the various essential oils,Serovars at the Canadian Research combinations of essential oils andInstitute for Food Safety at the also the addition of salmonellaUniversity of Guelph, Ontario, Staysha Clunis bacteriophage. The interactionsCanada. of the various combinations of essential oils and Essential oils have inhibitory the addition of salmonella bacteriophage wereproperties and can therefore be investigated as noted as additive, synergistic or antagonistic.a safe biocontrol for Salmonella prevention. The essential oils of these herbs and In the Caribbean, poultry meat is spices, which possessed effective inhibitoryprepared using numerous herbs and spices. qualities can be further investigated and theirThis enhances the organoleptic/sensory inhibitory components may be incorporated intoproperties of meat, but may also have the active packaging materials for poultry meat.potential to inhibit growth of Salmonella. Her supervisors are Drs Mansel Griffiths and In this research, the essential oils of herbs Hany Anany.and spices (capsicum, coriander, garlic, ginger, Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie, Head of the Department of Food Production. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences learns about FFA Ms Lei Shi and Professor During a visit to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Boman before the PhD oral in April 2014, Deputy Dean, Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation, of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, and lecturer examination in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Professor Mattias Boman, took the opportunity to introduce the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The UWI and Trinidad and Tobago to members of the academia, and held discussions on potential research collaboration. The main purpose of his visit, however, was to serve as an external examiner for a PhD thesis by student Ms Lei Shi. The thesis was titled “Econometric Analyses of Renewable Energy Promotion” (http://pub.epsilon.slu.se/11111/1/shi_l_140403.pdf). The thesis, which was successfully defended, provided an indepth analysis of factors driving both the supply and demand for renewable energy. Analytical techniques from economics, econometrics as well as psychology was employed by Ms Shi in her thesis work.

Page 8 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News Celebrating the Faculty’s AlumniDear readers, we have been getting requests to highlight some of the Faculty’salumni who have achieved professional success and have contributed tothe development of the region’s agricultural sector and to the region as awhole. In this issue we are proud to feature Mr Gregg Cecil Erskine Rawlins. Mr Gregg In 2010, Mr Rawlins was designated as Coordinator, Regional Integration for Cecil the Caribbean Region with oversight for implementation of IICA’s Strategy for Erskine agricultural development in the region as well as for the coordination of IICA’s Rawlins, a technical support for regional integration projects, programmes and initiatives. national of Mr Rawlins possesses a wealth of technical and managerial experience and Barbados, has authored many research and working papers, sub-sector reviews and analyses, holds a BSc negotiating briefs, policy positions and presentations on agricultural economics, (Hons) in commodities, trade policy and negotiations, food and nutrition security, external Agriculture, trade and economic-related matters. from The Conference Reminder University Alternative Sustainable Conservation and Utilization Methods for of the West Neo-tropical Animals Indies, Alternative sustainable conservation and utilization methods for Neo-tropicalMr Gregg Cecil Erskine Rawlins Trinidad animals, is the theme of the 11th Conference and Tobago on Management of Amazonian Wildlife (XICIMFAUNA) animals, which will(1984) and a Master of Science in Agricultural be held at The UWI, St Augustine Campus from 17th to 22nd August 2014.Economics (Marketing) from Wye College, For more information, visit the websiteUniversity of London, England (1987). xicimfauna.org or email michele.singh. [email protected] An Agricultural Economist, MrRawlins has over 25 years of experience inthe field of agriculture at both the nationaland regional levels in the Caribbean. Mr Rawlins has held positionswith several key multinational agenciesin the region. Prior to his appointmentas Representative of the Inter-AmericanInstitute for Cooperation on Agriculture(IICA) Office in Trinidad and Tobago, in2008 Mr Rawlins served as ConsultantProject Manager of the FAO/CARICOM/CARIFORUM Food Security Project in Portof Spain, Trinidad. He has also held positionsas a Senior Project Officer in EconomicPolicy and Sectoral Programmes with theCARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown,Guyana, and as Chief Economist and Headof Planning at the Ministry of Agricultureand Rural Development in Barbados.

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 9Soil Management Issues Related to Food Production and Environmental Quality as a Consequence of Climate Change and VariabilitySoil Management Issues Related to Food Donald Gabriels and Professor Deyanira Production and Environmental Quality Lobo. Professor Donald Gabriels is theas a Consequence of Climate Change and UNESCO Chair on Eremology and is leading the research group on Soil ErosionVariability is the theme of a workshop and Soil Conservation of the Department of Soil Management and Soil Care, Ghentto be conducted in partnership with the University, Belgium. He currently serves as an expert for the FAO, ORSTOM,Department of Food Production, Faculty Belgian and Flemish Governments, European Union on soil hydrology,of Food and Agriculture, The University of reforestation, water harvesting, erosion risk assessment and watershed management.West Indies, St Augustine and the Central Professor Lobo is leading Soil ScientistUniversity of Venezuela, Ghent University, at the Central University of Venezuela with immense experience in soil erosion,Belgium and the ACP/EDulink 11 (FST in agricultural climatology and soil water management. She is a Senior AssociateAC). The workshop, which will highlight of the Abdus Salam International Centre of Theoretical Physics. Both Professorsand address soil and water management Gabriels and Lobo have been involved in collaborative work with The UWI, Stissues pertinent to food production, Augustine.food security and environmental The workshop takes place from June 29th, 2014 to July 4th, 2014 and targetsquality, has the following objectives: participants from Caribbean countries in agriculture, food, forestry, watershed• To increase participants' knowledge management, land engineering andof the soil physical properties and processes drainage, environmental protection, wateras a basis for a better understanding, resources and related fields.approach and solution to agronomic,engineering and environmental problems For further information please contactrelated to runoff, erosion, drainage, Dr Mark Wuddivira, Chair of the Localirrigation and soil and water pollution. Planning Committee at mark.wuddivira@ sta.uwi.edu, phone at +1868-662-2002• To discuss practical applications, Ext. 84412 (office); +1868-750-3853including measurement techniques, (mobile) or fax at +1868-645-0479.assessment and modelling of the physicaland hydrological processes related to Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie,degradation, use, and management of Head of the Department of Foodtropical soils. Production• To promote interaction amongparticipants, through oral and posterpresentation on soil management issues intheir territory and critically analyse theseissues.A multidisciplinary team comprisingregional and international experts hascommitted to the delivery of the workshop.The international facilitators are Professor

Page 10 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News Taking Control of Our Children’s Nutrition and Health Im p r o v i n g per school, were selected and interviewed. the nutrition The results obtained showed that the mean and health of vegetable and fruit consumption for the 5 to 6 year old group was significantly higher than that CARICOM of the older year groups. Children in schools located in more rural areas ate significantly populations is more fruit and vegetables than those in urban areas. Also, schools that were introduced to the the focus of a nutrition education lessons alongside modified meals showed a better fruit and vegetable collaborative consumption pattern over the two school terms. In addition, it was found that the eating habitsproject between the Faculty of Food and of 6 to 7 year old children are less influenced by their peers than their older classmates.Agriculture, The UWI and McGill University, Rural/urban comparisonCanada. The ‘Community Nutrition and There was a difference in the results betweenHealth’ component of the project deals with children from rural and urban areas. Children in rural areas were more familiar with agriculturalinvestigating whether the school feeding activities and tended to eat vegetables and fruits at home as compared with the children in urbanprogrammes in St Kitts and Trinidad serve areas. Promoting urban agriculture education and training could therefore be an integralas key vehicles for improving diet quality for component of the primary and secondary school curriculum in order to increase the consumptionprimary school aged children. This involves of locally produced fruits and vegetables. Parental guidance and the role ofadding locally produced vegetables and fruits teachers were found to be two key influencing factors that should be taken into considerationto their meals and providing nutrition education when initiating and promoting good nutrition and healthy eating habits among children.to introduce and reinforce healthy food choices. Thus, nutrition education programmes and training for teachers and parents on locallyResearchers from the Department of produced foods should be developed along with strengthening the nutrition educationAgricultural Economics and Extension, curriculum in primary and secondary schools. The research, which started in 2011, isled by Dr Isabella Granderson, have part of a four-year Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF)/ CARICOMbeen conducting the research in Trinidad. Project funded by the CIFSRF, undertaken with financial support of the Government of Canada.Shifting consumption patterns For more information, visit the website at http://www.caricomfoodsecurity.com/The results will inform further interventionsaimed at shifting consumption patterns away Submitted by: Dr Isabella Granderson, Lecturer,from the current high intakes of fats, oils Department ofAgricultural Economics and Extensionand sugar towards increased consumption ofvegetables and fruit. This shift is crucial, sincepoor diets are associated with the increasingincidence of overweight and obesity amongchildren in CARICOM communities, makingthem more susceptible to chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes,heart disease, stroke and cancer. A total of 439children between the ages of five and nine fromfour primary schools in North East Trinidadparticipated in the study. Of these, 261 studentsreceived modified school lunches, whichincluded recommended daily servings of fruitand vegetables, while 239 children also receivednutrition education. The children were observedin their class groups (Second Year, Standard 1and Standard 2) for two consecutive schoolterms or 138 days. Daily, 10% of the childrenwho received modified meals from each class

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 11CariWatNet selected for Most Outstanding International Research ProjectStrengthening the Caribbean Scientific national and international audiences,Community in Natural Resources specifically policy makers and governmentalManagement and Developing Integrated institutions in the region, for furtherWatershed Management Plans, was the title implementation and follow-up whenof the CariWatNet Project which was selected making decisions on wider spatial scales.for a Campus Award in the category “MostOutstanding International Research Project”. Achievements Objectives The main activities of the project wereThe project had as its objectives to: carried out in Trinidad and Haiti and(a) Strengthen the Caribbean scientificcommunity by assessing future research the project achieved the following:needs in the region in relation to sustainableuse and management of natural resources, • strengthened the Caribbean scientificto train ACP scientific partners in proposalwriting, capitalizing research results, and partner institutions in natural resourcesimproving overall quality of research. management through capacity building such as workshops, participating of staff and graduates of The University of the West Indies in PhD courses at Wageningen University. • initiated, strengthened and expanded a(b) Construct vibrant multi-stakeholder network of stakeholders to promote goodnetworks in four selected watersheds (two inTrinidad and Tobago and two in Haiti) within governance in watershed managementthe Caribbean region consisting of membersfrom the government, local authorities, NGOs, in two watersheds in Trinidad andscientists, farmers and forestry organisations,the Water and Sewerage Authority, land Tobago (two watersheds in Haiti wereusers and land owners to jointly identifystakeholder needs and potential approaches also included in the wider project.)to improve current watershed conditions. • setupa measurement scheduletosurveyland use and management practices, hydrology, conduct water sampling, and monitor land and water utilization and pollution. • two watershed management plans were developed for the Aripo(c) Monitor current land use and Watershed and the Plum Mitanhydrological conditions in the fourselected watersheds using harmonized Rice Scheme in the Nariva Swamp.measurement methods and procedures,with special attention to quantifying and • training and capacity building,analysing environmental risks like erosion,flooding, pollution and loss of biodiversity. through workshops, was carried out for the stakeholders in the communities in selected watersheds. The project, which was conducted during the period November 2009 to May 2013, had as its(d) Formulate and define integrated partnersTheUWI; Universityof Haiti;Ministrywatershed management plans for theselected project areas in close collaboration of Agriculture, Haiti; CIRAD, Martinique andwith the multi-stakeholder networks. Wageningen University and Research Centre. The UWI-NGC Awards 2014 ceremony will be held in October 2014.(e) Communicate and disseminate Submitted by: Professor Carlisle Pemberton, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extensionachieved results to a wide range of

Page 12 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News Components of citrus fruits and their potential for prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseasesHealth care professionals argue that diets rich in of these tissues is a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. fruits and vegetables are strongly associated with Vitamin C plays an important role in the absorption ofnumerous health benefits and lower risk of disease. inorganic iron (iron found mainly in plants); it has also In recent years increasing attention has been given been shown to be useful in the treatment of anaemiato the sum of biologically active elements found in citrus and stress. It is also involved in the functioning of thefruits, particularly their plant-based non-nutrients called phytochemicals, because of immune system by stimulating white bloodthe role they play in preventing a range of cell function. Vitamin C can help reduce thechronic disease conditions, including cancer risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure)and heart disease. Furthermore, there is during pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief,considerable evidence that citrus fruits have vitamin C does not seem to prevent thebeen shown to have positive associations with onset of common cold, but in some studiesbone and immune system health. Citrus fruits it has been reported to reduce the length andcontain a variety of vitamins, minerals, fibre, severity of the symptoms. As an antioxidant,and phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, vitamin C can help prevent cell damageflavonoids, and limonoids, which appear caused by free radical molecules, as theyto have biological activities and confer health benefits. can damage protein, fatty acids and human In 2010, the production of citrus fruit worldwide genetic material. Being a good source of antioxidants, ifwas estimated at 122.5 million tonnes with about 8.7 regularly consumed, citrus fruits can be an important part ofmillion hectares harvested; oranges were 50%-62% of a diet, which can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.the total area harvested and total production. Worldwide, One major culprit in the development of heartthere has been a steady increase of estimated per capita disease appears to be a high level of oxidized low-consumption of citrus over the last 30 years. However, density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called bad cholesterol.least developed countries located in Sub-Saharan Africa A recent study has shown that high intakes of vitamin Cand Southeast Asia, which generally have the highest (500 mg/day) obtained from the juice of freshly squeezedproportion of persons with malnutrition and micronutrient oranges, prevented a rise in the levels of oxidizeddeficiencies, also have the lowest consumption of citrus. LDL, even in the presence of a high-saturated fat diet. It is well known that citrus fruits contain a wide Damage of protein in eyes’ lens by free radicals playsrange of key nutrients including high levels of vitamin a central role in the formation of age-related cataracts.C and significant amounts of dietary fibre, carotenoids The role of dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin C,and folates. They have a low ratio of sodium to in the aetiology of cataracts has been a recent focuspotassium (suitable for combatting hypertension) and of research. Lower cataract risk has been shown inare low in fat and dietary energy, making them nutrient individuals with high blood concentrations or intakesdense, energy-dilute foods with a low glycaemic index. of vitamin C and carotenoids. There is now evidenceCitrus fruits are also extremely rich in antioxidants. to show that a high level of vitamin C intake over the long term decreases the risk of cataract development. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ToomuchvitaminC(above500mg),generallyseen withveryhighlevelsofsupplementation,maybedangerous,Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C. especially for those at risk of iron overload (geneticVitamin C being an essential water-soluble vitamin disorder of excessive accumulation of iron in the liver).plays a key role in the production of collagen, a primarycomponent of much of the connective tissue in the body. FolateAdequate collagen synthesis is essential for strongligaments, tendons, dentin, skin, blood vessels and bones, Folate is a water-soluble vitamin essential for new celland for wound healing and tissue repair. The weakening production and growth. It helps in the production and stabilisation of the genetic material DNA and ribonucleic

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 13acid (RNA) and mature red blood cells, which ultimately Potassiumprevent anaemia. Homocysteine (substance derived from Potassium is an essential mineral that works to maintainthe metabolism of the amino acid methionine) is a toxic the body’s water and acid balance. As an importantagent for the vascular wall and, when plasma levels rise electrolyte, it plays an important role in transmittingabove normal, there is an increased risk of cardiovascular nerve impulses to muscles, in muscle contractiondisease. An inverse dose-response relationship has been and in the maintenance of normal blood pressure.identified for fruit and vegetable intake and plasma The daily requirement of potassium is approximatelyhomocysteine levels. Frequent consumption of folate-rich 4500 mg and, while frank deficiency of potassiumfoods, such as oranges and orange juice, tends to increase is rare, there is some concern that a high sodium-to-plasma folate levels and thus lower homocysteine levels. potassium intake ratio may be a risk factor for chronic diseases. Increased consumption of citrus fruits and Carotenoids juices is a good means of increasing potassium intake.Citrus fruits contain many carotenoids. Carotenoids are Flavonoids and Limonoidsterpenes (tetraterpenoids). The most abundant carotenoidsin the human diet, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds widelythe pro-vitamin A carotenoids, α- and β-carotene and distributed in plants and are pigments responsible for fruitβ-cryptoxanthin, are found in fruits and vegetables. and flower coloration and involved in defense againstCarotenoids are antioxidants that have been demonstrated UV radiation or aggression from pathogens. Citrus fruitsto have positive effects on the immune system, promote are the major source of flavanones from food; the mostbone formation and health, stimulate gap junction predominant and widely studied flavanones in citrus fruitscommunication between cells, promote eye health and are hesperidin (predominant in oranges) and naringeninlowertheriskforthedevelopmentofmanytypesof cancers. (grapefruit). Of the edible parts, the membranous segmentsCarotenoids in fruits are dissolved in the chromoplast as of citrus fruit have the highest content of many bioactiveopposed to being bound to proteins in the chloroplasts of compounds making high-pulp juices more recommendeddark-leafy green vegetables, and considerable evidence for consumption. Although the peels and seeds aresupports fruit carotenoids having higher bioavailability. often discarded, they generally have different flavonoidTangerines in particular can provide a substantial amount of composition than the edible fruit making citrus byproductsthepro-vitaminAcarotenoid,β-cryptoxanthin,acarotenoid a good source of flavonoid extracts. Furthermore, the peelsthat appears to be a highly bioavailable source of vitaminA. and seeds can contain the highest amounts of flavonoids. Flavonoids extracted from citrus have been Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre shown to act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides andThe main energy-yielding nutrient in citrus fruits improve bone health in experimental animals.is carbohydrate. Citrus fruits contain the simple Their effects in humans are more controversial, becausecarbohydrates (sugars) fructose, glucose and sucrose, there is large intra- and inter-variability in absorption,as well as citric acid which can also provide a small metabolism, and reported effects of flavonoids.amount of energy. Citrus fruits also contain non-starch The bitter taste in citruspolysaccharides, commonly known as dietary fibre, which can be attributed to limonoids.is a complex carbohydrate with important health benefits. The most abundant limonoids in citrus are glycosidesThe predominant type of fibre in citrus is pectin, making up of limonin and nomilin. In animal and human cell65 to 70 percent of the total fibre. The remaining fibre is in lines, limonoids have been shown to help reduce orthe form of cellulose, hemicellulose and trace amounts of inhibit proliferation of cancer of the pancreas, stomach,gums. Citrus also contains lignin, a fibre-like component. colon, and breast. In animal studies, limonoids alsoPectin is more completely fermented in the large intestine reduced skin tumors. There is also also evidence ofby microflora than foods rich in cellulose like cereals antiviral and antibacterial properties of limonoids.and fermentation produces various substrates includingshort-chain fatty acids (butyric acid, propionic acid, Excerpt from an article submitted by: Dr Sa’eed Halilu Bawa,acetic acid etc) that can be absorbed and provide energy. Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension

Page 14 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News On the Road to Food SecurityOn the Road to Food Security was the theme of Nevis’ 20th Open Daycelebration held at The Villa Grounds,Nevis, on March 27th 2014, under thepatronage of the Minister of Agricultureand Marine Resources, the Hon AlexisJeffers. The Open Day is a landmarkevent and has always attracted visitorsthroughout the Caribbean, includingthose from research and teachinginstitutions. Given the importance of thisevent to the people of the St Kitts/Nevis Ms Chanelle Joseph speaks with PremierFederation, the Faculty has always part- of Nevis, Mr Vance Amoryicipated since its inception. This year, Mr Terry Sampson (Audio-Visual Technician) and Ms Chanelle Joseph(Lecturer), from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, representedthe faculty and mounted a display featuring academic programmes (including the newundergraduate diploma in agriculture), posters depicting aspects of the faculty’s researchand distributed literature on the adoption of appropriate technology, such as protectedagriculture and livestock production to combat the challenges of climate change. Fact-sheets highlighting the nutritional benefits of yams, breadfruit and mango werealso distributed to the visitors, some of whom felt that The UWI could also play a role inprovidingtechnologyandinformationontopicssuchasimprovedgermplasm,efficientirrigationsystems, weed control in crops and environmentally friendly farming practices. Among the dignitaries visiting the FFA’s booth was the Premier of Nevis, Mr VanceAmory, who indicated his pleasure at The UWI’s continued presence at the annual event. This year, the CEO of the Caribbean Cable Network, TEMPO Networks, LLC(which broadcasts in 24 countries worldwide), Mr Frederick A Morton Jr, generouslyagreed to promote the agricultural sector by partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop several documentaries showing various aspects of the sector and air them for a nominal fee. Mr Terry Sampson greets CEO of TEMPO Networks, LLC, Mr Frederick A Morton Jr, while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eric Evelyn (former faculty student) looks on

Volume 3 Issue 2 Page 15 Creating Excitement in Agriculture at the Primary School Level by Michele D Singh Department of Food ProductionThe Department of Food Production was invited to highlight agriculture as a career option at the South Oropuche Government Primary School. Over 250 children between the ages of 5and 13 years visited the booth. No child had identified agriculture or food production as an optionfor their future career. However, many changed their minds after the interactive sessions, whichprompted the youngsters to reflect on where their food came from. Each class was asked to describetheir breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, then identify the source of each item. It dawned on thestudents that food production was very important and deserved to be considered as a career option.Live animals including agoutis and rabbits were used to demonstrate animals for food whilstnumerous seedlings and chicks were distributed as a means of creating excitement for agriculture. The postgraduate students of the Department of Food Production must be commendedfor their unwavering contribution to the effort of encouraging the youth to enter the field ofagriculture and food production as a career.Graduate students fromthe Department of FoodProduction interact withprimary school children on food production

Page 16 Faculty of Food and Agriculture News New, Innovative and Emerging Technologies in Food and Agriculture New, In- gave a presentation on the “Application of novative Geophysical Techniques in Soil Sensing for and Emerging Precision Agriculture” in which he looked at electromagnetic induction (EMI) geophysical Te c h n o l o g i e s sensing technique measuring the soil’s apparent electrical conductivity. It can be non-invasive, in Food and non-destructive, time and cost efficient and the EMI signals can be used in precision Agriculture agriculture to generate soil management zones for environmentally friendly and was the theme energy efficient field management. Mrs Vidia Doodnath, the Executive of a workshop Director of Angostura Distilleries, spoke on “The Food and Beverage Industry - which took Emerging Trends in Packaging Materials and Equipment.” Her presentation focused place on on global food and beverage trends such as health claims, sustainability and flavourProfessor Donald Gabriels Monday June solutions of the foods we eat. She also 2nd, 2014 at the highlighted the packaging operational trends such as packaging modules, replacingSir Frank Stockdale Building, Faculty of Food packaging machines and multinational companies standardizing packaging systemsand Agriculture, The UWI, St Augustine. as well as quality assurance and food safety for food and beverage manufacturers.Professor Donald Gabriels, UNESCO’s The opening remarks for the workshop were given by Pro Vice-Chancellor andChair on Eremology, Department of Soil Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat, who spoke on the importance of food andManagement, Ghent University, Belgium, agriculture security for the Caribbean region. The workshop was held in collaborationwas the keynote speaker and focused on with the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Trinidad and Tobago Chapter, the African“Use of Organic Residues and Compost and Caribbean and Pacific/ European Union EDULINK 11 project on Food Scienceas Soil Amendments.” His presentation and Technology in Africa and Caribbean project (FSTinAC), and the Departmentsgave an overview of the different types of Food Production and Mechanical Engineering, The UWI, St Augustine.of composting and their applications. He Submitted by: Professor Neela Badrie and Dralso stressed the importance of organic soil Marsha Singh, Department of Food Production, Faculty of Food and Agriculture and the Africanresidues as soil cover in preventing erosion. and Caribbean European Union Edulink 11 project Presentations from staff of theDepartment of Mechanical and ManufacturingEngineering, Faculty of Engineering,UWI, St Augustine included, “Simulationof Irrigation—Watering fields usingCROPWAT” by Professor Edwin Ekwue;“Cassava Harvesters—Design Simulationand Field Testing” by Mr Robert Birch;and “Agro Processing Equipment” by MrRodney Harnarine. These presentationsdemonstrated the importance of mergingengineering with the science of agriculture,in the development of tools in the farm tofork chain. When developing agriculturalimplements the process of design beginswith the problem definition and requires anadept understanding of engineering science,applied mechanics and finite element analysis. Dr Mark Wuddivira of the Departmentof Food Production, The UWI, St Augustine,