2015
Agriculture (Primary Production)
Quantitative Report
Research, Planning and Development Department
NATIONAL TRAINING AGENCY
Table of Contents
1
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1
1.2
1.3
2
3
Purpose of Study .......................................................................................................................... 12
Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1
3.2
4
International ............................................................................................................................. 6
Regional ................................................................................................................................... 7
National.................................................................................................................................... 9
Survey Instrument .................................................................................................................. 13
Sample ................................................................................................................................... 13
Findings ........................................................................................................................................ 14
4.1
4.2
Primary Production Profile .................................................................................................... 14
Employment ........................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.3
4.4
5
6
7
8
9
Employment profile ........................................................................................................ 18
Vacancies........................................................................................................................ 18
Training.................................................................................................................................. 20
Agricultural Landscape.......................................................................................................... 22
Analysis/Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 24
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 28
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 29
References .................................................................................................................................... 30
APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 31
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
APPENDIX 1 Number of workers on holding ...................................................................... 31
APPENDIX 2 Farmers also employed outside of agriculture ............................................... 31
APPENDIX 3 Worker training .............................................................................................. 32
APPENDIX 4 planned change within the next year.............................................................. 32
APPENDIX 5 Qualities workers lack ................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 6 Food system interventions for better nutrition ............................................... 33
List of Tables
Table 1 Employment Data .................................................................................................................... 18
Table 2 Vacancy Data .......................................................................................................................... 19
1
Table of Figures
Figure 1.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: AGE AND GENDER ............................................................. 14
Figure 2.PRIMARY PRODUCTION:YEARS INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE ............................ 14
Figure 3.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: OWN THEIR HOLDINGS? ................................................... 15
Figure 4.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: MONTHLY EARNINGS PER PRIMARY PRODUCER ..... 15
Figure 5. PRIMARY PRODUCTION: TO WHOM DO PRIMARY PRODUCERS SELL? ............. 16
Figure 6.EMPLOYMENT: WHERE THEY GET THEIR WORKERS .............................................. 16
Figure 7.EMPLOYMENT: NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT AT HOLDINGS ................................... 17
Figure 8.EMPLOYMENT: MONTHS WORKERS ARE NEEDED MOST ...................................... 17
Figure 9.TRAINING: HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION ............................................................. 20
Figure 10.TRAINING: FORMAL TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE ................................................. 20
Figure 11.TRAINING: AGRICULTURE TRAINING INSTITUTIONS ........................................... 20
Figure 12.TRAINING: WHERE WAS TRAINING GIVEN? ............................................................ 21
Figure 13.AGRICULTURE LANDSCAPE: LEVEL OF SATISFACTION ...................................... 22
Figure 14.AGRICULTURE PROFILE : WAYS TO IMPROVE THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR . 23
2
Glossary
ADIU – Agriculture Data and information Unit
APP – Agriculture Policy Programme
CARDI – Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute
CARICOM – The Caribbean Community
CARIRI- The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute
CFTDI – Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute
COTED – Council for Trade and Economic Development
ECIAF – Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry
EDF – European Development Fund
GORTT – Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
IICA – Inter-American institute for the Cooperation on Agriculture
ILO – International Labour Organisation
NEET – Neither in employment, education or training
NTA - The National Training Agency
RFNSAP – Regional Food and Nutrition Security Action Plan
UTT – The University of Trinidad and Tobago
UWI - The University of the West Indies
3
Executive summary
Globally, the demand for nutrient rich, basic staple foods that cater for many diets in decades to come,
is projected to increase by 60%. Presently, agriculture accounts for thirty-two per cent (32%) of all
global employment, as highlighted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). In order to meet
demands diversifying smallholder production, such as integrated farming system would become
mandatory. The FAO also stated that political commitments, appropriate governance accountability
mechanisms and monitoring capacities are mandatory worldwide in order to meet increasing demand.
Regionally, CARICOM through the Regional Food and Nutrition Security Action Plan (RFNSAP),
iterated the impact of climate change on agriculture productivity. Moreover, export diversification,
import replacement, collaborative research and food nutrition have all been discussed.
The Ministry of Food Production’s Action Plan 2012-2015 (Agriculture Now), indicated the need to
reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill, reduce inflation through reduction of food prices, create
sustainable employment, and diversify the economy. Those have been stated as mandatory in order to
create a food secure nation. As a result, many policies have been implemented with incentive
programmes to encourage agricultural involvement.
A key mandate of the National Training Agency (NTA), is to collect empirical evidence in order to
define and refine training and employment. In this regard, the NTA collaborated with the Agriculture
Data and Information Unit as part of the Planning Division (ADIU) of the Ministry of Food Production
to collect critical information about the Agriculture sector, with a focus on primary production.
A questionnaire was used to garner information from two hundred and seven (207) persons involved
in Crop Production, Livestock Production, Fisheries, Beekeeping and Cocoa Production in the North
West, North East, Port of Spain, East, Central and South of Trinidad.
Data collected indicate that male to female ratio for primary producers in agriculture related activity
was 3:1; 94% of those persons who were 30 years or older. Seventy per cent (70%) of primary producers
possessed 15 or more years of experience in agriculture. Most of the primary producers (60%)
employed 1-5 workers who would usually perform multiple roles on the holding. Male to female
employee ratio was 4:1; community individuals, family members and friends account for 35%, 31%
and 28% respectively of the sector’s workforce.
4
Two thirds (67%) of primary producers attained a secondary level education or higher, though 78%
were not formally trained in agriculture. Contrastingly, 62% employers stated that they provided
informal or formal training for their employees. Producers were very dissatisfied with the availability
of workers (65%); incentives and grants for agriculture (55%) and the quality of workers (53%). Better
priced chemicals and materials was the most popular option given by the survey participants, to
improve the sector.
Furthermore, to improve the productivity of the sector, more dedicated Extension Officers or officials
of the food production ministry, improved advertising of programmes and incentives by conventional
and technological methods, exposing students to agriculture earlier, comprehensive infrastructural
analysis/development and well-designed comprehensive training programmes.
5
1 Introduction
1.1 International
Agriculture accounts for 32 per cent of total employment globally and 39 per cent in developing Asia
and the Pacific, according to the ILO’s Global Employment Trends Report 2014. Maintaining the
momentum of growth in agricultural productivity will remain crucial in the coming decades as
production of basic staple foods need to increase by 60 per cent if it is to meet expected demand growth.
Beyond staple foods, healthy diets are diverse, containing a balanced and adequate combination of
energy, fat and protein, as well as micronutrients. Agricultural research and development priorities
must be made more nutrition-sensitive, with a stronger focus on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits,
vegetables, legumes and animal-source foods.
Agricultural interventions are generally more effective when combined with nutrition education and
implemented with sensitivity to gender roles. Such an approach requires better governance, based on
sound data, a common vision and political leadership to be able to plan, coordinate and foster the
necessary collaboration across and within sectors. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, 2014)
What is needed?
•
Explicit political commitments

Appropriate governance mechanisms

Accountability mechanisms and monitoring capacities
(Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2013)
The broad environment that encompasses food systems, and their production and consumption
components, has changed considerably in recent years. The environment for food and agricultural
production is increasingly challenging – particularly for smallholders – due to natural resource
degradation, more frequent and severe weather events, globalization, urbanization and market
concentration (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014).
Higher and more volatile food prices have slowed or even reversed progress in reducing food insecurity
in many countries, highlighting the fragility of the global food system. Food prices are likely to remain
relatively high and price volatility is expected to become more common in the future (Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2014).
6
Agriculture seldom tops young people’s “most wanted” wish list of careers. It is perceived as
representing the past and the antithesis of progress. While there is a growing trend in industrialized
economies, including those of Korea or Australia, towards offering agriculturally-focused education
and incentives for young people to invest in rural areas, moving back to the countryside in developing
nations remains associated with poverty, informality and archaism. (International Labour
Organisation, 2014)
It was reported that improving tertiary agricultural education might be one way to improve the appeal
of a sector some believe could boom in the coming decades. There is plenty of room for improvement.
In Mongolia, for example, where 32 per cent of employment is based in agriculture – according to
ILO figures – only 2.35 per cent of students graduate with an agricultural degree. In Malaysia, this
ratio is only 0.75 per cent (International Labour Organisation, 2014).
Young people that are among the NEET may be less engaged and more dissatisfied with their societies
than their peers who are employed or in the education system (International Labour Organisation,
2014).
1.2 Regional
Professor Nazeer Ahmad, Professor Emeritus, University of the West Indies insists that water
management of agricultural lands must be addressed urgently if the Region is to maximize crop
production (CARDI, 2011).
Mr. Hailu said, “Globally, food production must rise by 70% if we are to satisfy a population which is
forecast to increase from 7 to 9 billion by 2050”.He said, “Climate change adaptation is a priority for
the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to meet their development goals and to eliminate hunger
and poverty” (CARDI, 2011).
“New” agricultural strategies for the future
Kendall and Petracco from the Caribbean Development Bank outlined a ‘new agriculture policy’ for
the region. The new policy refers to three strategies that could be pursued by different groups of
countries in the region, depending on their resource endowments and areas of comparative advantage.
The three (3) strategies proposed are:
7
1. Expansion of non-agricultural exports and de-emphasis on agriculture
2. Agricultural export diversification
3. Competitive import replacement
Expansion of non-agricultural exports and de-emphasis on agriculture
Countries that depend heavily on non-agricultural exports should de-emphasize agriculture and focus
on a food security strategy based on the development of food reserves. Food stocks could be supplied
by CARICOM countries which have a strong comparative advantage in agriculture (Pemberton, 2006).
Agricultural export diversification
Countries with strong agricultural sectors should move away from traditional agricultural exports and
instead pursue a strategy of export diversification based on non-traditional commodities.
Competitive import replacement
In order to meet food security concerns, countries pursuing an export diversification strategy should
reduce food imports and expand production for the domestic market. Import replacement would differ
from import substitution to the extent that domestic production would be required to be competitive.
Competitiveness should be seen not only in terms of price but also taste, freshness, food quality and
food safety.
The labour implications of a strategy that de-emphasizes agriculture, point to a reduction in agricultural
employment and a need for re-training of workers to allow them to take up jobs in service-based and
other industries. Agricultural diversification with a competitive import replacement strategy would
require substantial input of specialized and skilled labour (Pemberton, 2006).
Collaborative Research
Countries should undertake regular agricultural censuses and produce up-to-date agricultural statistics
to facilitate research. Areas should include agricultural labour market, productivity of resource use, and
the scope for new agricultural crops and processed commodities.
Such alliances could be fostered at both the national and regional levels to facilitate more effective
marketing of commodities and strengthening tourism-agriculture linkages. Specific suggestions are for
the development of community based tourism products such as eco-tourism, rural-tourism, agro8
tourism; and new tourism co-operation processes such as tourism product clubs and enterprise networks
(Pemberton, 2006)
Areas for training include the drafting of legislation for food safety, inspection and laboratory
techniques; institution-building could include regional initiatives for monitoring and inspection; and
standardization of curricula in educational institutions. Disseminating information in areas such as
research and technology, trained and skilled personnel in the agriculture field, and current training
courses and materials has been deemed quite necessary (Pemberton, 2006).
1.3 National
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT), has made available agriculture
incentives in order to boost the sector and the economy. These incentives according to the Annual
report on Performance 2012, were: Equipment and Machinery, Land Preparation, New 2WD/4WD
Pickups, Water Irrigation Equipment, Water Ponds, Equipment/Machinery for Beekeeping, Water
Pumps, Security System/Fencing, Pasture, Guaranteed Milk Price, Land Preparation and Vehicles New
Wheel Tractor (GORTT-Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, 2012).
Main Challenges facing Agriculture
The agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago must confront and overcome a number of significant
challenges if it is to perform its role in contributing to sustained economic and social development of
the country. These challenges include:
Lack of adequate drainage and irrigation systems and related infrastructure;

Lack of secure land tenure, with a large percentage of farmers not having legal tenure to the
land;

Competition from other sectors of the economy for key resources and in particular, access to
labour for agriculture which has become a major challenge for producers.

The sector is also challenged to attract the youth, given the opportunities available in other
sectors;

Agricultural land is gradually being utilized for non- agricultural use, principally for residential
and commercial use. This situation, coupled with the lack of proper infrastructure in certain
rural communities has impacted negatively on the availability of land for agriculture;
9

High incidence of praedial larceny which now represents a major deterrent to investments in
the sector;

High risk nature of agricultural production which has been accentuated by the effects of climate
change and increased incidence of natural disasters;

Low levels of productivity and a general lack of international competitiveness as a result of
rapidly escalating production costs (input costs in particular) and the slow pace of adoption of
appropriate and sustainable technologies and sound agribusiness management practices;

Limited capacity among small and medium sized enterprises in particular to meet
internationally acceptable standards relating to sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures (SPS) and
food safety;

Disorganized and fragmented producers and the existence of limited capacity for organizational
development and management within commodity and producer based organizations;

Preference among consumers and buyers of agri-food items for imported products.
Potential for Agriculture
Notwithstanding the above-mentioned challenges, there are tremendous opportunities for the
repositioning and sustained growth and development of the agri-food sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
Global developments in recent years have impacted significantly on how the agricultural sector is
perceived. The potential for the development of the agricultural sector is being driven by the following
factors:
An annual food import bill amounting to in excess of TT$4 billion which represents a significant
opportunity for import substitution based on increased domestic production;

Growing public recognition of the importance of achieving an adequate level of national food
security and increasing commitment of consumers to support ‘buy local’ campaigns;

The availability of superior quality products such as local fine flavoured cocoa which provide
an opportunity for the marketing of these products internationally;

The presence of specialized national, regional and international institutions with technical,
human and financial resources to drive and support the development of the agri-food sector;

The relatively low cost of energy which provides scope for the development of value-added
processing operations based on local primary production and regional supplies;

The thrust by Government to achieve economic diversification with the agricultural sector being
identified as a sector for special attention;
10

The scope for linking agriculture with industry, tourism, the environment, the health sector,
rural development and other sectors of the economy;

The high level of commitment and dedication to the agri-food sector demonstrated by farmers,
fisher-folk and other stakeholders in the sector;

The pivotal role played by agriculture in areas other than food production such as natural
resource management including watershed management, pursuit of a low carbon development
strategy and in conserving our biodiversity.
Policies and Objectives established by National Authorities
The development path for the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago is cast on six pillars which
include:

Respect for agriculture, the farmers and the land

Affordable food on a sustained basis

Sustainable livelihood for farmers

A mixture of traditional and technology-driven platforms

Regional and extra-regional joint ventures to achieve economies of scale and export
competitiveness

Functional linkages between research and development and the sector to strengthen knowledge
applications (IICA TECHNICAL COOPERATION STRATEGY FOR TRINIDAD AND
TOBAGO 2011-2014).
11
2 Purpose of Study
The National Training Agency (NTA) charged with the responsibility for Technical Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) in Trinidad and Tobago is mandated to ‘coordinate, harmonize,
standardize, monitor and evaluate all TVET in Trinidad and Tobago’. The NTA through the Research,
Development and Planning department, collect empirical evidence that will define and refine TVET
training and employment in Trinidad and Tobago. In this regard, the NTA collaborated with the
Agriculture Data and Information Unit as part of the Planning Division (ADIU) of the Ministry of Food
Production to collect critical information about the Agriculture sector, with a focus on primary
production.
Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the project were to therefore:
1.
Analyze the trends and composition of employment in the farming sector,
2. Determine agriculture employment needs - in terms of required skill sets and the
Ministry’s action plan,
3. Establish in the areas of training, the percentage of the population that is trained in
agriculture and also their level of training.
12
3 Methodology
The Labour Market assessment employed a quantitative approach. The survey adopted a nonprobability sampling approach utilizing purposive and convenience sampling methods.
The survey involved sampling of:

Members of the agricultural sub sectors and

Key Industry stakeholders.
Quantitative data was collected with the use of a questionnaire. Quantitative data were based on
precise measurements using a structured and validated data-collection instrument.
3.1 Survey Instrument
A questionnaire consisting of four sections (A-D) as seen in APPENDIX 8, was used to collect data.
It consisted of a total of twenty- three (23) questions.
3.2 Sample
Two hundred and seven (207) persons involved in primary production, were surveyed between the
months of March and June, 2014 in Trinidad. Data was garnered by interviewing primary producers at
public markets throughout the country, personal and association meetings. Persons interviewed came
from Crop Production, Livestock Production, Fisheries, Beekeeping and Cocoa Production in the North
West, North East, Port of Spain, East, Central and South Trinidad.
13
4 Findings
For the purpose of this report, an Agricultural Holder/Primary producer is defined as “the person who
makes the major decisions regarding resource use and exercises management control over the
agricultural holding operation. The Agricultural Holder has technical and economic responsibility for
the holding and may undertake all responsibilities directly, or delegate responsibilities related to dayto-day work management” (FAO, 2010).
4.1 Primary Production Profile
Figure 1.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: AGE AND GENDER
Figure 1 illustrates that most of the persons
surveyed were male (75%) and 25 % were
77
50+
16
female.
Most of the respondents were found to be in
67
30-49
30
the 30-49 and the 50+ age groups (48% and
46% respectively). Overall 94% of the
Agricultural Holders surveyed were 30 years
8
15-29
4
0
20
and over. Six per cent (6%) were below 30
40
Male
60
80
Female
years old.
Seventy per cent (70%) of the Agricultural
Holders have been involved in the sector for
Figure 2.PRIMARY PRODUCTION:YEARS INVOLVED IN
AGRICULTURE
Less than 1
year
4%
over 15 years. Collectively, persons who
were involved in agriculture for over 5 years
accounted for 86% of Primary Producers
1-5 years
10%
6-10 years
7%
surveyed.
Over
15years
70%
11-15years
9%
14
Almost three-fifths of the Primary Producers
Figure 3.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: OWN THEIR HOLDINGS?
surveyed, owned their holdings (58%). Those
Awaiting
Lease
18%
awaiting leases accounted for 18% and 24%
did not own their holding.
Yes
58%
No
24%
Respondents were asked to state their Figure 4.PRIMARY PRODUCTION: MONTHLY EARNINGS PER
PRIMARY PRODUCER
monthly earnings from their agricultural
activity. Figure 4 represents the salary ranges
and the number of responses. (It should be
noted that these figures do not represent
Less than $1,500
More than $5,500
profits.)
One quarter (25%) stated that they earned
less than $1500 a month. Contrastingly, 22%
stated that they earned more than $5,500.
$3501-$4,500
$2501- $3500
$1501- $2500
$4501- $5,500
0
10
20
30
40
50
15
Primary Producers (according to the survey),
mainly sold their products to local persons
(49%) or to wholesalers (39%). The
remaining 12% of the primary producers sold
their products to companies, supermarkets or
Figure 5. PRIMARY PRODUCTION: TO WHOM DO PRIMARY
PRODUCERS SELL?
Export to
other
countries
2%
Companies
5%
Supermarkets
5%
exported.
Local
personsretail
49%
Wholesalers
39%
4.2 Employment
Three fifths (60%) of the Primary Producers Figure 6.EMPLOYMENT: WHERE THEY GET THEIR WORKERS
employed 1-5 persons. Ten per cent (10%)
stated that they worked for themselves and
Family
31%
had no employees; 20% of them refused to
answer this question; 2% employed 6-10
persons and 1% had more than 25 employees
Friends
28%
Within the
community
35%
(APPENDIX 1).
The persons surveyed were then asked to
state from where they got their employees.
The respondents stated that the main sources
Another
Community
4%
Government
Programme
1%
Another
country
1%
of labour were Community members, Family,
and Friends. This accounted for 35%, 31%
and 28% respectively. Other sources of
labour accounted for 6%.
16
Figure 7 illustrates that for the primary
producers who had employees, casual male
Figure 7.EMPLOYMENT: NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT AT
HOLDINGS
Casual
female
8%
employment made up 42% of their labour
force. Permanent male employment was the
Casual
male
42%
next largest group accounting for 38% with
permanent
female
and
employees
making
up
casual
12%
female
and
8%
Permanent
female
12%
Permanent
male
38%
respectively.
Figure 8 depicts the months of the year that
workers are most needed to effectively take
Figure 8.EMPLOYMENT: MONTHS WORKERS ARE NEEDED
MOST
care of business operations in agriculture. It
120
can be seen that workers are needed
100
throughout the years in relatively the same
80
numbers. The months of October and
60
November seem to have a slightly higher
demand for workers, followed closely by
40
20
Commented [AR1]: Could capitalize ‘March’ for
consistency
March, June, September and December.
0
Commented [FF2R1]:
Commented [FF3R1]:
17
4.2.1
Employment profile
Table 1 Employment Data
Job Title
Apprentice
Beekeeper
Captain
CEO Executive
Farm helper
Farmer
Fish Farmer
Harvester
Labourer
Livestock Farmer
Loader
Moulder
Packer
Planter
Sailor
Soil Mixer/Seed Setter
Sprayer
Technician
Vegetable farmer
Weeder
Range of Employee Experience
Some agricultural experience
1- 8 years
3- 50 years
Agricultural certification; experience in Agriculture
Farming experience
Farming experience
Some fishing experience
No experience
0 – 5 years; ability to lift up to 100 pounds
10 – 25 years
0 – 3 years; ability to lift up to 100 pounds
Knowledge of farming; willingness and ability to work
No experience
Some farming experience
0 – 30 years
No experience; knowledge of farming; willingness and ability to work
0 – 5 years
Agricultural certification
0 – 40 years
No experience; knowledge of farming; willingness and ability to work
The survey showed that there was no formal corporate/company structure for agricultural holdings of
this sector. There was no clear relationship between job title and experience. Persons were given titles
by themselves or by employers without any formal process. It should also be noted that for this sector
persons function in many different roles and perform varied tasks according to the needs at any
particular time. For example, a Farmer may work as a Moulder, Sprayer, Technician, Loader or
Harvester on his farm or may even assist another Farmer in one or all of the areas of farming
4.2.2
Vacancies
The information collected indicated that there were ninety (90) vacancies at the time of the survey.
Eighty-four (84) were vacancies for full time employment and six (6) for part time employment. Table
2, gives a snapshot of the vacancies that existed as stated by the 207 respondents. Labourers,
Technicians and Farmers (all types) were most needed. These positions collectively accounted for
18
66.7% of all the identified vacancies. These positions individually made up 34.4%, 16.7% and 15.6%
of the vacancy pool respectively.
Table 2 Vacancy Data
Job Title
Apprentice
No of vacant
positions
Full
Part
time
time
6
0
Experience Required
No experience
Beekeeper
3
0
No experience
Captain
2
0
Fishing experience
Cocoa Maintenance Personnel
3
3
3 years
Dairy Farmer
1
0
10 years
Farm Helper
6
0
0 – 1 year
Human Resource Manager
2
0
No response
Labourer
31
0
Maintenance Personnel
2
0
No experience; ability to lift about 100 lbs;
ability to follow instructions
1 year experience
Mechanic
1
0
Fabrication & mechanical experience
Root Crop Farmer
3
0
3 years; certificate in root crop production
Sailor
2
0
No experience
Technician
15
0
Certificate in agriculture
Vegetable Farmer
7
3
Some farming experience
TOTAL
84
6
19
4.3 Training
Sixty-seven per cent (67%) of Agricultural
Figure 9.TRAINING: HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Primary Producers were formally educated at
Secondary
47%
or above the secondary level (Figure 9). The
Tertiary
16%
largest group (47%), were educated up to the
Tech/voc
4%
Primary
32%
secondary level. This was apart from
agricultural training that they may have
None
1%
received. The second largest group (39%)
only attained primary school education.
According to the data collected, only 19% of
Figure 10.TRAINING: FORMAL TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE
Primary Producers received formal training
in agriculture. Most (78%) were not formally
trained.
No
78%
Yes
19%
No
response
3%
Figure 11 illustrates that most (51.7%) of the Figure 11.TRAINING: AGRICULTURE TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
Primary Producers who indicated that they
were formally trained in Agriculture, refused
to state where they had received training
No Response
Ministry of Food Production…
Nineteen per cent (19%) were trained in
ECIAF
different programmes under the Ministry of
UWI
Food Production. The UTT and UWI each
IICA- St Augustine
accounted for 10.35% of the formally trained
Harbour Br. Oceanic Institute
Holders.
CARIRI
Teachers College
CFTDI
Agriculture Now
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
20
Holders were asked if they trained or
Figure 12.TRAINING: WHERE WAS TRAINING GIVEN?
Both at the
Agriculture
training
institution
/Holding
7%
provided training for their employees. Sixtytwo per cent (62%) of employees were said
At the
Agriculture
holding
67%
to have received training; 38% did not
receive training.
Of those that received training, 67% received
training at their place of employment
No
response
25%
(informally) by the owner or someone else.
Only 7% received training both at their place
of employment and at an institution; one per
Agriculture
Training
Institution
1%
cent (1%) received training at the institution
only (Figure 11).
Twenty-five per cent (25%) did not state
where training was given.
21
Just over half (55%) of the primary producers
surveyed indicated that they planned to
Figure 14.AGRICULTURE LANDSCAPE: PLANNED CHANGES
ON HOLDING WITHIN NEXT 12 MONTHS
implement changes within the next 12
months in their businesses; 34% stated that
there would not be any changes and 11% did
20%
Increase in number of products
Changes in the type of
products sold
not respond.
18%
17%
Of those that envisioned changes, 20% said
Better machinery /equipment
that they wanted to increase the quantity of
Introduce new
technology/ways of farming
13%
Increase in number of workers
13%
their respective products, 18% planned to
diversify their offerings; and 17% expected
10%
promote what you sell
to procure better machinery/equipment. Plans
Training/retraining of existing
workers
Reduction in number of
products
to introduce new technology (13%) and
increase the number of workers (13%) were
5%
2%
2%
Other
also popular plans for the next 12 months.
0%
Decrease in number of workers
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
4.4 Agricultural Landscape
Figure 13.AGRICULTURE LANDSCAPE: LEVEL OF
SATISFACTION
There was dissatisfaction with all of the
areas surveyed (Figure 13). Overall the rate
1. The availability of agricultural
workers (65%)
2. Incentives and grants for agriculture
(55%)
3. Quality of agricultural workers
(53%)
No response
Satisfactory
Availability of training in
agriculture
with, in decreasing order were:
Sector information
Primary Producers were most dissatisfied
Quality of skilled workers
responding 20%. The top three things
Quality of infrastructure
not
Availability of agricultural
workers
persons
Access to utilities
and
Supply of material
28%
Incentives and grants
satisfaction
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Loans to start and promote
agriculture
of dissatisfaction was 52%; rate of
Unsatisfactory
22
Primary producers were asked to select
ways in which the Agricultural sector could
Figure 14.AGRICULTURE PROFILE : WAYS TO IMPROVE
THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
be improved. Better priced chemicals and
Pool of agriculture workers to choose from
Stricter penalties for crimes
More incentives
More attention to infrastructural
development
2%
4%
5%
Additionally, Encouraging agriculture as a
Improved financial assistance
6%
career (13%), Better access to raw
Getting information to persons in agriculture
Better access to training and certification of
workers
6%
10%
policies (12%), Better food policies (11%)
Better food policies
11%
and
Better land/facility tenure policies
12%
certification (10%) rounded off the top six
Better access to raw material
12%
suggested ways to drive the sector forward.
Encourage agriculture as a career
Better priced chemicals and materials
13%
14%
materials was identified as one of the main
ways to help producers and the sector, with
14% choosing this option.
materials
Better
(12%),
access
Better
to
land/facility
training
and
5%
23
5 Analysis/Discussion
Primary Production
The results indicated that there was a lack of significant youth involvement in agriculture on a whole,
since only 6% of the primary producers were below 30 years old. This is a contrast to the 48%
involvement of persons 50 years and older. It is also evident that the agriculture sector is dominated by
males, as the male to female ratio was found to be roughly 3:1.
As expected, most of the respondents (70%) had more than l5 years’ experience in agriculture, since
most of the persons (94%) were older than 30 years of age. Also, the 1-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15
years ranges of experience in agriculture had similar numbers of individuals involved (10%, 7% and
9% respectively). Workers who had the least number of years’ of experience in agriculture had the
smallest pool of persons. This may be a result of the issues and problems in the sector. Respondents
have said that they are encouraging their children to choose other careers to avoid the problems that
exist. Another reason why younger persons may be reluctant to get involved in agriculture maybe
because they considered it too tedious, degrading and menial.
Only, three-fifths of respondents owned their holdings. The remaining persons stated that they it was a
great challenge to acquire parcels of land. They indicated that the process took years to come to fruition.
They also mentioned that other persons rented and squatted on state land because they believe that the
system is unfair and continues to have too much of bureaucracy, limitations and biases in order to
legally acquire land.
As seen from the data collected, a large portion of persons were earning below the minimum wage,
since 25% of them said they received an average of less than $1,500 monthly from their agricultural
operations. What was also found was that 22% earn more than $5,500. This indicates that a large gap
exists between lower and higher income earners.
Roughly half of the primary producers surveyed, sold their own products at markets, vegetable stalls
and other places that they believed, would allow them to sell all of their produce. Another 39% sold
their products to wholesalers and other persons that “buy and sell.” Only 2% export their products.
Many primary producers over the age of 50, indicated that they make too little income for the volume
of work.
24
Employment
Employers in this sector proclaimed that getting workers seemed to be quite a challenge. As a result,
many hired almost anyone within their community (35%) or relied heavily on family (31%) and friends
(28%). The main problems associated with hiring persons involved punctuality, honesty and
willingness to work hard (see APPENDIX 5). It was often said that the workers they get (if they do get
any at all), were usually not found for a few days after being paid. Workers were also noted to only do
what they were told and to steal from their employers. Overall, males were the preferred employees,
since lifting of heavy items for long distances and moving heavy equipment in a lot of instances were
required.
Most employers highlighted that the daily wages of $200- $400 requested by employees were out of
their budget. Because of that, many of the producers resorted to scale their operations down to a level
that they could manage without the need for employees. The information gathered points to a year
round need for workers for primary producers. They lamented that having to compete with social
programmes such as URP and CEPEP makes it even harder to get employees, apart from having to
employ persons who were addicted to drugs. Low skilled labour (Labourers) who seemed to be needed
the most, had the highest shortage. Shortages of Farmers and Technicians were also reported to be in
short supply.
Training
Approximately two-thirds of primary producers were educated at the secondary level or above and only
19% were formally trained. Positively, roughly half of them stated that they offered some type of
training to their employees. However most of the training (for those who stated the location of the
training activity) took place at the place of employment and was mostly informal and on “a need to
know” basis. Additionally, farmers expressed that there was a great need for formal training. Some
areas that were mentioned included, small engine repairs, business management, chemical usage
(as it relates to crop production), training for Long Liners, ship building, ship repairs, new
production techniques, beekeeping and other agricultural courses.
The main training providers that farmers remembered receiving training from included, the Ministry of
Food Production, ECIAF (UTT) and UWI. For the most part, respondents could not recall from where
they received formal training or exactly what training they received. A large portion of artisans in the
25
sector expressed that some skills could not be taught in a formal setting and many were reluctant to go
to a classroom because of the theoretical components. Being able to get the required materials needed
for various agricultural processes/activities was a frequent challenge. This resulted in lower quality
products, losses and ultimately very slim profits or none at all. Farmers went on further to say that skills
taught were passed down through many generations.
Agriculture Landscape
There was an overwhelming dissatisfaction with:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Availability and quality of training in all aspects of agriculture
Availability of loans
Availability of incentives and grants
Availability of equipment/material
Quality of infrastructure
Availability of workers
Quality of workers (well trained)
Number of visits from Agricultural Extension Officers
Level of care from Agricultural Extension Officers
The top three problems being the unavailability of workers, insufficient incentives/grants and the
quality of agricultural workers (well trained). In spite of those challenges, ‘increasing production by
increasing the product output’, ‘product diversification’, ‘introduction of better equipment/machinery’,
and ‘introduction of new technology/ways of farming’ were the top plans within the agricultural
community.
The most critical concern of primary producers has been the price of chemicals/materials. They
indicated that in order for agriculture to be profitable and to have quality products, the chemicals and
materials needed to be more affordable. Farmers insisted that the Ministry of Food Production and its
associated agencies, do more to encourage person to pursue careers in agriculture. Also deemed very
important was the fair and timely distribution of land for agriculture. Many farmers claimed that the
processes were unfair and some persons were granted land but did nothing with it, i.e. the land was left
vacant for years.
Food policies continued to be an issue, as expressed by farmers. Improved and enacted agricultural
policies they insisted, would not only open up doors for export but would contribute to food security
and safety. They pleaded that the intended agricultural policy should include methods to reduce the
quantity of certain produce in the market which would result in smaller losses or none at all. They
26
suggested that a proper management plan be implemented to advise sector stakeholders about what is
being grown and to inform them about future plans. This would help ensure that products are available
in the required quantities and ultimately decrease the food import bill, making agriculture more
profitable and attractive.
Infrastructural development has improved in some areas but continues to be a major issue in many parts
of the country. Several fishing associations have depressingly stated that their engines and boats were
stolen due to the lack of security. They had also mentioned that there was an absence of bathroom
facilities and cold storage facilities. Additionally, praedial larceny continues to be a major problem.
Significant reports of entire crops being destroyed and of animal theft still occur.
Moreover, the high cost of importation of some goods have also been the concern of some farmers (see
appendix 7). The sector was worried about the lower quality of cheaper, less healthy meats and other
food products into Trinidad and Tobago. Because of this, persons were worried that they could not
compete and are on the verge of closing or have closed their businesses. Proper, pertinent policies with
producers have been insisted upon, since they claim this has not been the case for many decades. The
key stakeholders of the sector stated that they were not being treated fairly. They stated that
bureaucracy, the long wait for the acquisition of work permits, improper training programmes,
inequality in sector, misallocation of resources and lack of respect for persons employed in the sector
are responsible for low productivity levels.
27
6 Conclusion
Primary production in the agriculture sector encompasses many industries such as crop production,
livestock production beekeeping, cocoa production and fisheries. These sectors all contribute to the
Ministry of Food Production’s Action Plan in securing a food secure nation. This labour market
survey’s main aim was to identify and analyse the composition of agricultural employment and to assess
the training needs.
There appears to be a disconnect between the needs of the producers and policy makers as it relates to
the status of the sector and what is needed to drive it forward. Generally, the primary producers believe
that there is lack of concern by the Government in meeting their needs and working with them to
improve their individual operations and the sector as a whole. This translates into improving the overall
management from policy development to sale of product inclusive of all processes. An improved
Primary Producer-Ministry of Food Production relationship is needed for both parties to achieve their
strategic objectives.
28
7 Recommendations

Information and updates communicated through associations and Extension Officers with
county offices and policy makers as part of regular agricultural research;

Improved advertising of programmes and their locations in various communities, with close
attention to the needs of each industry and community.

Expose students to agriculture at the primary school level;

Comprehensive assessment of Infrastructure, followed by improvement works;

Use of technology to reach persons and collect data more effectively e.g. text messages advising
of meetings, training and agriculture updates. Videoconferencing at community sites via Skype
etc. This encourages knowledge transfer among groups and between persons and the ministry
without having to commute long distances;

Rationalising chemical use, ensuring safety, export capabilities of products, price and
availability.

Water and soil conservation training;

Training for all food producers (with proper nutrition and quality in mind); Training
programmes should be comprehensive, since many persons have many job functions. This could
include technological training to meet and ensure future sustainability.

Feasibility study for introducing insurance for sector operations;

Have an Agricultural census
29
8 References
CARDI. (2011). CARDI Week of Agriculture. CARDI. Retrieved June 26, 2014, from
http://www.cardi.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CARDI_Update_Final-Issue-5_2011.pdf
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development institute (CARDI). (2014). Agriculture Policy
Programme (APP) Launched … Euro 8.6 Million for Regional Agriculture. CARDI,
Agriculture Policy Programme Project Management Unit, PortofSpain. Retrieved 2014
FAO. (2010). A system of integrated agricultural censuses and surveys, Volume 1. FAO.
Food and Agriculture Organisation. (2013). The State of Food and Agriculture 2013: Food systems
for better nutrition. FAO PUBLICATIONS CATALOGUE. Retrieved from
http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3301e/i3301e.pdf
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2014). The Post-2015 Development
Agenda and the Millennium Development Goals. Post 2015 and SDGs : Nourishing People,
Nurturing the Planet. Retrieved from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations.
GORTT-Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development. (2012). Annual Report on Peformance .
IICA. (n.d.). IICA Technical Cooperation Strategy in Trinidad and Tobago 2011-2014. IICA.
International Labour Organisation. (2014). Global Employment Trends 2014. Geneva: ILO.
Pemberton, D. C. (2006). Agricultural development and employment in the Caribbean: Challenges
for the future. International Labour organisation (ILO). Retrieved July 2, 2014, from
http://www.ilocarib.org.tt/cef/background%20papers/agriculture.pdf
30
9 APPENDICES
9.1 APPENDIX 1 Number of workers on holding
NO. OF WORKERS ON HOLDING
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
11 to 15 21 to 25 16 to 20
> 25
6 to 10
0
No
response
1 to 5
9.2 APPENDIX 2 Farmers also employed outside of agriculture
FARMERS ALSO EMPLOYED OUTSIDE
OF AGRICULTURE
No
29%
Yes
71%
31
9.3 APPENDIX 3 Worker training
WORKER TRAINING
No
38%
Yes
62%
9.4 APPENDIX 4 planned change within the next year
PLANNED CHANGE WITHIN NEXT YEAR?
No response
11%
Yes
55%
No
34%
32
9.5 APPENDIX 5 Qualities workers lack
Qualities Workers Lack
Other
Problem solving skills
Respectfulness
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Flexibility
Self-motivation
Self-discipline
Willingness to learn
Hardworking
Honesty
Punctuality
No. of
Percentage
responses of Total
11
3%
25
6%
28
7%
30
7%
30
7%
31
7%
31
7%
33
8%
42
10%
49
12%
52
12%
58
14%
9.6 APPENDIX 6 Food system interventions for better nutrition
FOOD SYSTEM INTERVENTIONS FOR BETTER NUTRITION
Policy environment and development priorities
NUTRITION OPPORTUNITIES
POLICY TOOLS
 Sustainable intensification of
production
 Nutrition-promoting farming
systems, agronomic practices
and crops
 Micronutrient fertilizers
 Bio fortified crops
 Integrated farming systems,
including fisheries and forestry
 Crop and livestock
diversification
 Stability for food security and
nutrition
 Grain reserves and storage
 Crop and livestock insurance
 Food and agricultural
policies to promote
availability,
affordability, diversity
and quality
 Nutrition-oriented
agricultural research
on crops, livestock and
production systems
 Promotion of school
and home gardens
Gender roles and environmental sustainability
Economic, social, cultural and physical environment
FOOD
SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
Production “up
to the farm
gate” (R&D,
inputs,
production,
farm
management)
33
Post-harvest
supply chain
“from the farm
gate to retailer”
(marketing,
storage, trade,
processing,
retailing)
Consumers
(advertising,
labelling,
education,
safety nets)
 Nutrition education
 School and home gardens
 Nutrient preserving on-farm
storage
Nutrient-preserving processing,
packaging, transport and storage
• Reduced waste and increased
technical and economic
efficiency
• Food fortification
• Reformulation for better
nutrition (e.g. elimination of
trans fats)
• Food safety
Nutrition information and health
claims
•
Product labelling
•
Consumer education
•
Social protection for food
security and nutrition
- General food assistance
programmes and subsidies
- Targeted food assistance (prenatal,
children, elderly, etc.)
• Regulation and
taxation to
promote efficiency,
safety, quality,
diversity
• Research and
promotion of
innovation in product
formulation,
processing and
transport
• Food assistance
programmes
• Food price incentives
• Nutrition regulations
• Nutrition education
and information
campaigns
AVAILABLE, ACCESSIBLE, DIVERSE, NUTRITIOUS FOODS
Health, food safety, education, sanitation and infrastructure
Source: http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3301e/i3301e.pdf
APPENDIX 7 Top imports in Trinidad and Tobago 2011
34
APPENDIX 8 Top production in Trinidad and Tobago 2011
35
TRINIDAD
140-142 Mulchan Seuchan Road,
Chaguanas, 501345
Trinidad and Tobago
Tel.: (868) 672-7107 / 8, 672-9942 / 3
Fax: (868) 672-7109
TOBAGO
Tobago Technology Centre
79 Milford Road, Canaan
Tel. /Fax: (868) 635-0280
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ntatt.org
36