Country Profile

Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. Traditionally, the growth of the Trinidad and Tobago’s economy has been dependent on the extractives industries. However, the Government has embarked on diversification efforts that include agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. Agriculture accounted for only about 0.5% of the GDP, although the sector directly employs some 3.8% of the population.

Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Strategic Plan 2018-2022

For the strategic period 2018-2022, CARDI’s Trinidad and Tobago Unit will focus its research and development in the areas of Small Ruminants, Coconuts, Roots and Tubers (Sweet Potato and Cassava), Hot Peppers, Organic and Protected Agriculture. Unlike previous incarnations of its work programme, significant attention will be given to Tobago as opposed to Trinidad where germplasm work will be undertaken with respect to the preservation of unique crop types such as Red Okra and Tobago Pigeon Peas. Innovative Protected Agricultural solutions will also feature as an action to be conducted in Tobago along with the incorporation of innovative water and energy technological solutions.

Attention will also be given to the value added offerings which are evident in the cultural festivals of Tobago such as the Blue Food Festival among others. This also presents an opportunity, in keeping with the thrust of this country grouping, to link agriculture with tourism through these festivals and highlight events such as the Tobago Jazz Festival. Livestock will also be an area of focus in Tobago with respect to the West African Sheep Breed and arriving at a breed management programme for its preservation and development. A deliberate intervention will be made with respect to youth and women in Tobago and will serve as model to offer insight as to the nuances between such groupings and what traditionally pertains. Within Trinidad, organic agricultural production, composting and agricultural hillside management will be of focus.

Download CARDI STRATEGIC PLAN 2018 – 2022