rada handboo cvr handbook.pdf · 5 people, land & opportunity what is rada? the rural...

People, Land & Opportunity

Handbook

To become the leader in the drive towards achieving national economic growth and

stability through agricultural development.

VVision

MMission

RADA is committed to promoting the development of agriculture in Jamaica,

as the main engine of economic growth in rural communities, through an efficient, modern and sustainable extension service which will enhance the national economy

and improve the quality of life of rural farm families.


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What is RADA?The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Lands. RADA was established under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority Act of 1990, replacing the Land Authorities Act and began its operation on August 1, 1990. It is Jamaica's chief agricultural extension and rural development agency.

Mandate• To enhance the development of

farming through an effective, efficient and sustainable Extension Service.

• To supplement information to rural development agencies, thereby assisting to advance improvements in rural infrastructure.

• To provide the supplemental social services required for the improvement of the quality of life of farm families.

• To provide technical advice to farmers of any size.

• To provide a reliable agricultural marketing information service.

• To assist in the implementation of specified rural development projects.

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Objectives• Training and development of its

extension personnel at all levels, through a programme of in-service training geared towards improving their efficiency levels;

• Development and implementation of a programme of continuous training for farmers and rural women, in order to improve and increase their knowledge and capability levels;

• Mobilization of agricultural credit and other input opportunities for small farmers;

• Stimulating the formation of production marketing groups and providing marketing intelligence to farmers and inter-mediaries;

• Cooperation with agencies involved in the development of rural infrastructure in order to improve the quality of life in rural communities;

• Development and operation of rural agricultural service centers at strategic locations in order to bring the service closer to farmers;

• Implementation of selected projects which impact on the farming and biological environments (watershed development, hillside agriculture) in order to stem environmental degradation and promote the use of natural resources;

• Liaising with agricultural research organizations in order to provide the technology delivery link to rural farmers;

• Encouragement of agro-industrial development in order to contribute to national food security and reduce the reliance on food imports;

• Provision of a channel for the free flow of policy inputs from farmers and for the implementation of policy decisions taken by policy makers;

• Assistance to rural women in identifying income earning opportunities and developing small businesses through which they can earn a livelihood.

The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Division is revolutionizing how work in the Authority is accomplished, through the computerization of its operations, including its accounting and human resource information systems. Its flagship project, the Agri-business Information System (ABIS) is being implemented to provide stakeholders with valuable information on production and distribution, and facilitates an ongoing farmer registration programme, which is critical in the implementation of the Praedial Larceny Act

.The Authority also promotes the involvement of youth in agriculture through its Youth in Agriculture/National School Garden programme in collaboration with the private sector and the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture.

PartnershipsWith whom do we Work?

RADA adopts an integrative approach to rural development through coordination and collaboration with other governmental and non-governmental organizations at the national community levels such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands-Research and Development Division, Jamaica Agriculture Society (JAS), Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Social Development Commission (SDC), People’s Cooperative Bank, Jamaica

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Bauxite Institute (JBI), Jamaica Social Investment fund (JSIF), Scientific Research Council (SRC), Commodity Boards and local private sector entities.

Regional and international organizations such as the European Union (EU), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Caribbean Food & Nutrition Institute (CFNI), Food for the Poor and others provide critical support to this collaborative effort.

RADA plays an integral part in the annual Denbigh Agricultural and Parish Agricultural Shows hosted by the JAS, and also participates in other agricultural and environmental fora. In addition, RADA parish offices, in collaboration with local partners hold annual open days to show case the work done by them during the year.

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10Production& Marketing

Agro

nom

y

Land

Hus

band

ry

Livesto

ck

Production

Post HarvestTechniques

Plant Health

Social Services/Home

Economics

On-farm

Irrigation/

Water M

anagement

Technology, Training

& Technical Inform

ationServices OfferedWhat do we do?RADA provides advice to the farming community through the Technology, Training & Technical Information division primarily in the areas of:


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How do we do it?These services are provided through:

- On-farm demonstrations

- Field training days- Demonstration plots- Farm and home visits- Mass media- Exhibitions- Printed materials- Workshops and

seminars- Website- ABIS

Clientele- Farming community- Educational institutions- Rural Women- Youth- Consumers- Exporters- Agro-processors- General public

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RADA operates several programmes and projects. These fall into two categories

Locally funded programmesInternationally funded programmes

Locally Funded ProjectsLocally funded projects receive funding from three (3) major sources: RADA’s Capital Budget, Members of Parliament and partnerships.

Projects funded through the Capital Budget

National Schools Garden/Schools in Agriculture Programme

This programme was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. It is designed to promote agriculture in schools and among youth as a viable career opportunity. Sponsorship for the establishment and operation of school gardens is received from Members of Parliament and corporate entities such as Inter American Institute for Corporation and Agriculture (IICA) and the Caribbean Cement Company.

Domestic Food Crop Production and Marketing ProjectThis project was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and is operated by RADA with the objective of increasing production and productivity of selected crops for both local and export markets. Inputs in the form of seeds, fertilizer, irrigation equipment, technical advice and marketing are also provided.

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Fruit Tree Crop ProjectDeveloped by the Ministry of Agriculture and operated by RADA with the objective of producing some non- traditional orchard crops such as ackee, sour sop, naseberry, breadfruit and cashew to satisfy the fresh and agro processing demand of local and export markets. Assistance is provided for the establishment and maintenance of these orchards. The project has seen the establishment of 1043 hectares of orchard crops island wide.

Crop CareThis programme is committed to the containment/suppression of the wide range of pests and diseases which adversely affect plant health and ultimately, agricultural output. Through collaborative efforts with other agencies the Authority has been able to develop approaches for the management of a range of diseases including: the White Fly Gemini Virus (vegetables), Mealy Bug (Papaya and Hibiscus), Black Sigatoka (plantain/banana), Hot Pepper Gall Midge and Ensign Scale (fruit trees and ornamentals).

IrrigationProvides farmers with access to on-farm irrigation water through the establishment of small irrigation systems, with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O) and other agencies.

Technical advice on installation and operation of units is also provided to farmers who can afford the systems.

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Land HusbandryImplements selected projects which impact positively on the farming and biological environment (watershed development and hillside agriculture), in order to stem environmental degradation, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The programme facilitates sustainable agricultural production in watershed areas where agronomic and other farming related activities often lead to accelerated soil erosion, flooding, damage to and loss of crops, livestock and infrastructure.

Farmers receive advice and training in land husbandry practices, which ultimately lead to environmental preservation.

LivestockProvides technical advice on livestock development and management through collaboration with allied agencies, such as the Livestock Association of Jamaica. RADA assists farmers in development and implementation of poultry and goat production projects. Inputs are provided in the form of feed, broiler chicks, ewes and bucks, and guidance is given to guarantee or enable sustainable production in these enterprises.

Projects through PartnershipsThe strong inter-agency

collaboration between RADA and other agencies result in projects being funded by our partners and operated by RADA. One main sponsor is: Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) The institute provides assistance to farmers through the funding of production inputs (seeds, fertilizers, livestock, equipment) and training in bauxite/aluminia producing areas.

Other partners include: National Irrigation Commission (NIC), Sandals

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and other hotels, Pesticide Control Authority (PCA), Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), Agricultural Support Services Project (ASSP) MOA & Lands, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

Government EnablingProgrammes• Social & Economic Support Programmes (SESP)

• Productive Incentive Programme for Farmers

Internationally Funded Projects Projects are funded from time to time through international agencies some of which include:

– Food & Agriculture

Organisation (FAO This organization provides funding for the implementation of small projects for farmers, in the areas of irrigation (Morant, Vineyards, etc.), crop production, livestock, training and hurricane relief.

– European Union (EU) Under the EU two (2) projects, the Eastern Jamaica Agricultural Support Project (EJASP), and its forerunner the Morant/Yallahs Agricultural Development Project (MYADP), have been implemented in the Eastern parishes. Activities are group-centered and cover areas such as crops and livestock production, irrigation, agro-processing, marketing, infrastructure development and capacity building.Other international donor agencies include: IICA, USAID (Jamaica Business Recovery Programme), CARDI, IICD.

Income Generating ProjectsOur income generating projects provide training, employment and income earning opportunities for farmers, rural women and youth. They also bring the consuming public closer to the production aspect of RADA's operations by adding value to primary produce.

RADA Operated Projects—Twickenham Industries located

at the Farmers Training Centre, Twickenham Park, producers of cassava and fruit based products such as: Bammies, Pancake mixes, Gari, Cassava Flour and Pancake Syrups. This project was established as a model to demonstrate the viability of small enterprises of this nature, through the application of sound management and manufacturing practices.

— Hanover Chips located at the Hanover Parish Office, and providing chips from cassava, breadfruit, and dasheen.

— AgriMart located at 191 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, which was set up as a marketing and distribution outlet for the sale of assorted household items, craft, and value-added products (spices, jams and jellies, bammies, tamarind balls, etc) manufactured by the women in our cottage industry island wide. The outlet also sells horticultural and agricultural plant seedlings, farming implements and materials.


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Other income earning opportunities for rural families include chicken, pig and goat rearing.


• Reaches Chips — Portland

• Hanover Dasheen Chips — Hanover

• Lime Tree Garden Peanut Processing — St. Mary

• Flower Hill Bammy Project — St. James • Sue's Tamarind Balls — St. Thomas

— In addition, RADA gives technical support to the formulation and implementation of several community based projects aimed at providing incomes for farmers and rural women folk. Some of these are:

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for further information contact

Head OfficeHope Gardens,

Kingston 6Tel: (876) 977-1158-62

Fax: (876) 970-4660email:

www.radajamaica.comm.jm

designed and produced by the division of Technology, Training & Technical Information RADA

rada handboo cvr handbook.pdf · 5 people, land & opportunity what is rada? the rural...

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