Extension Officers’ Perceptions of Farmers’ Groups in Trinidad, West Indies and Implications for Extension

The Government of Trinidad has highlighted its intentions to renew efforts to promote food production through farmers’ groups, in order to meet the country’s food security goals. Previous planned efforts, from the perspectives of farmers, have been largely unsuccessful (Ramdwar, Stoute & Ganpat, 2014). Therefore, this study sought to investigate the dynamics of farmers’ groups in Trinidad, as perceived by the agricultural extension officers who interact with these groups. Ninety-three percent (n = 123) of the extension officers in Trinidad, who interacted with farmers’ groups, were surveyed. The survey instrument included a 22-item perception scale, which collected information on respondents’ perceptions of: (a) politics and conflict within farmers’ groups; (b) member interactions on their trust issues with other members and with their leaders; and (c) the importance of these groups to agricultural productivity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify latent factors on the perception scale. These factors were then used as predictors in a regression model of extension officers’ articulated satisfaction with farmers’ groups. This satisfaction is a reflection of the challenges these officers are presumed to face in their delivery of extension services. This study concluded that extension officers’ perceived level of technical capacity was the most impactful predictor in the regression model of satisfaction with farmers’ groups, followed by issues related to the proper functioning of groups. As such, recommendations include improved training for staff and group leaders, as well as improved monitorin

Health Dynamics in the Built Environment: An Urban Intensity Perspective – An Exploratory Study in Trinidad and Tobago

The built environment encompasses the physical components of the environment, inclusive of infrastructure, households, buildings, streets, and open spaces, within which individuals reside and carry out their daily activities. It affects both indirectly and directly on the outdoor and indoor physical environment as well as the socio-economic environment. The elements which comprise the built environment and those of the physical and socio-economic environments, which are affected by it, are recognised as key determinants of health. In this study, health dynamics in the built environment are explored along the urban-rural gradient in Trinidad and Tobago. The gradient is measured by a statistically validated Urban Intensity Index developed previously, using physical data from the built environment. Published physical health data from National Surveys as well as data collected on perceptions of health care access and environmental quality are utilised in conjunction with the Urban Intensity Index values to model chronic illness. Multivariate statistical analysis and maps are used to explore and illustrate these dynamics. Ultimately, the outputs of this study can potentially support efforts to diminish the gap between rhetoric and reality, through provision of critical information for policy and decision making, as the global development agenda moves towards evidence-based policy making

The influence of commercial food grade essences on the efficacy of metaldehyde for the control of Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich)

The highly invasive giant African snail (GAS) has been found in several agricultural areas of Trinidad. Because this snail is able to feed on many different types of crops, it is proving to be a serious threat to the economic viability of farmers in this country. The results presented in this study are the most recent of several pest control strategies attempted. Five cotton pads, soaked with 1:1 mixtures (by volume) of each of five food grade essences (Aniseed, Banana, Coconut, Lemon and Vanilla) and metaldehyde, and a sixth pad of only metaldehyde (the control), were placed at strategic distances from each other in each of five blocked patterns at various sites in each of two locations, known to be infested with GAS. The number of snail deaths was recorded for each pad and the maturity stages of snails were noted. Summary statistics, stacked horizontal bar graphs, GLM models of the total number of snail deaths and of the deaths for each maturity stage all point to the same trends. The Banana: metaldehyde preparation was the most significantly effective in killing snails of all maturities at both locations. The immature snails were much more attracted to the essences than either the neonates or the adults. Some essences were more effective at one location and others were more effective at the other location, possibly because of odours from the crops at the two locations interacting with those of the essences and either enhancing or muting the attraction of the latter

A Modular Approach to Haptics and Security - A Preliminary Report

Computer Security within any organisation is a genuine concern. Username-password combinations have been used since 1961 to log into systems and, though methods such as cryptography can then be used to conceal the information, strong authentication remains a challenge. For example users tend to share or forget passwords or use the same password for many applications. A Haptics device allows the user to touch the virtual surface presented in a computer interface. Using such a device allows key (behavioural) biometrics features to be extracted. This data can then be analysed and used to authenticate the user. This paper proposes the use of a Haptic-password system which allows the employee (or the customer) to draw a predefined character on a screen so that key features can be extracted and matched to a stored template. Force feedback provided by the Haptics device is able to strengthen other behavioural biometric features extracted. This can be done with great accuracy (FAR 2.9% and FRR 3.9% using a Neural Network classifier). This system can potentially be used to aggregate all username-password combinations required for different applications at home or in the workplace. This research has potential in the fields of Biometric Security and Anomaly Detection as well as Smart Sensors and efficient Human Machine Interface (HMI)

An evaluation of Sargassum seaweed media compositions on the performance of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling production

There has been a massive influx of Sargassum in the Caribbean causing devastating consequences. The current study investigated the utilization of Sargassum (a mixture of the Sargassum flutens and Sargassum natans species) as a substrate formulated with imported promix. Experiments were conducted during April to May in 2016 to evaluate the performance and quality of hot pepper seedlings using Sargassum-promix formulations. The seedlings were visually evaluated on the 45th day after sowing by an independent panel to visually score seedling quality. At the same time, the sample mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of nine seedling physical characteristics. A one-way MANOVA analysis, with formulation ratio as the independent variable and these nine characteristics as correlated dependent variables, was carried out using SPSS V.22. Introducing Sargassum into the formulation caused statistically significant differences in the majority of the seedling characteristics. However, these actual differences are small and are unlikely to practically impact seedling production except with one characteristic, where the change is beneficial. The treatment formulations of Sargassum significantly improved the sturdiness of the seedlings. Sargassum can be successfully utilized to reduce the reliance on 100% imported commercial promix

Estimating the potential consumption level of amaranth for food security initiatives in Trinidad, West Indies

Most commercially grown produce in the Caribbean is cultivated from imported hybrid seeds. Consumers’ preferential demand has caused traditional indigenous vegetables to be edged out by these exotic varieties. In this study, we investigated the patterns of Amaranth (an indigenous vegetable) consumption in Trinidad and Tobago. A structured survey was used to capture information from 678 residents (58% women, 63% aged 21 to 40 years) about current consumption, awareness of nutritional and other benefits, and possible increased future consumption under different circumstances. Most (96%) were aware of amaranth but fewer (66%) of its nutritional value. Only 41%, however, reported consuming it regularly. Still, 80% liked its taste and 78% found it easy to prepare. Chi Square tests revealed significant correlations between some demographics and amaranth use. Exploratory factor analysis of a scale on potential consumption of amaranth yielded two latent multidimensional components. Statistical tests (t and ANOVA) of demographic impacts on these factors estimated that income class does not influence use; men and younger people are more conscious of Amaranth’s diet potential and taste; older people, afro-Trinidadians and those identifying as Christians would consume more amaranth because of its nutrient benefits and if packaged conveniently, with good storage properties

An evaluation of Sargassum seaweed media compositions on the performance of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling production An evaluation of Sargassum seaweed media compositions on the performance of hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) seedling

Abstract: There has been a massive influx of Sargassum in the Caribbean causing devastating consequences. The current study investigated the utilization of Sargassum (a mixture of the Sargassum flutens and Sargassum natans species) as a substrate formulated with imported promix. Experiments were conducted during April to May in 2016 to evaluate the performance and quality of hot pepper seedlings using Sargassum-promix formulations. The seedlings were visually evaluated on the 45th day after sowing by an independent panel to visually score seedling quality. At the same time, the sample mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of nine seedling physical characteristics. A one-way MANOVA analysis, with formulation ratio as the independent variable and these nine characteristics as correlated dependent variables, was carried out using SPSS V.22. Introducing Sargassum into the formulation caused statistically significant differences in the majority of the seedling characteristics. However, these actual differences are small and are unlikely to practically impact seedling production except with one characteristic, where the change is beneficial. The treatment formulations of Sargassum significantly improved the sturdiness of the seedlings. Sargassum can be successfully utilized to reduce the reliance on 100% imported commercial promix