St. Kitts & Nevis has four IWEco-funded SGP Projects. Three are ongoing and one has been completed. Two are highlighted here:
“Preserving the natural environment and contributing to the Island of Nevis’ reforestation programme” (February 2019 – June 2020)
Nuff Tings Boys Club in the Fountain Village, Mount Lily and Westbury communities of Nevis is implementing a project which responds to increased and prolonged drought conditions experienced and aims to increase environmental awareness and responsible stewardship of natural resources to boys, young men, their families and the broader community.
It has so far refitted the existing meeting house to serve as part of a water harvesting and storage system and constructed a garden gazebo with the roof to be used for water harvesting and plant propagation.
In the second quarter of 2020, the newly established greenhouse and additionally prepared garden space will be used to grow coconuts, almonds and sea grape for reintroduction at beaches usually frequented by residents and visitors such as Herbert Beach, St. James and Paradise, St. Thomas.
Water harvesting and storage to supply organic farm system” (February – December 2019, completed)
Implemented by Gideon Force Agricultural Co-operative Society Ltd, located in Verchild’s Mountain, St. Kitts, this project was to address water shortages and associated food insecurity, both major issues in St. Kitts & Nevis.
The Co-op produces and markets organic produce but there has not been enough water available to adequately irrigate their crops in the past. This two-phase project was intended to address the major water supply, to make the cooperative more viable and directly improve the economic benefits and overall livelihood of its members.
A water catchment and storage system (dam) has been built above the farm to collect water for farm use and of four water tanks were installed on the farm to collect water during the rainy season for use during the dry season.
Existing solar panels were repaired and upgraded and a solar powered water pump installed. Over a three-month period, training in agriculture and water conservation practices was provided for members.
