Across the globe, farmers are touting the benefits of aquaponics and this innovative farming technique is helping to make farming in St Lucia even more accessible. 

Under the EnGenDER (Enabling, a Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean) project with funding support from the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada and the Government of the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Inclusive Aquaponics for A Resilient Saint Lucia sub-project will support the construction of two (2) communal commercially-sized aquaponic units which will be available for use by August 2023. 

A location for one of the units is on the homestead of Mr. Baptiste, in Desruisseaux, Micoud - an advocate, farmer and member of the disabled community. The project will transform how he and and the other members of the Desruisseaux Council of Persons with Disabilities farm and market their products. The Desruisseaux Council of Persons with Disabilities being part beneficiary, looks forward to not only empowering other farmers with disabilities from the area but also wishes to have participation from female farmers and youth from the community. The introduction of the aquaponic system will support the integration of innovative farming techniques that will support the continued accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) in the agricultural sector.

The other communal aquaponic unit will be located in Cafeiere, Choiseul at the dwelling of Mrs Mondesir, a retired nurse and a founding member of the Farmers with Disabilities Association (FDA) NGO, formerly the Farmers with Disabilities Beekeeping Association. The aquaponic unit will be accessible to over 30 individuals with disabilities that are part of the FDA and will complement other farming initiatives that the group currently undertakes, such as organic production of herbs and vegetables, poultry and egg production, beekeeping, and sheep husbandry. 

UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in partnership with governments and stakeholders, remains dedicated to the advancement of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region. This intervention is part of the work of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in its commitment to building resilient communities that can withstand shocks and crises while reducing gender vulnerabilities.