Innovative Community-Based Agriculture_ a Strategy for National Food Production and Security

Food security is a key national priority for Trinidad and Tobago. The goal is to “create a food secure nation” by providing access to adequate, nutritious, safe and affordable food to all people at all times. Some factors negatively affecting the country’s food security include_ a high food import bill estimated at TT$4 billion; vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change and; an increase in the incidence of nutrition-related chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This paper includes a general framework for developing community-based agriculture which has been identified as a strategy to achieve food security in Trinidad and Tobago. The study, through interviews, examines the experiences of several Trinidad and Tobago community-based agriculture initiatives, highlighting their strengths and challenges. Regional and international examples of community-based agriculture are also outlined. Recommendations are given to facilitate the exp