LAUNCH AND POLICY DIALOGUE

REGIONAL FAO-IFAD ProjectSTRENGHENING DECENT RURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN IN THE CARIBBEAN

7 - 9 September 2015 Bridgetown, Barbados

An overview of who we are , where came from and what our experience has been

Ivor BelgraveTRINITY VALLEY INC.

Trinity Valley Inc.

What and who we are:• Youth Empowerment

• Environmental impacts

• Mental Health

• Family health & welfare

Background

HIGHLIGHTS

2006 - Trinity Valley Inc. conceptualised2007 - GEF SGP UNDP grant for initial project:

“Offsetting Carbon Emission By Creating Carbon And Alternative Livelihoods.

2007 to 2010 – Grant funding to offset climate change in Barbados (networking opportunities)

2010 – Funding boost for mental health services in education system

The Organization’s Focus

Our focus areas from inception are:– Environment

Focus

– Eco-Tourism (hikes & tours)

Focus

– Counselling (schools, families)

Focus

– Agriculture (specialty product – rabbits)

Agriculture operations

Two locations – St. George (administrative arm); St. Lucy (farming arm)

An acre of land with opportunities for expansion

Other poultry livestock are also at the location.

Relevant environmental practices are observed.

Agriculture Focus: Why rabbits?

• Higher in protein

• High reproduction

• Don’t need a great amount of space to thrive

• High demand for meat & fur

• A low disease rate

Long-term Value

• A strong sub-sector to egg and poultry sector

• It’s a billion dollar industry world-wide

• Vast export options

• Major foreign exchange earner to the Barbados/region

Youth Employment Opportunities• Care of rabbits

Facility expansion to house and care for animals

• Tour guidesYouth will be trained to conduct tours (long-term)

• Counsellors

• Mentoring Opportunities for challenged youth in rabbitry.

Challenges & recommendations• Funding

Out of the box thinking for projects

• Sustainability Rabbits

• Access to local and overseas marketsMeetings with local and overseas buyers aided by trade

shows etc

• Export access issues Inspection, certification, testing, etc

THANK YOU