THE ST. Thomas Women's Agricultural Initiative, launched two years ago to generate income for members through involvement in viable crop production, is reaping success from its 12-hectare farm located in the community of Potosi.
The group, comprised of 13 women and 2 men, have to date successfully reaped one hectare of pumpkin, selling 75,000 kilograms of the product. They have also reaped and sold sweet potatoes, sweet cassava, okras, tomatoes, beans and peas. Recently, they expanded production, planting about one hectare of cassava and plantains on a property adjoining the Eastern Potosi Estate along the Bath and Airy Castle main road.
FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT
Mervelyn Jackson, Secretary of the project, says that the venture has helped her become more financially independent. Miss Jackson says that she is now able to purchase books and clothing for her child and her savings have increased since she joined the group's partner plan.
"I think this project is a way forward. We want to go on with it and we're just asking for the back up to continue," she states.
Another member, Leonie Sawyers, says she enjoys working on the farm. "It is hard work but we are enjoying it. We come early in the mornings and when it gets very hot, we relax to take the pressure off of us," she says.
Janet Reid said that the project has taught her a lot. "I learnt to sow seedlings and transplant them," she says, pointing out that the group sometimes worked on weekends to complete extra tasks on the farm.
SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
Arthur Clayton, one of the two males involved in the project, jokes that his main duties are to do "the tough jobs that are too difficult for the women". He admits that the women do not always need this help. "I feel that it is a successful project. I find that I can save money and buy items that I couldn't achieve before," he says.
Funded jointly by the Bureau of Women's Affairs and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the project is aimed at providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for men and women in the Airy Castle and Bath communities.
At the moment, the project receives financial assistance from the Bureau and each participant gets a stipend every two weeks.
JIS
