Agriculture is the only livelihood for farmers in the Sweet Water district of south St. James. Extensive agricultural activities have been going on in this area for over 65 years. as a result land degradation, has been a major problem for many years in Sweet Water. Poor agricultural practices by the farmers have led to deforestation, slash and burn agriculture, a shift in cultivation practices, ploughing and planting down steep and application of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides have all compounded the problem. These practices have led to soil erosion, due to excessive surface runoff, as natural vegetation has been removed. The soils in this area based on their composition have been significantly altered due to continuous ploughing and burning. More sustainable agricultural practices need to be employed to arrest the problem

The use of fertilisers and pesticides have been having adverse effects on the Sweet Water springs and streams which are tributaries of the Node Wood and Maggotty Rivers. The Maggotty and Node Wood Rivers supply all the domestic water to the southern parts of St. Elizabeth and St. James respectively. The making of compost will be a major component of the project. All waste plants from the greenhouse will be used to make compost in order to minimise the use of inorganic fertiliser in the community and other adjoining districts. This sub project will provide additional income for the community and create more employment for women and the youth.

Land degradation impacts on the adjoining communities in the form of surface and underground water pollution. The Maggotty and Node Wood Rivers which are polluted as a result of these activities serve as a source of domestic water and for irrigation purposes. Some 1600 residents and 600 farm families use the Maggotty and Node Wood Rivers. As a result of deforestation there has been a depletion of natural habitat and heavy siltation of the rivers. Slash and burn activities have adversely affected air quality and biodiversity, in terms of animals and plant species. Implementation of this project will see to the elimination of poor agricultural practices such as deforestation, slash and burn activities, ploughing and planting down the slope, air and water pollution and the over-use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. It will encourage protection of the natural environment, greater care in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, protection of the rivers and preservation of natural habitat.

The livelihood of the community will be improved due to additional income from sales of produce to the hotels, supermarkets, green groceries and other marketing outlets, providing employment, alternate source of income for women and youths who will be involved in grading, sorting and packaging of produce. This will encourage other environmentally sustainable projects and cottage industries, thus providing training opportunities for youth and other farmers.

The project seeks to develop a sustainable agricultural farming system which is environmentally friendly. It will also be easily adaptable to farmers and will encourage participation of the younger population, who are not traditionally inclined to engage in farming. It will increase their income-generating capabilities and provide an avenue for improved marketing systems and quality of produce. It has the capacity to serve as a training facility for schools and the wider community.

The main goal of the project is to introduce a farming system through technological innovations which will be more friendly to the environment and can be sustained. The overall goals to be to be achieved will include
? Improved water quality
? Reduction in the pollution of underground and surface water
? Reduction of soil erosion as a result of slash and burn and shift in agriculture
? Promote the use of organic fertilizer
? Improved air quality
? Reduction in deforestation
? Protection of the upper Maggotty Watershed
? Develop a proper reforestation system
? Reduction in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers