Women are known to be leaders in several communities in Saint Lucia. The women of the Ti Colon/Barre St. Joseph Women Farmers Group grew in stature and influence throughout the project cycle and were able to achieve many outputs and the project outcome, despite the challenges. Challenges came from the weather (excessive rainfall); mobilising members at the beginning of the project; and getting landowners committed. Persistent communications, some early project outputs, changing times for meetings and venues helped to increase support and participation in the project.

The following represents the main project outputs:

(A). Environmental Outputs:

(i) Soil Erosion was significantly reduced on 4 acres of land where approximately 5000 trees were
planted;
(ii) 50 farmers were trained in nursery management, organic farming principles, methods as well as
producing organic fertilisers and organic insecticides; and
(iii) There is a greater appreciation among the farmers of the consequences of bad agricultural
practises and the benefits of using GAP.

(B). Social & Economic Outputs:

(i) The group was exposed to a variety of class room and field training opportunities as follows:
ICT; SME Business; HACCP; GAP; and Climate change and impacts. The group members also
attended specific training workshops in nursery management and compost production.
(ii) The group also organised training for young people in the areas of rabbit rearing.
(iii) The group is now better able to manage and plan with the completion of a strategic planning
process.
(iv) Viability of the agro-processing facility established (essential oils).
(v) 180 persons were employed during project implementation (70 men and 110 women) earning
US$3074 (men) and US$5074 (women).
(vi) Men and women participated in the project with the traditional division of labour (men working
on heavy duty works and women on the less labour intensive works).

The following were identified as the main lessons learned:

(i) In order to be effective community leaders must know when to improvise;
(ii) Inclusive community development requires constant communication, transparency and the
sharing of benefits.
(iii) Effective community leadership is about giving space to contribute and giving a voice to the
voiceless.
(iv) Sustainable community development must include sustainable livelihood components.
(v) There must be a constant process of validating community members in order to empower
people.
(vi) Transparency fosters greater appreciation and less conflict.
(vii) Being open to unique and creative solutions breaks communication boundaries and contributes
to productivity.