Drafting project proposal:
1.1 local farming is extremely vulnerable to drought, gusty winds and heat. A large proportion of the
farms are already in drought and heat-prone locations (dry coastal parishes) and intensified drought challenges production efforts every year. There is also the threat of out of season rainfall in the dry season. These are essentially effects predicted as a result of climate change. Only 1 of every 3 local farmers practice water harvesting and among those about 7 percent use the water for irrigation. Others use the water for purposes such as to supplement domestic water when spraying crops. In talking with farmers, the lack of consistent and cheap water supply is ranked number 3 on the most important issues they face. Although it is recognized that protected agriculture is a most beneficial way to adapt to climate change, only about 1 out of every 8 farmers have structures in place. These structures are often not fully suited to flat low-lying islands (poor ventilation and humidity conditions inside) and are vulnerable to storm force winds. It would be desirable to have models of how the appropriate drought resilience methods can be designed and used, for the benefit of others aspiring to do the same. Most of the crops that are targeted are perfect choices in terms of sustainability in a drought prone environment.