North Leeward Farmers Trained in Vetiver Systems for Soil Conservation

Thirty-four farmers from Coulls Hill, Troumaca, Rose Bank, Belmont and Petit Bordel have received advanced training in Vetiver Systems Technology (VST) to enable them to utilise vetiver grass for erosion control, land conservation and soil regeneration.

Three workshops took place from June 13 – August 16, each five days in duration, the most recent at Belle Isle Correctional Facility.

Graduates from Second Workshop in Vetiver Systems Technology (VST)

The VST training is one of five components of a project designed and managed by local NGO Hand2Earth and funded by the SVG Conservation Fund entitled: “Vetiver Systems Technology Applications for Farmland Restoration, Land Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods for Farmers in St Vincent’s north leeward Orange Zone.”

Vetiver grass, (locally known as razor grass, cuss-cuss, lavender grass or hurricane grass) once grew the entire length and breadth of St Vincent and was planted along roadside to prevent erosion due to its deep roots that penetrate the earth up to 15 ft deep.

Over the past 50 years, it has gradually been dug out or burned by those unaware of its immense value in erosion control and sustainable farming. Vetiver grass is also known for its use in basket and mat construction.

Farmers learn how to prepare and plant vetiver slips

The training encompassed all aspects of vetiver grass planting, land contouring, harvesting and plant preparation as well as soil microbiology focusing on the processes that take place beneath the soil to generate all the nutrients for healthy plants. Vetiver grass aids in these complex processes and is capable of improving soil quality in adverse conditions making it ideal for use in areas affected by volcanic ash fall.

Vonnie Roudette, Hand2Earth’s Project Manager and VST consultant/trainer explained that the north leeward area was targeted for the SVGCF project as it is the site of an extensive soil conservation initiative that took place during the 1920-30s when hundreds of vetiver hedgerows were planted on cultivated slopes to prevent erosion.

Although much of the original vetiver grass has been removed, some farmers continue to farm between the old hedgerows that have formed deep terraces or ‘strips’ 8-15ft high.

Vetiver Nursery installation, Belmont

Her training introduces the farmers to the importance of protecting and restoring these vetiver hedgerows for soil quality improvement to improve their crop yields.

The project began in May with the identification of a potential VST demonstration site at Wharf Road, which was cleared and restored through replacing vetiver plantings where the old ones have disappeared.

Vetiver site restoration, David Felix’s land Troumaca

Landowner David Felix, whose grandfather cultivated between the vetiver rows in the 1960s, states “this project has been an eye-opener for those who may not have known the benefits of the grass – it’s also a learning process for the community, a documentation of their heritage and a way of moving forward through minimising the rapid erosion that’s taken place in the area.”

In addition to the training, three vetiver nurseries were installed in  separate locations. The project now continues with vetiver systems installations in 20 farms in four areas.

Participant farmers will be given technical assistance, tools, assistance with labour and will take part in community engagement activities where their knowledge will be utilized to protect the original vetiver hedgerows, and to replant vetiver to boost the productivity of their farms.

Graduates from First training workshop

Roudette stated: “It is our aim to restore this valuable resource in farmland areas to regenerate our agri-heritage in a way that is crucial to present and future food security.”

She remarked that since the project began, the extent of the original plantings has become apparent and the community members estimate more than 50 per cent has disappeared in the past 40 years. The majority of hedgerows have been dug out and excessive tillage (digging) on slopes has contributed to significant topsoil loss.

Prisoners with trainer Vonnie Roudette practicing land contouring

The graduate farmers are ready to reverse that trend on the slopes that were preserved by the old hedgerows, to prevent further deterioration where it’s been removed.

“As the project progresses we are learning more and more about why this area in particular was targeted for a vetiver soil conservation project almost a century ago that appears to be more extensive than any other in the Caribbean region.”

Project Coordinator Jemmot Anthony is delighted with the community spirit that the project has generated, noting that participants readily volunteer to assist in the maintenance of new plantings on the demonstration site and land owners are all fully supportive of the activities.

“We look forward to the farmers taking what they have learned forward into their daily farming practice.”

Officer Kevly Gould receives his VST certificate from Ms ALanda Moses, Project Officer SVGCF. ASP CLarke looks on

The graduation ceremonies were attended by SVG Conservation Fund’s Project Officer Alanda Moses. She encouraged the graduates to apply their practical training as she expressed the importance of this project to SVGCF’s mandate, particularly as vetiver grass foesters bio-diversity, and is pleased that the follow up component of the project is there to support this application of acquired knowledge and skills.

Graduates from the VST training in Belle lsle Correctional Facility

At the graduation ceremony at Belle Isle Correctional Facility, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Julian Clarke encouraged prisoner graduates to use their skills wisely as they build a foundation for their return into society. Further support is being provided by prison authorities through an ongoing vetiver farm systems and land stabelisation project to apply what the trainees have learned and to pass on skills to other prisoners.