OUTPUTS
Environmental
? Soil erosion reduced through the modification of the growing beds at the main demonstration site.
? Soil organic matter increased through the addition of animal manure to the soil at the main demonstration site.
? Soil capacity to retain moisture Improved through the addition of mulch to the growing beds at the main demonstration site.


Social
? Partnerships built with (1) a local private school, the current site of the main demonstration farm; and (2) the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP), whose members have been sensitised to the concept of chemical free gardening and recycling.
? Informal Community Garden Club established. The club members are members from the Diabetes Association and individuals from the community. The club meets every 3rd Saturday of the month to exchange seeds, share plants and to be educated about horticulture, care of the environment and healthy living.

Economic
? Part time employment created for one person at a rate of US $200 per month for six months (US $600).
? US $28 was generated from the sale of seedlings.


Capacity Development
? Participation of the project management team enhanced through modification of the project management structure.
? One male trained in project management and data collection.
? 41 persons [20 males, 16 females and 5 students (4 males & 1 female)] trained in seedling production and the basics of establishing a seedling micro-enterprise, as well as record keeping and journal entries to monitor the growth progress of seedlings and crops.
? 55 persons (14 males and 41 females) trained in composting and basic solid waste management practices.

OUTCOMES
Too early to be determined

IMPACT OR CONTRIBUTION TO IMPACT
Too early to be determined

GENDER
Participation / Decision making
? Both women and men are represented at the project management and decision level.
Benefits
? One male was hired as a part time employee to provide project management and data collection support for the main demonstration site, and to assist with network development. The individual selected has over twenty years experience in agriculture and the Project Management Committee decided that he had the requisite skills to undertake the scope of works. The employee is paid at a rate of US $200 per month and has earned wages totalling US $600 thus far.
? Both males and females benefitted from the training offered through the project. The training was open to both males and females, and 38 males and 58 females participated in the training activities.
Challenges
? Thus far the project has not encountered any challenges specific to men or women.


PROJECT CHALLENGES
? The initial project management structure proved to be too complex with several layers and teams resulting in a lack of participation from some of the teams involved. The structure was subsequently modified to be simpler with one project management team that discusses all aspects of the project and decides how the project should move forward. The team meets on a monthly basis and other interested members of the Association are invited to attend. Additional ad hoc meetings take place as the need arises.
? The Initial engagement of the school was difficult. However, an agreement between the Association and the school was subsequently developed and a part time employee was hired to provide assistance to the school in the management of the demonstration site.

LESSONS LEARNED
? In planning always include a team of at least 3-5 members to maintain momentum when individual members are unable to sustain participation.
? Be cognizant that even though the desire to participate is strong because of the value of the project and its activities, some persons and /or organizations may not have the capacity for long-term commitment of the time and effort necessary for sustainability of labour-intensive projects.
? Complex or multi layered management structures for GEF SGP projects increases the time it takes to make decisions. They can also cause a loss of interest among those involved and may actually be disempowering.
? In developing group education or training strategies where there are varying abilities in participants, be prepared with alternate plans to support and accommodate all learning styles and abilities.
? A shade house is a good mechanism to protect seedlings and crops from the elements.
? Plan with the future in mind by developing strategic partnerships.

Last Updated October 2010