Week 1

Since we have arrived our time has been consumed with mangoes, cocoa, crumble and mosquitoes. You may be wondering what crumble is, but there are no words to describe this tropical treat we had the fortune of eating for dessert. As my fellow bloggers have told you readers, we have been here for a week now finally starting to get our bearings and gain a better idea of the projects we will be tackling in the upcoming weeks. For me, the first week was about getting a feel for the Grenadian culture and really trying to examine the needs of the farmers and figure out what will benefit them the most while satisfying my academic interests. After spending a few days surveying farmers, and meeting with the very wise Dr. Buckmeyer I started to formulate some potential projects. Within the cocoa farming industry here in Grenada there is a significant gap between the youth and older generations in regards to farming. The farmers, I have found, range predominantly from 50+. It is very rare that you come across a young, full-time farmer. So this got me thinking, how can we encourage Grenada's youth to follow in the foot steps of the older generations? With this question in mind Megan and I started to brainstorm ways to incorporate farming and agriculture into the youth's curriculum. One idea we have come up with is planting cocoa trees and nutmeg trees at local school and developing a program with the teachers and headmasters to incorporate into the weekly curriculum. Our hopes and goals a to familiarize the students with farming practices and show them that this industry is important to Grenada's livelihood, economy and social structure. We will be meeting with Carlson Benjamin, a local headmaster, tomorrow to further discuss and implement the program. Our next idea, I think is very exciting. We are looking to develop a summer internship program for local children to gain experience and a better understanding of farming and agriculture. CFFI will be looking to sponsor two children, to begin this summer, to work at a local farm in Victoria for a four week program. We are still working on the details but once we have set our plans in place we will be sure to let everyone know! So, so far we have experienced the culture, tasted the food and built relationships with the locals, all in one week. I can't imagine the success that is to come! Check back for more from us all! Best, Ali