Grant Period: 2 years

The Farm-Able Livelihoods Project for Persons with Disabilities has opened new avenues of opportunity for students of the Derrick Smith School & Vocational Centre, Challenor Creative Arts & Training Centre, and the Ann Hill School, by integrating them into the local economy through adaptive agricultural technologies and entrepreneurial skill-building. Recognising the unique abilities and potential of these students, the initiative equips them with practical agricultural skills, fostering economic independence and sustainability.

This project marks a significant step toward inclusive economic empowerment. After initial assessments, it became clear that a focus on entrepreneurship and financial literacy was crucial. Through this initiative, BECT and its partners remain committed to ensuring that all members of society have the tools and support they need to thrive, demonstrating our belief in the invaluable contributions that youth with disabilities can make to environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Project Goals

This project aims to:

• Educate young persons on sustainable agricultural techniques
• Strengthen the capacity of young people with disabilities to grow their own food,
• Provide training, mentorship, and access to essential resources to develop entrepreneurial skills,
• Empower participants to become successful agripreneurs through networking and collaboration with the wider business community.

Update: Year I September 2023

In its first year, 62 students successfully completed their training, each having completed specialised programmes in aquaponics, crop production, poultry farming, and rabbit-rearing. By offering these targeted learning experiences, the initiative has opened new pathways for students, creating opportunities for future income generation and bolstering their engagement in the agrifood sector.

The first-year culminated with a graduation ceremony, held on September 22nd, 2023 at the Derrick Smith School & Vocational Centre. The momentous occasion brought together students, partners, teachers, and well-wishers to celebrate the students’ achievements and the potential they hold for the future.

Update: Year 2 December 2024

Farm-Able Phase II will contribute to the project’s financial and environmental sustainability to ensure the supply of feed, tools and equipment needed for longevity and long-term benefits for present and future students of each learning centre.

Farm-Able Phase II will engage more than 50 students, with implementation of the project through BECT’s partners at Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Farm-Able seeks to empower persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to food security, and introduce sustainable farming and agriculture as a life-changing activity as well as a viable revenue earner.

Year 2 Goals:

• To strengthen the capacity of young persons with disabilities to grow their own food
• To provide training, mentoring, and access to relevant resources for individuals with disabilities to develop their entrepreneurial skills
• To empower young people with disabilities to become successful agripreneurs through networking and collaboration with other stakeholders in the business community

Special thanks to implementing partner, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and donor, Scotiabank (Barbados) Limited, for their continued support for this initiative!