The Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL) L3F Livelihood development initiative active for over eight years officially launched The Antigua and Barbuda Farmer Information System yesterday in Antigua, signaling a renewed effort to modernize and transform the way agriculture is practiced and shared across the region. The event, held under the leadership of the Agriculture Extension Division, brought together stakeholders, farmers, and government officials to discuss how this platform can reshape agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
Chief Extension Officer Mr. Owolabi Elabanjo, in his remarks, underscored the importance of innovation in sustaining the agricultural sector. He noted that while traditional funding streams for agriculture have diminished, C.O.L is introducing tools and opportunities that can keep the sector competitive and sustainable in the face of changing times.
One of the major highlights of the launch was the introduction of technology-driven solutions aimed at bridging the gap between farmers and markets. Mr. Elabanjo pointed to Jamaica as a shining example, where technology is already being used to map farms, track production cycles, and connect farmers with consumers. Antigua and Barbuda, through C.O.L, will now take similar steps, ensuring that farmers have the visibility and resources they need to thrive.
At the center of this transformation is the launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Farmer Information System, presented by Petranilla Estreada, Commonwealth of Learning Livelihood Development Program Assistant. The system, developed by Mr. Hartnell Campbell of Jamaica’s Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), is a web-based platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to farmers and farming activities in Antigua and Barbuda.
During her presentation, Estreada explained that the system functions as a repository for technical information, helps to forecast key agricultural variables, and provides detailed data on farmers, including gender, farm ownership history, and the type of agricultural activities they engage in. “So, what is the system about? It is a web-based system for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to farming and the farmers in Antigua and Barbuda. It processes data on farmers and their activities. It is a repository for technical information. It forecasts key agricultural variables,” she stated.
The project was first conceptualized in 2019 following a COL sponsored cross- Learning tour to Jamaica. Though the visit primarily focused on farms, the team pf farmers and officials was also exposed to Jamaica’s advanced farmer information system. The Antigua and Barbuda version was later officially initiated after stakeholder consultations in 2024, with multiple rounds of testing conducted using Jamaica’s larger farming data pool before being finalized in 2025.
Estreada also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the system, and recognized the contributions of Mr. Rickford Hudson , Ms. Maudvere Bradford, Canadian consultants, Local Stakeholders and others who provided information reviewed and refined A poultry proposal submitted to cabinet in August 2024 under the COL L3F initiative .
Looking ahead, the Farmer Information System has several future potentials, including:
– Development of a mobile application
– Integration of geo-location technology
– Use of drones for mapping and monitoring
– A publications platform for sharing research,notices ,updates and educational materials
– Integration with Moodle for farmer training
The system is already being implemented in Jamaica, serving over 400,000 farmers, which provides confidence that it will be effective in managing the needs of the approximately 1,500 farmers in Antigua and Barbuda.
This digital leap is expected to increase efficiency, transparency, and trust in the agricultural sector. It is also set to benefit not only farmers but also consumers, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural extension officers who will have a clearer picture of food production on the island.
COL’s footprint extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda, with the initiative active in Jamaica and several other countries. Its regional presence ensures that knowledge, best practices, and experiences can be shared, creating a collaborative network of farmers who see farming as a business and are better equipped to face challenges such as climate change, food security, and market fluctuations.
Mr. Elabanjo emphasized that the vision of COL is not only to modernize agriculture but also to empower farmers to embrace innovation. By making their work more accessible and transparent, farmers can gain greater recognition and support, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and attractive career path for future generations.
The COL L3F Livelihood Development Program in Antigua and Barbuda represents more than just the unveiling of a platform, it is a commitment to the future of farming, rooted in technology, collaboration, and sustainability. As Antigua and Barbuda take this bold step, the hope is that local farmers will seize the opportunity to adopt these tools, ensuring that agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of national development.