Perfectly Engineered! May 9, 2013

Faculty of Engineering – University of the West Indies. Source: http://www.sta.uwi.edu

This week, another introspective  event takes place as I interview Mr. Robert Birch PHd candidate at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at the Faculty of Engineering.  Mr. Birch has completed his Bsc and MPhil in Agricultural Engineering  at UWI, a program that has since been discontinued at the undergraduate level. However a much more extensive, specific and well structured program exists in the form of a Bsc in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Bio systems Engineering.Keron: Could you briefly tell me about the work of an Agricultural engineer?

Mr. Birch: Previously the agricultural engineer would be trained to solve problems in agriculture and food systems He/she is expected to apply technologies to the field. The sector demands someone who understands structures, materials, water management, soils and other areas. He/She should receive this training from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of the West Indies.

However the agriculture sector in Trinidad has over time been given a negative stigma, leading to a decrease in student application for the program. Therefore the Faculty in its wisdom restructured the Bsc program, re-branding it in order to ensure that when students leave the University that they are employed.

Keron: I understand, the undergraduate program became a special program called Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Biological Systems. Can you tell me about that programme? I’ve only heard about it once despite attending to this University for quite some time.

Mr. Birch: Students learn the basic engineering concepts in their first two years with courses in, Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Dynamics & Design, Materials Technology, Instrumentation, Thermodynamics, Control System Technology and so forth. In their final year they branch off in an in-depth fashion into Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on Bio-systems. Environmental Engineering, Food Engineering, Soil & Water engineering, Electro-mechanical conversion, Engineering Management, Maintenance and Safety Engineering are compulsory courses whereas other courses such as Traction & Power hydraulics, Field machinery, Post Harvest Technology, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering and Basic Engineering infrastructure are electives.

This allows the student to function as a Mechanical engineer and as a Bio systems Engineer. Therefore, in addition to their Mechanical Engineering degree, they understand how living things work and how man made systems can interact with them. Students also work closely with professionals in the relevant industries and are given free range in their final year projects which tests much of their learning

Keron: Therefore if students are truly learning and the program is catering to the needs of the real world of work, won’t they be of great benefit to the local agricultural sector?

Mr. Birch: Yes they can function as agricultural engineers as well as engineers in other traditional fields such as the energy, construction, services and manufacturing etc. They are referred to as Mechanical engineers. So in fact just the name change from agricultural engineering to mechanical & bio-systems engineering has opened the door for our students simply due to the negative stigma on the agri sector.

Keron: In that case, how do these students make an impact on agriculture if they are primed for other industries?

Mr. Birch: Students have created some interesting designs such as food dryers and contraptions that can truly benefit the value added process. Machines such as the Cassava peeler, chataigne peeler and dasheen peeler have all been successful projects. We work with agri stakeholders such as the Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association to see what are the needs. Remember students learn multiple skills making them suitable for multiple industries including agriculture.

Keron: Well, as I mentioned earlier Mr. Birch, I come from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, over at the Faculty of Food and Agriculture. I feel there is a disconnect between our faculties and even within the departments of my own faculty. What do you think of students like myself doing courses in engineering?

Mr. Birch: We welcome any student who wishes to learn the Mechanical and Mechanical with Bio-systems Engineering. However, the students should understand the requirements of the courses. These courses are carefully planned and involved certain concepts such as Calculus and linear Algebra, strengths of materials, dynamics, thermodynamics etc that must be learned gradually. Basic Engineering builds on itself and this must be understood to make a real world impact in which complex theories are needed. If they truly wish to learn, they should begin from year one.

If a student wishes to enroll in a course they should seek advice from our experienced coordinators as well as the course lecturer before enrollment  But it will be a pleasure to see students from other faculties engaging in some of our courses especially our bio-systems courses. They could be allowed to do one or two Bio-systems courses, but they should find out from the individual lecturers and the Head of the Department first.

Keron: Mr. Birch thank you for the information. Much appreciated.

This brings us to the end of the interview. Much was learned, especially on my end, right here under my own University. Hope you did as well! Stay Dedicated!

Engineering Students at the University of the West Indies. Source: http://www.sta.uwi.edu

The AGRI LiNK Wall May 1, 2013

Sometimes local, regional and international structures in the agricultural diaspora can be overwhelming. Networks, Institutions, businesses, organizations and databases are spread everywhere. With our connected world, they may not be hard to access but it is a huge amount of information to sift through.

Finding the right resource is key for many persons interested in agriculture in anyway. And given the inter-connectedness of food as a necessity for all, it just about relates to every one. In this light tech4agri is proud to present the The AGRI LINK Wall!

This page is a brand new feature of the tech4agri blog and can be found to the top of the homepage as the first item on the menu. It provides valuable links to the global discourse in agriculture. Links are provided to research institutions, innovative agribusinesses, internet resources, powerful networks and influential organizations. Feel free to browse to find the agri information that you need!

While you’re at it, check out the new ‘Youth in Ag’ for the month of May. Idowu Ejere is a young professional at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). She functions as the communications officer and social media coordinator for the organisation. You can visit her blog where she writes her musings and experiences as a young diplomat.

Apeh Omede is an animal scientist, university lecturer and PhD researcher in poultry science. His interest lies in social change in Agriculture and Youth Development. He established and runs the Agro Youth Centre, a blog committed to helping youths venture into agriculture for development by sharing views and ideas about the potentials and the opportunities that agriculture presents to the youths of today.

Look forward to upcoming posts on agricultural engineering, insights into the small producer of the Caribbean and other pieces of investigative journalism! Stay dedicated!

The Misunderstood Stakeholder… April 20, 2013

Seconds ago I finished an article on the problems that young farmers, the challenges they face and how they overcome them. In that article an interview was undertaken with a successful young farmer. he indicated that:

“…most times there is a lack of technical support, which leads we young producers having to take risks with new technoques and technologies that we hope are innovative enough to better our enterprise”

Who is responsible for ‘technical support’? Most would say this is the job of extension officers. It’s almost a given that if one speaks to most small farmers, they would argue that extension officers are not very helpful. They lack in technical knowledge, they do not visit often and simply do not meet the needs the farmer – are common phrases. However is this the fault of the extension worker. Does he or she have the right tools and resources for the job? Are they experienced in face to face communication and mediation skills? How many small farmers do you think he/she has to cater to in one day or even in one week?

Fortunately previous interactions and investigation have provided great enlightenment. Here are some of the problems faced by local extension officers

• Limited rescources in terms of office equipment – Some offices share 2 – 3 computers making data collection and processing difficult and time consuming
• Issues with farmer communication – Officer must sometimes use their personal phones to keep in contact with farmers. Even so some farmers simply do not make  effective use of mobile phones
• In some areas, there are too few officers to service the numerous small farmers.
• Extension officers often rival for the attention of the farmers with private companies promoting their products, most commonly chemical producers.

These a local issues faced in Trinidad however this is not the case  in other Caribbean islands. Over in jamaica, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) recently distributed 124 computer tables to extension officers, in order to assist them in their data collection efforts and to assist in the effective service of jamaica’s 230 000 rural farmers. The initative is part of a computerization program that began since 1998 with emphasis on ICTs. Clearly the extension officers of that island are well equipped to fufil their duties.

 

Source: Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)  - Images of the ceremony providing extension officers with a powerful ICT Resource – Jamaica

On the other hand, one should consider the attitude of some (not all) of the famers themselves. After a lecture from a visiting extension officer, a fellow student in agriculture indicated that farmers in the United States are quite up to date with smart phone technology, tech applications in agriculture and most important ICTs such as video calling. This, according to the guest lecturer, is because they actively seek out the help of their extension officers. Due to geographical location it is not possible for extension officers to meet with each farmer on a timely basis. Therefore in order to effectively communicate ICTs are used to the fullest.

In closing, it is worth taking a closer look at agricultural issues in every situation as more often than not there are unseen factors which would drastically affect the overall situation. The key is to educate oneself as much as possible before steps are taken to solve the issue.

Youth Empowerment seeing a New Frontier. April 9, 2013

In the global agriculture diaspora, several topics/issues are always relevant or rather more current than others. I’ve realized that youth in agriculture are one of these. With fewer and fewer youth becoming involved in agriculture each year many wonder what will happen to the future of the industry.

But if this is the case shouldn’t youth that are currently involved in agriculture in one way or another be considered as important? Unfortunately this is not always so. Many programmes and resources that are geared towards ground level agricultural development is created without the involvement of youth. Not only are these programmes unsuitable but they are poorly implemented.

Regardless there seems to be a change in the situation. Youth will always be youth and no matter were they are in the world, you cannot stop them from speaking out. Therefore, when given the opportunity to have an input into their futures in agriculture by indicating what resources they need to succeed, it is a given that they will have much to say.

Last year at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, the Needs of Agri Youth were highlighted by the Caribbean Forum for Youth in Agriculture (CAFY) and the Caribbean Farmer’s Network (CAFAN). The conference was most beneficial, as the policy suggestions given by we youth, under guidance of our mentors, was submitted to the Alliance and the Council for Trade and Economic Development on Agriculture (COTED) here in the Caribbean. This means that policy specific to agricultural youth may be placed into existence; a meaningful step toward our development. See the full document here: Final Report – Regional Policy Forum for Youth and Rural Modernization

Caribbean Agri youth, that contributed to the Youth and Rural Modernization Policy Forum at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture

On the other side of the world, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD; www.spc.int/lrd), is working on youth projects which highlight youth empowerment. Despite this initiative a call was placed out to their network seeking insights from youth or those that work with them on a regular based.

Mr. Viliamu Iese, Research Fellow of the University of the South Pacific

Mr. Viliamu Iese of the University of the South pacific provided the following quote from Brian Tairea; Agriculture/Horticulture Science  Teacher of the Cook Islands:

“In the Cook islands, we do not have an entomologist, soil scientist, plant pathologist etc. Get the students to think business wise. I also like to create a WOW! factor, by getting them to plant crops they are interested in. Watermelon, tomatoes, corn seems to get their interest.Students or the youth are asked to create a product from what they produce, like a watermelon smoothie or pop their own popcorn and try and sell it. One thing you must never do is be the boss, let them lead the way and let them take ownership.”

As you can see, opportunities for youth ag development differ as situations and the environment changes, however the response from youth in the same. They want to succeed. Some even know exactly what they need. But what we truly need is a solid opportunity and some guidance. Empower us!

 

Here are some great sources of how Ag-Youth can be empowered:

• Commentary via Global Food for Thought – Engaging Youth in Agriculture: Investing in our Future 
• Tweet Chat via Storify - #Youth2Ag: steps youth take to kickstart a career in agriculture
• Article via SPORE Magazine – Engaging Youth in Agriculture

Odd but Brilliant – Agri Design March 29, 2013

Ingenuity knows no bounds when people try to meet their own needs. This is especially true when it comes to agriculture. Since agriculture of any kind provides all food in one way or another, one would come across powerful and effective agri food systems meant to meet the needs of those who design them.

These needs are based on their environment, resources, climate and geographic location. Therefore many of you readers may think these designs are not very effective. However, be reminded that they are based on the user’s needs. Situations differ around the world. Even so a random person’s creativity can inspire many others.

As a result you’d come across some extremely odd designs for food production. However due to the aforementioned factors they can also be seen as ingenious. Here are a few strange or rather superb examples of food production design: Odd but Brilliant – Agri Design. Click each picture set for more details.

   

Discover Rural Renewable Energy! March 19, 2013

NaRural Energy, online community based in Spain, with members from all over the world. Join the community find the most suitable rural renewable energy for your agri enterprise

Some time ago, via twitterI met Albert Campi creator of the blog Renewable Energy for Farmers based in Spain, Barcelona. His work on sustainable energies in agriculture and food processing seem boundless. Via the continued improvement and updates of the blog, Albert has started NaRural Energy an online website and community that links farmers and professional energy engineers.

Would solar panes work best with your poultry enterprise or would a bio-gas system be most suitable to a livestock farm? This week tech4agri takes a brief look at NaRural energy. Visit their website to have the answer to these and many other related questions. Click the picture link to the right for video interview!

Also don’t forget to join technology4agri on facebook

F.Y.I . March 5, 2013

Sometimes I wonder how my lecturers and my seniors got by in their studies without some of the web and electronic tools we have today. But it dawns on me that those who have gone before us as students of agriculture had a lot less to learn. Knowledge sharing was limited but centralized where as today the world of information is just about everywhere and on everything.

However as the post “Ag Research and Databases” can remind you, too much info can be a hindrance. One wouldn’t know where to start.  However I have learned from personal experience that if you truly wish to learn from your studies, you will overcome such obstacles  and over time gain powerful information gathering skills in the process.

Today’s post seeks to help you in that sense by highlighting two excellent resources/databases:

TECA is a platform created and hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation where you can find practical information –agricultural technologies and practices – to help small producers in the field. Browsing this database revealed a wealth of information. From case studies to technical papers, examples and instructions to scientific papers and researched topics.

Information for these sources comes from countries in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean among others and it is provided in french english and spanish.

Users can either register and find information on technologies and practices of every kind related to agriculture or choose to join exchange groups which are the ultimate form of knowledge sharing. Rather than receive formal training for a skill, it may be best to relate this information from one practitioner or producer to the other.

Areas of interest found on the database include agricultural mechanization, capacity development, climate change and disaster risk mitigation, crop production, fisheries, forestry, livestock production, nutrition, natural resource management and post harvest & marketing. You’re encouraged to visit  TECA as a stakeholder in agriculture and make use of the available info.

 

The other outlet, you should know well. It was featured on the last post on ag databases – E Agriculture is a global Community of
Practice, where people from all over the world exchange information, ideas, and resources related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for sustainable agriculture and rural development.

The organizers of this database are hosting an e-forum from Feb 25 – Mar 8 which asks: How can we strengthen e-agriculture strategies and policies (holistic ICT strategies and policies dedicated to the agriculture sector) in African Caribbean and Pacific countries?

Well…How can we? Why not register and give your opinion; share your experiences so that effective policy can be devised with you as part of the advisory committee. Visit E- Agriculture, you would be amazed as to the vast amount of information it can provide.

An Ongoing Affair: Food Security February 20, 2013

Currently in the global agriculture diaspora food security is a recurring issue. The issue has grown of recent years to include household food security, nutrition security and even water security. Although these areas are interrelated they all have a multitude of factors which can affect them, either positively or negatively.

Climate Change, recurring pest and diseases, politics and development issues, agri science and biotechnology, and even war; these all affect a nation’s or a region’s ability to be food secure. This week, using the ‘Picture Wall Link’ format we look at some of these factors that affect food security around the world. We begin at home, here in Trinidad and Tobago with another tech4agri video post. Recently I completed this video for the Youth Ag Summit. Click on each picture link for more!

The organizers of the upcoming Youth Ag Summit to be held in Canada asked youth to speak about food insecurity from their point of reference i.e. a neighborhood  community, country, etc. Here is my take on What Food Insecurity means to an island nation.

Can we feed the world? The answer is YES! Distinguished professor and director of the organisation ‘Agriculture for Impact’ tells us more. Source: Digital-development-debates.org

 

Researchers have cracked the genome for several varieties of chickpea. This means they can now use modern breeding techniques to build the crop’s resistance to pest and disease etc. Science at work! Source: Generationcp.org

 

Currently Mali is facing civil war as certain regions were taken by force and French military authority moves in. Despite this dire situation people must eat. This link tells you the food access disaster that can occur as Mali’s planting season draws near. Source: FAO Media Centre

Using the online newspaper service paper.li This youth in leadership has created ‘Food Security Upgrade’ Similar to the printed press, news on food security issues is organised by the creator Codrin Paveliuc-Olariu and delivered to your email inbox daily. Subscribe! Source:Paper.li/CodrinPO

 

Over in the Phillipines, tissue culture and other techniques are being used to produce sweet potato. Previously seen as a poor man’s crop it is now a versatile and demanded food source as it can withstand increasingly inclement weather brought on by climate change. Source: Sunstar.com

 

Using an old method stepped in agroecology, Indian farmers are battling climate change to effectively grow rice, a staple crop in that region. Source: RTCC.org

 

Vermitechnology: An introduction February 12, 2013

Vermicompost is a rich organic medium consisting of nutrients, plant growth promoting substances, and beneficial micro organisms necessary for plant growth. It is made from agricultural waste and the use of earthworms. By using a layered process over a period of time, an organic medium is derived that reduces the need for large amounts of pesticides and even fertilizers. The diagram below illustrates the process.

Source: Dr. Abdullah Adil Ansari’s ‘Vermitechnology- permutations and combinations of organic waste recycling’

Agriculture/Organic waste varies but is quite accessible. Types include dried grass, manure and other animal waste, leaf matter, kitchen waste, leaves and flowers after the extraction of oil, fruit/vegetable rind, pulp and other similar waste. crop remains, seed husk, bagasse and many others.

Dr. Abdullah Ansari, Head of the Department of  Biology at the University of Guyana provides a greater insight into this fully organic process. “Earthworms have a critical influence on soil structure, forming aggregates and improving the physical conditions for plant growth and nutrient uptake.

They also improve soil fertility by accelerating decomposition of plant litter and organic matter and, consequently, releasing nutrients in a form that is available for uptake by plants.

The most commonly used worm is the Eisenia fetida which grows very quickly and is relatively easy to access here in the Caribbean.”

Dr. Ansari, his colleagues and his students at the University of Guyana have been steadfastly conducting research on Vermitechnology for the past few years. The technology is relatively new with a wide area of scientific investigation.

With the help of final year biology and agri science students topics being researched include the effect of vermiculture on plant growth, as pesticide, and as a plant nutrient. Much of his research has fallen into the area of Vermiwash.

Vermiwash is a liquid nutrient product obtained during vermicomposting, that has significant influence on plant growth and yield attributes. Most notably is Dr. Ansaris research on vermiwash as a replacement for chemical nutrients used in Hydroponics.

Here in the Caribbean these items are imported which of course is not the best situation to ensure the supply of such a vital input. Dr. Ansari’s research has revealed that vermiwash when used in hydroponics is quite effective in plant growth parameters and good yield.

Vermiwash is a relatively new solution with a lot of potential because it has microbes, natural plant nutrients, and  hormones. Vermiwash can be used for a period of three months. Current research looks at examining the microbial nutrient content after a period of time and also solidifying the mixture for longer shelf life. Even so there is lots of scope for more expansive research. However preliminary results are positive for its use in hydroponics.

Vermiwash is proved to be very effective against pesticides and improves plant yield, fruit yield and quality. It can also be used as a foliar spray.

For vermiwash a combination of dried grass and/or leaves, cattle dung, paddy straw, and neem leaves is advised.  Furthermore its method of production is chemical free making this powerful medium, organic in nature.These vermiproducts have become key components of crop nourishment in organic and sustainable farming systems.

An example of vermicomposting at the Sam Motta Goat and Sheep Demonstration Station in Jamaica. It uses the same layered technique however ever it utilizes goat manure. The manure and dried grass is placed to one end of the container and the worms migrate to the fresh organic material for recycling. The compost is then harvested. Source: Agribusiness Society of UWI

tech4agri – on point February 5, 2013

This week, tech4agri does some introspection with several changes to the blog. As promised upgrades have been made. Let’s take a quick look!

(1) First off the blog’s new logo takes center stage as part of the new header and title.

(2) Next an entirely new menu is now available. Agri product of the month is a set space for entrepreneurs and business professionals to advertise their products and services.

Two options are placed for Youth in agriculture Spotlight to highlight their activities, whether it be their profile, blog or other activity. Every month two young professionals in agriculture will be featured.

Then there is a standard About page which has just been updated and upgraded with a short promotional video.

Lastly a page is dedicated to the Agribusiness Society of  the University of the West Indies, a student organisation which the blog is associated with.

(3) Of course, Don’t forget to subscribe via email address!

(4) Tech4agri is now on facebook! With the same goals as the blog, the facebook page links you to other relevant pages and makes it easier for you to follow the updates of the blog. Visit and like the facebook page now!

(5) In order to access job opportunities, global experiences in agriculture, conference/events and more follow the twitter feed posted on the blog. Follow @wiscobasco for even more!

(6) You as the reader decides which posts make it to the Top post/pages of the blog. These top 4 vary with the number of views daily, so if you wish to see your favorite topics on the top, spread the word about the blog.

(7) And lastly here are the Blogs I follow. Currently only two of them are shown but that simply means that they are the best (as chosen by the wordpress engine)

Hope these upgrades are to your liking. Look forward to more video Posts & innovating topics on technology4agri!

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