Officials at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to the Centre’s backyard farming initiative.

Almost one year after its launch in September, 2024 as part of the Empowerment Hour Programme, the Centre has planted and harvested a range of vegetables from lettuce, to chili peppers, lemon cucumbers, Asian melons, and more recently pumpkins, including a 28.2 pounder, to showcase how families can not only feed themselves, but also supplement their incomes through the sale of their produce, while ultimately helping to protect the environment.  A similar programme was launched at the Nassau Village Community Centre.

(The Empowerment Hour Programme, and all other programmes hosted at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre, are facilitated by the Community Affairs Division of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting.)

Lisa Bowleg, the Officer-in-Charge of the Community Affairs Division, said the Centre’s collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, and specifically Mr. Danrey Sweeting, on the implementation of the backyard farming initiative, has been “fruitful.”

“I would say that we have been very successful as a group in turning the backyard space at the centre into a positive showcase of the potential of backyard farming,” Bowleg said. “The Department of Agriculture came in at the initial stages and shared tips and tools of how we could have a successful programme, and then they came in and showed us how to make that happen.

“From that period to now, we have had several harvests, and the consideration was that as we continue to grow and harvest, and teach and make persons within the community more and more aware of the possibilities of backyard farming even within a limited space, that we also continue to give back.”

Bowleg said the Centre has been privileged to share its harvests with various individuals, families and institutions in the community free of charge. Beneficiaries have included residents of the two Senior Citizens Homes.

“The ability to share something out of our garden with our senior citizens that they can enjoy -- whether it is a pumpkin soup, or a piece of roasted pumpkin, or boiled pumpkin is a blessing,” Bowleg continued. “What we are doing at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre with the Empowerment Hour Programme, and more specifically with the Backyard Farming Initiative, is showing people that this is indeed possible and that it does not matter how young or old you are; whether you are able-bodied or whether you are differently-abled, that there is indeed a way to feed ourselves, to sustain ourselves and our family and also be able to share with other persons in the community.”

An avid backyard farmer who practices what she preaches, Bowleg said she views backyard farming as “the gift that keeps on giving.”

“One of the persons we distributed the pumpkins to operates a Soup Kitchen free of charge on a monthly basis and so being able to assist her means that she can continue to share with others. The Soup Kitchen at the Good News Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a community partner of the Family Life Centre, has also been a recipient (and) so we are not just talking about passing on something where it stops, it’s the gift that keeps on giving because as we give to them, they are giving to others.”

Initially launched as a means of getting adult residents of the community to appreciate the many benefits associated with backyard farming, the Programme was recently extended to participants of the Centre’s annual Camp Climate Action where they were provided with instruction on how to re-use and recycle old tires, pots and pans, and cups and bottles within which to grow their fruits, vegetables and various herbs. Seventy children participated in the Camp that also focused on climate change and its impacts on communities and children; hurricane preparedness (packing a proper disaster supply kit); food security (food insecurity is a fall-out from climate change); backyard farming, and preserving the environment (plant life, marine life, animal life).

Bowleg said Camp Climate Action provided facilitators and presenters with the opportunity to teach a young generation of Bahamians about the things they can do to help preserve and sustain our environment at an early age. Campers were also taught how to make compost from organic materials like yard waste (dry leaves, etcetera) and food scraps (peels from fruits and vegetables including bananas, oranges, potatoes, apples, etcetera). The compost is then added to the soil to improve its properties.

She said the garden at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre, is “proof positive” about the attributes of backyard farming.

“More people need to understand that there are many opportunities to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs – organically -- no matter how small their yard space may be.  Additionally, herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, etcetera, can all be grown and harvested in various sized containers in kitchens which eliminates the need for yard space. Backyard farming is a wonderful initiative that not only helps with food security, but also the economic, social and physical and mental health benefits of persons who participate in it.”

Officials at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to the Centre’s backyard farming initiative. Almost one year after its launch in September, 2024 as part of the Empowerment Hour Programme, the Centre has planted and harvested a range of vegetables from lettuce, to chili peppers, lemon cucumbers, Asian melons, and more recently pumpkins, including a 28.2 pounder, to showcase how families can not only feed themselves, but also supplement their incomes through the sale of their produce, while ultimately helping to protect the environment.  A similar programme was launched at the Nassau Village Community Centre. (The Empowerment Hour Programme, and all other programmes hosted at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre, are facilitated by the Community Affairs Division of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting.) Lisa Bowleg, the Officer-in-Charge of the Community Affairs Division, said the Centre’s collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, and specifically Mr. Danrey Sweeting, on the implementation of the backyard farming initiative, has been “fruitful.” “I would say that we have been very successful as a group in turning the backyard space at the centre into a positive showcase of the potential of backyard farming,” Bowleg said. “The Department of Agriculture came in at the initial stages and shared tips and tools of how we could have a successful programme, and then they came in and showed us how to make that happen. “From that period to now, we have had several harvests, and the consideration was that as we continue to grow and harvest, and teach and make persons within the community more and more aware of the possibilities of backyard farming even within a limited space, that we also continue to give back.” Bowleg said the Centre has been privileged to share its harvests with various individuals, families and institutions in the community free of charge. Beneficiaries have included residents of the two Senior Citizens Homes. “The ability to share something out of our garden with our senior citizens that they can enjoy -- whether it is a pumpkin soup, or a piece of roasted pumpkin, or boiled pumpkin is a blessing,” Bowleg continued. “What we are doing at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre with the Empowerment Hour Programme, and more specifically with the Backyard Farming Initiative, is showing people that this is indeed possible and that it does not matter how young or old you are; whether you are able-bodied or whether you are differently-abled, that there is indeed a way to feed ourselves, to sustain ourselves and our family and also be able to share with other persons in the community.” An avid backyard farmer who practices what she preaches, Bowleg said she views backyard farming as “the gift that keeps on giving.” “One of the persons we distributed the pumpkins to operates a Soup Kitchen free of charge on a monthly basis and so being able to assist her means that she can continue to share with others. The Soup Kitchen at the Good News Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a community partner of the Family Life Centre, has also been a recipient (and) so we are not just talking about passing on something where it stops, it’s the gift that keeps on giving because as we give to them, they are giving to others.” Initially launched as a means of getting adult residents of the community to appreciate the many benefits associated with backyard farming, the Programme was recently extended to participants of the Centre’s annual Camp Climate Action where they were provided with instruction on how to re-use and recycle old tires, pots and pans, and cups and bottles within which to grow their fruits, vegetables and various herbs. Seventy children participated in the Camp that also focused on climate change and its impacts on communities and children; hurricane preparedness (packing a proper disaster supply kit); food security (food insecurity is a fall-out from climate change); backyard farming, and preserving the environment (plant life, marine life, animal life). Bowleg said Camp Climate Action provided facilitators and presenters with the opportunity to teach a young generation of Bahamians about the things they can do to help preserve and sustain our environment at an early age. Campers were also taught how to make compost from organic materials like yard waste (dry leaves, etcetera) and food scraps (peels from fruits and vegetables including bananas, oranges, potatoes, apples, etcetera). The compost is then added to the soil to improve its properties. She said the garden at the Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre, is “proof positive” about the attributes of backyard farming. “More people need to understand that there are many opportunities to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs – organically -- no matter how small their yard space may be.  Additionally, herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, etcetera, can all be grown and harvested in various sized containers in kitchens which eliminates the need for yard space. Backyard farming is a wonderful initiative that not only helps with food security, but also the economic, social and physical and mental health benefits of persons who participate in it.”

In keeping with the Government’s efforts to foster food security and sustainability, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) presented livestock to three schools Monday, March 13, 2023. 

H.O. Nash Junior High School and C.V. Bethel Senior High School were the recipients of piglets and St. Augustine’s College received laying hens.

BAMSI Chairman Senator Tyrel Young said the institution is embarking on a project to support the agriculture programme in schools throughout The Bahamas.

“The whole goal is to support the schools now in order to garner students and get them interested in the agriculture sector for The Bahamas so we can continue to grow this industry. Without the human resource and the expertise in this field farming would not be possible moving forward. 

“A part of the food security and sustainability efforts as a government we are doing our part at BAMSI supporting wherever and whenever we can,” he said.

With other programs set to come on stream, Senator Young said this initiative will tie into the BAMSI Cadet program that is soon to be launched.

“Schools like this [H.O. Nash] that already have programs we want to show them that they do have support. The government agencies are here to do what we can to support you.

“The training aspect of it for the students is where BAMSI comes in. We’ll have our technical officers give technical support and education that they can disseminate at the high school level. This will help to garner students and pique their interest from the school level. These are the students BAMSI is looking to enroll in the institution moving forward. The goal is to start the interest now from the high school level in an effort to get those students interested so when they leave high school they will be interested in enrolling in BAMSI. This is how we educate our sector to move forward for the future.”

Senator Young explained that the choice of piglets for schools is because swine production is at its lowest in The Bahamas and BAMSI is attempting to perpetuate bloodlines and herds.

“BAMSI is soon to open its first piggery in north Andros and that would be its breeding program for the swine where we can disseminate the piglets throughout The Bahamas.  BAMSI is also opening its commercial-sized layer house to produce some 216 cartons of eggs per day.  That will tie into the national Golden Yolk project for which BAMSI will be the incubator."

 

 In keeping with the Government’s efforts to foster food security and sustainability, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) presented livestock to three schools Monday, March 13, 2023.   H.O. Nash Junior High School and C.V. Bethel Senior High School were the recipients of piglets and St. Augustine’s College received laying hens. BAMSI Chairman Senator Tyrel Young said the institution is embarking on a project to support the agriculture programme in schools throughout The Bahamas.   “The whole goal is to support the schools now in order to garner students and get them interested in the agriculture sector for The Bahamas so we can continue to grow this industry. Without the human resource and the expertise in this field farming would not be possible moving forward.    “A part of the food security and sustainability efforts as a government we are doing our part at BAMSI supporting wherever and whenever we can,” he said. With other programs set to come on stream, Senator Young said this initiative will tie into the BAMSI Cadet program that is soon to be launched. “Schools like this [H.O. Nash] that already have programs we want to show them that they do have support. The government agencies are here to do what we can to support you.   “The training aspect of it for the students is where BAMSI comes in. We’ll have our technical officers give technical support and education that they can disseminate at the high school level. This will help to garner students and pique their interest from the school level. These are the students BAMSI is looking to enroll in the institution moving forward. The goal is to start the interest now from the high school level in an effort to get those students interested so when they leave high school they will be interested in enrolling in BAMSI. This is how we educate our sector to move forward for the future.”   Senator Young explained that the choice of piglets for schools is because swine production is at its lowest in The Bahamas and BAMSI is attempting to perpetuate bloodlines and herds.   “BAMSI is soon to open its first piggery in north Andros and that would be its breeding program for the swine where we can disseminate the piglets throughout The Bahamas.  BAMSI is also opening its commercial-sized layer house to produce some 216 cartons of eggs per day.  That will tie into the national Golden Yolk project for which BAMSI will be the incubator."

Agricultural Development Organization (ADO), a non-profit organization founded only eight months ago, in partnership with The Church Commercial Farming Group (TCCFG) made up of more than 300 churches, launched the largest program in the history of The Bahamas to support community, backyard and church farming.  

The initial effort will provide the necessary supplies and oversight to start up to 500 backyard farms with as many as another 4,500 to follow within a year.  

Announcement of the launch came at a press conference attended by Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Clay Sweeting who called the initiative “a welcome game-changer that has the potential to restore the culture of farming and make a real difference in our nation’s ability to feed itself.” 

The initiative was introduced in principle nearly four months ago when ADO presented a check totaling nearly $197,925 to The Church Commercial Farming Group. Funds have been used to purchase supplies, hire full-time staff and begin preparations. 

“This is an exciting day when, for the first time in our history, we in The Bahamas are making it possible for thousands of backyard farms to be started without any cost to those who want to farm,” said ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith. “We look forward to seeing, in the not-too-distant future, thousands and thousands of backyard farmers as well as many community farms and church farms throughout the Bahamas as we plant the seed for greater food security.” 

“This is the dawning of a new day when we make it possible for thousands to experience the joy of growing something from the earth, putting healthy food on the table and lessening The Bahamas’ dependence on imported foods.”  

The program will be overseen by Rev. Pat Paul and a team that includes four full-time staff who will assist with the preparation of soil, planting, irrigation, fertilizing and monitoring. For each new garden, there will be monthly reports accompanied by photos. Kits include tubing, soil, seed trays, liquid fertilizer and seeds. Seedlings were supplied locally by Sinclair Farms.  

“We are here today to plant the seed of an honest way of life, to nurture and to harvest that which God has allowed us to grow in this beautiful Bahamaland,” said Rev. Paul. “We are thrilled to be part of this historic movement restoring a love of agriculture and we are extremely grateful to ADO Bahamas for making this long-held dream a reality.” 

Smith said he realized how critical the need to “grow our own” was during COVID when as executive director of the Bahamas Feeding Network, he saw desperation and hunger. 

“The level of hunger and desperation for food, especially for mothers or fathers trying to feed little ones, was almost too much to bear,” said Smith. “I vowed then that whatever I could do to restore the culture of farming and make Bahamians proud once again to till the soil, I would dedicate my life to. Today is the first step in that journey we will take together so no matter what happens in the future, our people will never again face what they did during COVID with empty cupboards and empty stomachs.”  

Interested individuals can apply for participation in the program online at https://forms.gle/p9tzNk2XM4gEahLt8.

By: Jhanae Winter

By: Jhanae Winter But don’t worry, you still have time. The effects of the pandemic on food supply across the world is something we cannot ignore. When the bigger nations that import food and goods to us have a shortage in their own land, who do you think they will feed first? It is paramount that we have a sense of security when disasters and pandemics affect the world and our nation. For this reason more Bahamians should invest in their own personal gardens to assist in providing food for their families. There is nothing new about the concept of backyard farming to Bahamians. Our older relatives have been doing it for years. But now it's your turn to take it more seriously and here's why. Our Climate Luckily for us, we have an amazing climate for growing crops. We are not as limited in producing crops compared to other counties. “The best time to start backyard farming in the Bahamas is anytime – now is better than later. The Bahamas is of subtropical climate with fairly high mean temperatures and moderate rainfall,” said Angelo Hamilton, President of Hortscience Enterprisecan. (check spelling on these two words) Promotes Good Health The good thing about gardening is that you are moving and active but the movements are certainly less strenuous than lifting weights at a gym. While working in your area, you are using various muscles in your back, hands, legs and that can build muscles with minimal effort. “The motions associated with physical farming form stronger muscles while increasing cardiovascular activity thus boosting your metabolism”, said Phil Davis, founder of Eden Farming Club. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America research found that a person gardening for 30 minutes can burn up to 165 calories. Likewise, a study in Sweden linked gardening to lower the risk for heart disease. Researchers found that such activities can decrease the risks of a heart attack or stroke by 30%. It's Great For Mental Health Want a hobby that is peaceful and allows you to become one with yourself? Gardening has been linked to lower stress levels and to improve symptoms of depression. Taking an hour or two out of your day can help you unwind and become more in tuned with nature, which is never a bad thing. There's a peace associated with gardening as it can also release negative energy from your body simply because you are outside. “Studies have shown that there are stress relieving enzymes in the soil that calms our moods, also the direct contact with the ultra violet rays from the sun provide vitamin D while pulling toxins out of your body through sweating,” said Phil. It's your own food They say the further away you are from your food, the less nutrients it has. Eating food you've grown yourself is best because you receive the highest amount of nutrients possible. Likewise, you know what kind of chemicals are on your produce. Too many big companies inject steroids to help grow plants faster because they produce on a mass scale. This means all we are doing is consuming these toxic chemicals at high rates. We tend to grow more organically when it's our own food, this decreases the over usage of toxic pesticides that are damaging to consume. This also allows us to manage what we put into our bodies from an authentic organic point of view,” said Angelo. As a country that spends millions of dollars on imported fruits and vegetables, we do not know the trip these produce takes to get from the plant they grew on to the various food stores and markets in The Bahamas. But harvesting our own, is just one trip from the yard to the kitchen. This also means less visits to the grocery store. Need a tomato, why not head to your garden to get one. Family Bonding Time Gardening is definitely not something you have to do alone. If you have little ones or even teenagers in the house, this is a great way to connect with them and teach them various skills. They can be assigned a small portion of plants to grow themselves and be responsible for it. Picture the smile on their faces when they see their own plant start to bud and produce a fruit or vegetable. According to Phil, the feeling of accomplishment associated with farming is matched by none. Even more so, it's a learning opportunity for all, but in particular children to know the importance of farming and appreciate where their foods come from. Societal Impact More Bahamians partaking in their own farms is not just great for their own wellbeing but for society as well. We can become a major supplier internationally, because of creativity and access to sun and soil, Phil said. The opportunities that are created on a macro level gives Bahamians independence and the ability “to gain and profit from, resulting in saving and spending less on imported goods”, said Angelo. Were you convinced? Good! Next week Bahamaslocal.com, shows you just how easy it is to start your own garden.

The effects of the pandemic on food supply across the world is something we cannot ignore. When the bigger nations that import food and goods to us have a shortage in their own land, who do you think they will feed first? It is paramount that we have a sense of security when disasters and pandemics affect the world and our nation.

For this reason more Bahamians should invest in their own personal gardens to assist in providing food for their families. There is nothing new about the concept of backyard farming to Bahamians. Our older relatives have been doing it for years. But now it's your turn to take it more seriously and here's why.

Our Climate

Luckily for us, we have an amazing climate for growing crops. We are not as limited in producing crops compared to other counties. “The best time to start backyard farming in the Bahamas is anytime – now is better than later. The Bahamas is of subtropical climate with fairly high mean temperatures and moderate rainfall,” said Angelo Hamilton, President of Hortscience Enterprise. 

Promotes Good Health

The good thing about gardening is that you are moving and active but the movements are certainly less strenuous than lifting weights at a gym. While working in your area, you are using various muscles in your back, hands, legs and that can build muscles with minimal effort. “The motions associated with physical farming form stronger muscles while increasing cardiovascular activity thus boosting your metabolism”, said Phil Davis, founder of Eden Farming Club. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in America research found that a person gardening for 30 minutes can burn up to 165 calories. Likewise, a study in Sweden linked gardening to lower the risk for heart disease. Researchers found that such activities can decrease the risks of a heart attack or stroke by 30%.

It's Great For Mental Health

Want a hobby that is peaceful and allows you to become one with yourself? Gardening has been linked to lower stress levels and to improve symptoms of depression. Taking an hour or two out of your day can help you unwind and become more in tuned with nature, which is never a bad thing. There's a peace associated with gardening as it can also release negative energy from your body simply because you are outside. “Studies have shown that there are stress relieving enzymes in the soil that calms our moods, also the direct contact with the ultra violet rays from the sun provide vitamin D while pulling toxins out of your body through sweating,” said Phil.

It's your own food

They say the further away you are from your food, the less nutrients it has. Eating food you've grown yourself is best because you receive the highest amount of nutrients possible. Likewise, you know what kind of chemicals are on your produce. Too many big companies inject steroids to help grow plants faster because they produce on a mass scale. This means all we are doing is consuming these toxic chemicals at high rates. "This also allows us to manage what we put into our bodies from an authentic organic point of view,” said Angelo.

As a country that spends millions of dollars on imported fruits and vegetables, we do not know the trip these produce takes to get from the plant they grew on to the various food stores and markets in The Bahamas. But harvesting our own, is just one trip from the yard to the kitchen. This also means less visits to the grocery store. Need a tomato, why not head to your garden to get one.

Family Bonding Time

Gardening is definitely not something you have to do alone. If you have little ones or even teenagers in the house, this is a great way to connect with them and teach them various skills. They can be assigned a small portion of plants to grow themselves and be responsible for it. Picture the smile on their faces when they see their own plant start to bud and produce a fruit or vegetable. According to Phil, the feeling of accomplishment associated with farming is "matched by none". Even more so, it's a learning opportunity for all, but in particular children to know the importance of farming and appreciate where their foods come from.

Societal Impact

More Bahamians partaking in their own farms is not just great for their own wellbeing but for society as well. We can become a major supplier internationally, because of creativity and access to sun and soil, Phil said. The opportunities that are created on a macro level gives Bahamians independence and the ability “to gain and profit from, resulting in saving and spending less on imported goods”, said Angelo.

Were you convinced? Good! Next week Bahamaslocal.com, shows you how to start your own garden.