Digital Agriculture Workshop Highlights Technology’s Role in Food Security – MoA Interns Gain Insight on Day 4 by Shenequa Williams
Today approximately thirty (30) participants which included the MOA Interns, other students, farmers and extension officers gathered at the Multipurpose Center in Perry Bay for the Digital Agriculture Workshop, an event that explored how technology is reshaping agricultural practices in Antigua and Barbuda. The half-day workshop was hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education and Antigua & Barbuda Agriculture Forum for Youths (ABAFY), that brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector.
The workshop began with an opening prayer led by Chairperson Ms. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George/ Head of the Ministry’s Communications Unit. Remarks followed from Mr. Craig Thomas/National Specialist at IICA; Mrs. Nicolette Francis/Education Officer for Agricultural Science at the Ministry of Education; with remarks delivered by Bynoe-George on behalf of Mr. Gregory Bailey/Director of Agriculture, all of whom emphasized the importance of integrating digital tools into traditional farming to improve food security and climate resilience.
Presentations kicked off with Mr. Adrien Bowen/Hydroponic Solutions Technical Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, who highlighted the benefits of soil-less farming systems in optimizing space and water use. Mr. Michael Joseph, a youth farmer and drone technology enthusiast, discussed the use of GPS-enabled drones in precision agriculture, noting their value in monitoring crop health and reducing pesticide use.
Mr. Orvin Paige/Agro-meteorologist from the Antigua & Barbuda Meteorological Services gave an insightful presentation on climate trends, explaining the impact of solar insulation patterns and long-term drought data on crop planning. He stressed the importance of understanding seasonal shifts and integrating meteorological data into farming decisions, particularly as the region experiences declining rainfall and heightened climate variability.
Mrs. Sherrie-Ann Brazier, representing Aquatic Solutions 268, introduced attendees to aquaponics, an innovative farming method that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. She explained how closed-loop systems can maximize productivity while conserving water and nutrients.
Finally, Mrs. Gail Rolle-Greenidge/Assistant Lecturer in Computer Science and the Blue Economy at the University of the West Indies (FIC), emphasized the role of data science and digital monitoring tools in optimizing resource use, enhancing food production, and building climate resilience. She described how real-time systems can track key variables like pH, temperature, and water levels, alerting farmers to problems before they escalate.
Participants remained actively engaged throughout the workshop, posing thoughtful questions and contributing to a lively, solutions-driven exchange. A standout moment of the day was the enthusiastic involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture’s interns, whose insightful questions, feedback, and suggestions sparked meaningful dialogue on youth-driven innovation in agriculture. Their contributions demonstrated a genuine interest in shaping the future of the sector. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were students from five government secondary schools, whose curiosity and eagerness to learn underscored the critical role of agricultural education in preparing the next generation of agri-leaders. As one speaker noted, “Digital agriculture isn’t just about farming better, it’s about transforming how we think about food, climate, and the future.”
The workshop wrapped up with a renewed commitment from all sectors to continue exploring technological innovations that will benefit farmers, educators, and the wider public.
