During the first term of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, Cari-Bois partnered with the Scotiabank Foundation to empower ten (10) students with climate journalism skills as part of the second edition of Cari-Bois’ Youth Journalism Project. For their second assignment, students wrote a story about how climate change affects their respective communities. This story was written by Josh Latchman of Williamsville Secondary School.
Like many other Caribbean countries, agricultural activities in Trinidad and Tobago have been affected by the unpredictable weather patterns associated with climate change that can lead to severe drought and floods.
Additionally, climatic change has also contributed to a change in growing conditions and seasons for farmers like Ramnarine Singh who lives in New Grant, Trinidad.
Over the past several decades, Singh and his family have operated a farm and, in an interview with Cari-Bois, he recalled helping his father on the land.
Singh told Cari-Bois, “Back then, we knew when to plant and when to expect rain.
“The rains came in time for us to grow enough to feed our family and take to the market.”
But now, Singh said the weather is no longer predictable and it’s costing him.
He explained, “In the last five years, it’s gotten worse. Sometimes, the rains don’t come at all when they’re supposed to, and then suddenly, we get heavy downpours that wash away everything.
“In the dry season, all the crops dry up. We depend on nature, so when it doesn’t rain, we’re left with nothing.”
In 2023, Singh said the prolonged dry season affected his ability to grow many crops.
At times, he recalled having to water his crops by hand
When the rainy season came and Singh thought he would get some relief to finally grow crops like cassava and sweet potatoes, there were several flooding events.
A few times, Singh said he watched helplessly as all his months of hard work were destroyed.
Comparing Trinidad and Tobago’s weather today to decades ago when he was growing up, Singh believes the rainy season has become more unpredictable, with heavier downpours that overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding in agricultural areas.
He added, “It’s not just the flooding…The soil gets so waterlogged that the crops can’t recover. Sometimes, after a flood, you can’t replant for weeks or even months.”
Adapting to these changing conditions has come at a cost.
Ramnarine has had to invest in small water tanks and a basic watering system, which he laments eats into his profits.
“You don’t make much from farming here. Now, with all this unpredictability, it’s even harder.”
Singh said the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and basic tools have also gotten costlier which compounds the negative effects of climate change that he’s been dealing with.
With many small-scale farmers in Trinidad and Tobago “struggling to break even,” Singh said he wants customers to understand the combination of issues are affecting the bottom line for many farmers.
“When you go to the market, people don’t understand why prices go up.”
“But it’s not us. It’s the cost of losing crops to floods or droughts, and the cost of trying to save what little we can grow.”
In recent times, Singh said some farmers in New Grant have left farming and have opted to sell their lands.
A distressed Singh added, “A lot of farmers around here can’t take the stress anymore.
“Some have turned to construction work or driving taxis just to make ends meet. Farming used to be something we could rely on, but now it’s a gamble.”
Classifying the future of farming in Trinidad and Tobago as uncertain, Singh said that while climate change has been a prominent issue, it is his opinion that farmers are not being adequately supported to navigate the issue.
While larger farms might have the resources to adapt, smaller farmers like him are much more vulnerable.
He is calling on the Government to do more to assist farmers in need.
Across Trinidad and Tobago, climate change is testing the resilience of those who depend on the land and sea for survival.
Despite the challenges associated with climate change, Singh is hopeful that with better planning and community support, things can improve.
“If we can get help to build proper drainage systems and water systems, we might be able to manage it better. But we can’t do it alone. Farming is too important to let go, especially with how much we depend on local food.”
For now, like many in Trinidad and Tobago, Singh will continue working the land with the hope that there is progress to slow climate change and support that will help his farm survive.
A very special thank you to the Scotiabank Foundation for supporting the development of young people through initiatives like the Cari-Bois Youth Journalism Project.
