Babonneau farmers get water lifeline

Farmers in Chassin, Babonneau, who have struggled with water shortages caused by a clogged irrigation system, now have better access to a reliable water supply after a major rehabilitation project, thanks to an intervention by the Seven Crops Project.

The work, carried out under the Seven Crops Project, included clearing a large build-up of silt from the community dam, installing a filtration system to improve water quality, and reconnecting and upgrading parts of the irrigation network. The improvements will provide a more reliable water supply for about 50 farmers cultivating roughly 100 acres of land. They will have access to approximately 30 000 gallons of water through the system.

The upgrade comes at a critical time, as the island faces the effects of the prolonged dry season. According to the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO), the Babonneau Network is among the most severely impacted.

Speaking at a handover ceremony earlier this month, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Nicole Su, spoke about the importance of reliable water access for farming communities.

“We understand how important it is to have reliable water access for our daily lives, and how essential a functioning irrigation system is for farming communities,” she said. “I’m happy to learn that, through this rehabilitation work, about 50 farmers from about 100 acres of farmland are now able to utilise the supply of approximately 30 000 gallons of water through the system.”

She noted that the intervention would support the production of crops, including tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplants, watermelons, pumpkins and okra from what is often referred to as Saint Lucia’s “bread basket”.

The ambassador also praised farmers from Chassin for their dedication and commitment throughout the project, and for working together to remove the excavated silt and help install and reconnect the irrigation system. 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development, Lisa Jawahir, described the project as a critical investment in both water and food security, warning that climate change is placing growing pressure on farmers through prolonged dry spells, drought conditions and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

“Without water, there can be no crops,” she said. “Without water, there can be no livestock. Without water, there is no agriculture.”

“When water becomes scarce, crops decline. Production costs will increase because we now have to buy more irrigation lines, water tanks, and rainwater harvesting systems. Incomes for farmers will, of course, be reduced, and ultimately, our national food security will be threatened. That is why this project is so timely and important. For years, the farmers of Chassin have faced tremendous challenges with this dam. We recognise the urgency of the need to rehabilitate the infrastructure. That is where a project like the Seven Crops Project was able to intervene.”

Minister Jawahir said the Government of Saint Lucia will continue to collaborate with partners, including the Government of Taiwan, to invest in the infrastructure and technologies that will allow farmers to not only survive, but also thrive.

“To the farmers of the Chassin Farmers Group, I commend you for your commitment,” she said. “I want to assure you that this government understands the challenges that you face. We certainly hear your concerns, and we know the pressures of market uncertainty and the drought systems. That is why we remain committed to strengthening irrigation systems to help improve climate resilience and provide the support necessary to help our farmers succeed.”

Project Coordinator Adline Eudovic said water security remains one of the most important factors affecting agricultural output and farmers’ livelihoods.

“We cannot separate water security from food security,” she said, noting that similar irrigation interventions were previously carried out in Micoud and Choiseul under the Seven Crops Project.

Agricultural Officer Nicholas Doxily said the Chassin water system was established 16 years ago and had gradually become clogged with silt, resulting in water shortages, crop losses and reduced yields.

“This handing-over ceremony represents not just the handing over of equipment, but also the opportunity for resilience and a stronger foundation for sustainable farming,” he said. “These resources will help improve water security, improve productivity, and support farmers in adapting to the growing impacts of climate vulnerability. It is an investment not only in crops, but in livelihoods, food security, and the future of this community.” 

Aldric Edward, Attaché to Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, and Member of Parliament for Babonneau, John Paul Estephane, noted that the farmers in the constituency were directly responsible for supplying the northern end of Saint Lucia with fresh local produce.

“We all know of the water woes in Saint Lucia, and inasmuch as many households are affected, the farmers are also affected. Water truly is life, and farming plays a fundamental role in the livelihoods of all Babonneau residents. For this initiative, I wish to thank the Taiwan Technical Mission for all that they’ve been doing for Babonneau residents,” he said.

A representative of the Chassin Farmers Group welcomed the intervention, saying the dam has long been a vital source of water for farmers in the community and has supported agricultural production even through challenging periods.

Theona Albert recalled that when the project started in 2010, it had targeted a few households. Over time, many farmers have benefited from the project. 

“I’m happy that farmers will be receiving the mesh and pipes to continue the project,” she said. “While other people have challenges sourcing water, we do not have that problem because the dam has sustained us, even after the passage of Hurricane Tomas. I would like to thank the Government of Taiwan, Ministry of Agriculture, farmers and residents for the success of this project.”

The article Babonneau farmers get water lifeline is from St. Lucia Times.