Facilitating educational workshops for established farmers
Education on climate-smart agriculture in Seychelles has received a boost with the installation of the first hydroponic smart agriculture system at the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH).
The new infrastructure will serve as a practical demonstration site for climate-smart agriculture for the institute’s learners. It will also facilitate educational workshops for established farmers, advancing the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable agricultural practices. Installed under a greenhouse, this system is expected to enhance the resilience of Seychelles’ food system through sustainable practices and smart agriculture.
The project was made possible through collaborations and support from the UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, UN Women, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Barry Nourrice, the technical consultant overseeing the installation, emphasizes the importance of adopting climate-smart agriculture in Seychelles.
According to Nourrice, the greenhouse features two different types of hydroponic systems: the Nutrient Film Technique and the Bag Culture system. « With the Bag Culture system, even though you won’t use soil, materials such as perlite or coconut coir are used to provide an ecosystem for the plant’s roots. The real work is done by the water ».
The greenhouse and high-tech system will be valuable resources for students and farmers, enabling SIAH to train students in hydroponic techniques and advocate for their adoption within Seychelles’ agricultural landscape.
