The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy officially launched the development of an Integrated Agriculture Land Use Plan (IALP) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Fisheries Division Complex Conference Room. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, Barbados, through its Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), aims to enhance sustainable land management, improve climate resilience, and support agricultural productivity in Dominica.
During the launch, brief remarks were made by Dr. Al Mario Casimir Technical Officer Projects and Policy representing PS Ryan Anselm Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, and Dr. David Yawson, Director of CERMES, who is the lead consultant for the IALP. Both speakers highlighted the significance of strategic land use planning in strengthening the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Dr. Yawson emphasized the importance of land use planning, stating:
“Land is the foundation upon which nearly all human activities take place. Every action we take on a piece of land defines its use – whether for housing, industry, mining, forestry, agriculture, or recreation. Agriculture, as the largest land use sector, plays a central role in this equation. It competes for space alongside other critical sectors, yet it remains indispensable as it provides food, fiber, and fuel – essentials for human survival and economic stability. This is why land use planning is crucial. It is not merely about allocating space; it is about making informed, strategic decisions that align human activities with environmental, social, and economic realities. Through sustainable land management, we can enhance food production, protect natural resources, secure land tenure, encourage investment, and foster cooperation among stakeholders.”
In preparation for the plan’s development, a scoping mission was conducted on March 25th and March 26th with field visits to agricultural regions in the south, central, and northern parts of the island; allowing stakeholders to assess current land use practices and identify challenges and opportunities.
Key stakeholders involved included officers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, including Agricultural Technical Officers, the Soil Unit, the Veterinary & Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Unit, the Extension Unit, and the IT/Information Unit. Other participating agencies included the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, and Kalinago Upliftment, the Fisheries Division, the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division, the Dominica Meteorological Service, the National Office of Disaster Services, the Central Statistical Office, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and representatives of various farmer groups and cooperatives.
Following the official launch, stakeholder in-house meetings were held on March 27 and 28, 2025. These discussions focused on key concepts in land use planning, including principles of land use planning, defining the problem and context, and specifying goals, objectives, and data requirements. The meetings provided an opportunity for participants to contribute insights and recommendations that will guide the development of the IALP.
The development of the IALP marks an important step in Dominica’s efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and build resilience in the sector. By integrating scientific research and stakeholder engagement, the initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the efficient and responsible use of agricultural lands.
