WITH THE BAHAMAS importing more than $855 million in food and live animals in 2025, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is expanding community-based agricultural training aimed at increasing household food production and encouraging greater self-sufficiency.
Earlier this month, the Institute partnered with the Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church to deliver practical backyard gardening training, with participants receiving guidance on soil preparation, crop selection, planting and maintaining productive home gardens.
Deon Gibson, General Manager, BAMSI, said the country’s heavy reliance on imported food underscores the need to broaden participation in food production beyond the commercial farming sector.
“Strengthening food security requires action at every level,” Gibson said. “Commercial agriculture remains critical, but households can also play a meaningful role. By giving people the knowledge and confidence to grow some of their own food, we can help strengthen household food production while encouraging greater self-sufficiency. That is an important part of building a more food-secure Bahamas.”
The two-hour seminar, held at the church on Marshall Road, attracted participants with varying levels of experience, from people interested in starting their first backyard garden to seasoned growers seeking to expand their knowledge and exchange ideas.
BAMSI Agri-Development Officers Travone Pinder and Sherri Fountain led the agricultural training, providing practical guidance suited to growing conditions in The Bahamas. Pinder focused on the fundamentals of planning and establishing a backyard garden, including choosing an appropriate location, understanding soil conditions and preparing the soil for healthy crop production.
“One of the most important things we want people to understand is that you do not need a large amount of land to begin growing food,” Pinder said. “With proper planning, good soil preparation and consistent care, even a relatively small backyard space can become productive.”
Fountain provided guidance on selecting crops suited to the Bahamian climate, along with planting and caring for vegetables and herbs. Both officers also addressed the importance of consistent maintenance and sound gardening practices in sustaining a productive garden.
Participants were able to raise questions about challenges they had encountered in their own gardens and share their experiences with the presenters and other growers. The presence of experienced farmers and gardeners also provided an opportunity for participants to learn from one another. The seminar also connected participants with further opportunities to develop their agricultural knowledge and skills.
Dr. Amanda Bethell, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, BAMSI, outlined educational opportunities available through the institute, including pathways for those interested in further studies in agriculture and related fields, as well as upcoming short courses and continuing learning opportunities.
Agri-Development Unit Supervisor Antonique Sands coordinated BAMSI’s involvement in the initiative as part of the unit’s continuing community outreach and agricultural education activities.
The partnership with Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church is part of an effort to make agricultural knowledge more accessible to Bahamian households and encourage greater involvement in food production at the household and community levels. BAMSI’s Agri-Development Unit is also looking to expand its community training activities, with possible future sessions covering food preservation, value-added agricultural products, backyard farming and sustainable growing practices.
Sands said continued outreach will allow the institute’s agricultural officers to engage directly with communities, better understand areas of public interest and develop training opportunities that respond to those needs.
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