The development of agricultural cooperatives in St. Kitts and Nevis A snapshot of IICA’s contribution

Abstract

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has enunciated that the co-operative movement would be used as a vehicle to enhance the agricultural sector and also for social transformation of the various sectors. According to the Minister of Agriculture, The Honourable Dr Timothy Harris, a strong co-operative sector is a key driver of agricultural production. He is also of the view that such organizations enable farmers to pool their resources for bulk purchasing of inputs, achieving critical mass marketing and lobbying power, all geared to increasing and promoting sustainable livelihoods. In this regard, the work of the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on St Kitts and Nevis has been based to a large extent with the co-operative groups. Over the past decade, IICA has been involved primarily in improving the organizational and management systems of the co-operatives, enhancing their technical and financial capabilities and assisting them in procuring infrastructure.