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Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
May 19, 2016.
CARICOM Secretariat
Guyana, West Indies
Att. Mr. Nigel Durrant,
Submission of Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment on the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and the
Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Please find attached Trinidad and Tobago’s Country Report with regard to the subject
captioned above.
Regards,
Lennox Sealy PhD MBA
Principal Consultant
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Lennox H. Sealy & Associates Ltd. Management
Consultants
Lot 7A O'Meara Industrial Estate
Arima Trinidad.
Tel.: (868) 643 7136 / 678 3164
September 2015
A Developmental Intervention for
CARICOM
April - September 2015
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Section Page
A Abbreviations …………. i
B Definitions …………. ii
C Project Background …………. iv
D Expected Outputs …………. v
E Methodology …………. vi
SECTION 1 - COUNTRY OVERVIEW 1
1.0 Macro Level Country Data …………. 2
2.0 Contribution of Agriculture to the Economy …………. 3
2.1 Basic Agricultural Sector Profile …………. 4
2.2 Implications of the Overview for Markets and Marketing …………. 10
SECTION 2 - PROJECT FINDINGS 11
3.0 Marketing Organizations, Market Models and Marketing
Infrastructure
…………. 12
3.1 The National Agricultural Marketing and Development
Corporation (NAMDEVCO)
…………. 12
3.2 Ministry of Local Government - Retail Market Infrastructure …………. 16
3.3 The Tobago House of Assembly - Retail Market Infrastructure …………. 20
3.4 Market Developments …………. 20
SECTION 3 - ANALYSIS 23
4.0 Model for Computation of the Economic Contribution and
Economic Value Added of Market Infrastructure
…………. 24
4.1 Economic Contribution …………. 25
4.2 Economic Value Added …………. 28
5.0 Impact of Infrastructure on Food Security and Poverty
Reduction
…………. 29
5.1 Food Security …………. 30
5.2 Poverty Reduction …………. 31
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Section Page
6.0 Assessment of Adequacy …………. 32
6.1 Infrastructure and Emerging Trends …………. 38
6.2 Management Arrangements …………. 38
6.3 Impact of Infrastructure on the Viability of Small Farmers
including Female Entrepreneurs
…………. 39
7.0 Study Limitations …………. 40
SECTION 4 - RECOMMENDATIONS 41
8.0 Recommendations …………. 42
8.1 Marketing Policies and Market Infrastructure …………. 42
8.2 Mechanisms for Developing Market Infrastructure …………. 43
8.3 Combining/Optimizing the Types of Markets …………. 43
8.4 New Arrangements for the Management of Infrastructure …………. 44
8.5 Formalizing Linkages to Other Sectors of the Economy …………. 44
8.6 Possibilities for Increasing the Viability of Small Farmers
including Female Entrepreneurs
…………. 45
9.0 Estimated Developmental and Associated Costs (US) …………. 45
APPENDICES 50
1. Survey Instrument …………. 51
2. List of Key Agro Processors …………. 61
3. Adequacy Assessment Framework …………. 63
4. List of Marketing Officials Interviewed …………. 68
5. References …………. 69
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page i
A. ABBREVIATIONS
The abbreviations hereunder are used in this report – The Trinidad and Tobago Country
Report. The definitions are used throughout this study.
APP Agricultural Policy Project
CBTT Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago
CSO Central Statistical Office
EC Economic Contribution
EVA Economic Value Added
IICA Inter-American Institute for Cooperation
MOLG Ministry of Local Government
NAMDEVCO National Agricultural Marketing and Development
Corporation
NAMIS National Agricultural and Marketing Information System
RC Regional Corporations
UWI University of the West Indies
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page ii
B. DEFINITIONS
No. Term Definition
1. Agricultural
Marketing
The performance of all business activities included in the
flow of products from the beginning of agricultural
production until they are in the hands of consumers—“from
the farm to the fork.”
2. Economic
Contribution
(EC)
This is an estimate of the contribution that market
infrastructure makes to the economic development of the
agricultural sector
3. Economic Value
Added
(EVA)
This is an estimate of the value created in excess of the
investment required to finance the infrastructural
development
4. Food Security The extent to which people have access to sufficient, safe,
nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life
(expressed as a percentage)
5. Management
Arrangements
The arrangements made for governing markets, the access to
the facilities and any associated contractual arrangements
6. Market
Infrastructure
Any physical facility or tangible facilitating arrangement that
permits the flow of agricultural products from farm-gate to
consumer
7. Public or Retail
Market
A traditional market space originally designed for walk in
traffic with stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish and in
some cases clothing.
8. Municipal Market A public retail market owned and operated by the city or
town in which it is located
9. Post-Harvest
Losses
Losses of agricultural produce within the value chain from
production in the field to the food being placed on a plate for
consumption. Losses of agricultural produce can occur
during postharvest activities include harvesting, handling,
storage, processing, packaging, transportation and
marketing.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page iii
B. DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)
No. Term Definition
10. Poverty Reduction The promotion of economic growth that will
permanently lift as many people as possible over a
poverty line.
11. Private Farmers’
Market
A space where an entrepreneur uses his resources and
designates a physical area to facilitate the sale of
agricultural products (by growers themselves) along
with other entrepreneurs, e.g. small agro-processors and
artisans (who use agricultural products, e.g. wood,
timber, etc.). These markets usually attract middle-
income persons and visitors/tourists. who are seeking
niche products, e.g. handicraft, soaps, etc.
12. Public Farmers’ Market A space where the State is in response to a perceived
need creates a physical space for farmers to sell products
directly to consumers. These markets also attract
clothing vendors and other retailers
13. Supermarket A large retail store operated on a self-service basis that
sells a complete variety of food and other goods required
for use in the typical home
14. Vendors Market Temporary sites in a city centre opened only at specific
times, no infrastructural costs required and caters for
pedestrians only
15. Wholesale Market A space where significant quantities of produce are
traded in large quantities, among producers,
middlemen, large buyers and wholesalers
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page iv
C. PROJECT BACKGROUND
This project, executed through the CARICOM Secretariat, is a part of the “10th EDF
Caribbean Action under the Program titled Agriculture Policy Programme
(APP) with Focus on the Caribbean and Pacific” pursuant to a Contribution
Agreement between IICA and the European Union (EU). As part of this APP initiative, the
Caribbean Community expects to contribute to the enhancement of livelihoods of small
farmers and other micro entrepreneurs associated with the agricultural sector. This is in
keeping with one of the main goals of the Caribbean Community’s Agricultural Policy – the
development of more market-oriented production systems.
The specific objective of the APP therefore is to increase the capability of Regional
Agricultural Development Organizations to address the development needs of smallholder
agriculture. This means strengthening the institutional environment that supports
agriculture development through actions aimed at strengthening capacity to implement
regional initiatives. This approach also seeks to foster integration and allows for wider
results which aim at analysing the key issues of access to infrastructure by the sub-sector
defined as “subsistence farming” with emphasis on the small and women elements.
This project involves the analysis of and the development of recommendations for the
improved design and management of market infrastructure in five (5) selected countries –
Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts/Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago. It was conducted during
the period 1st April – 30th September 2015.
This consultancy seeks to address an important area of neglect i.e. the absence of economic
models and heuristics at the local level for quantifying and directing investments in markets
and other market infrastructure elements in spite of their obvious positive effects on
agricultural production marketing and trade. For purposes of this consultancy, the term
market infrastructure is defined as the physical facilities that are inherent to the
marketing system along with the institutional arrangements for managing and operating
those facilities. This includes public markets, wholesale markets as well as assembly and
packing facilities.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page v
Like access to finance and services at the production level, market-related services and
physical infrastructure are crucial to lifting small farmers, women farmers and generally
subsistence farmers out of poverty and into the mainstream of economic life. While it is also
essential to bear in mind that all aspects of the marketing continuum should be geared to
facilitate effectiveness and efficiency, the role played by the physical structures and facilities
in accommodating marketing activity is crucial and yet is often underestimated or neglected.
This project seeks to identify the importance of market infrastructure and make
recommendations for improvements at both the policy and the operational levels.
D. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The expected outputs from the Consultancy are as follows:
1. Analysis of the current market infrastructure showing specific challenges;
2. Recommended basic designs and location for packinghouses and main
markets in each country which address the above challenges. Three design templates
will be developed for large, medium and small territories and adjusted based on the
outcomes of specific country. The network for each country will the optimum flow
which facilitates the movement of small and medium farm produce;
3. Economic valued added of the proposed network and infrastructure along the
following lines:
a. Value in terms of facilitation of small farmer trade (intra-regional and extra
regional), etc.;
b. Value of reduction in post-harvest losses;
c. Value as collection points for facilitating export trade, etc.;
4. Recommendations for management of the proposed new arrangements; and
5. Policy recommendations at the national and regional level which will give
prominence to the development of market infrastructure
6. Estimated costs of developing the networks and main markets, where
possible, (quoted in US currency).
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page vi
E. METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted in four (4) phases as shown in the Fig.1 above. In approaching the
task of analyzing the issue of adequacy of market infrastructure, the benchmark
methodology of the World Bank – “The Problem Driven Approach” - was used and in the
case of adequacy of market infrastructure the “Ideal Network Model” was developed for
comparison based on the current technological possibilities. See Fig. 2 below.
Across the World Bank, there is a widely shared perception that there needs to be a better
understanding of the environments in which economic development takes place in order to
promote progressive change. The problem-driven analysis is seen as a crucial element in
enhancing the effectiveness of development.
Phase 4 - Development of Recommendations & Close Out Activities
Computation of ideal space, management and
utility requirements & recommendations
Outline layout of new facility and propose new concept
or design considering key findings
Phase 3 - Analysis of Findings and Data Consolidation Phase - All Data
Phase 2 - Field Research and Analysis Activities (Country Level)
Collection of primary and secondary data that
outline country agricultural sector situation
Visits to facilities for the collection of data on market
design and user issues
Phase 1 - Inception and Data Collection
Desk research of location, purpose , degree of usage
and management of market infrastructure
Review of the relevant macro economic country
indicators and key variables
Fig. 1: Summary of Project Methodology
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page vii
The “Problem-Driven Analysis” method works at three levels
i. Identification of the overall context of the problem i.e. the institutional or country
context;
ii. Mapping out the sectoral and/or governance arrangements or weaknesses; and
iii. Drilling down and analyzing the obstacles to change and recommending where a ‘drive’
for positive change could emerge.
The data collection exercise focused on gathering data at these three levels to ensure the
optimal mixture of quality and quantity in the time allotted in order to address the
requirements of the TOR.
Transportation Link
Production AreasCollection and Wholesaling Points
And/or Cold Storage Facilities
Transportation & Com
munication Link
Transp
ort & C
ommunicatio
n Link
Retailing PointsConveniently Located
2. Wholesalers/ 3. Storage Brokers
5. R
eta
il Cu
sto
me
rs
4. Retailers1. Farmers
Subtitle
9/6/2015
Web-Connected System
Subtitle
9/6/2015
System of Grades & Standards
Fig 2: The “Ideal Network” for determining adequacy of marketing infrastructure
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page viii
A review of the history of the institutional attempts at ensuring market efficiency and
market effectiveness shows that this responsibility has traditionally been assigned to the
marketing “boards” (sometimes referred to as corporations) within the region. (See glossary
for definitions of market efficiency and market effectiveness). Their history has been
similar. They have all been asked, at some time, to provide marketing infrastructure for bulk
buyers and sellers and marketing services and guaranteed pricing for farmers. The
“guaranteed market price” notion that was promoted has failed to stimulate agricultural
development and all boards have reported or continue to report trading losses due to
product deterioration, as well as financial losses over the period of their existence. The “free
market system” has proven to be more efficient that state sponsored marketing. A major
limitation is the failure to quantify these losses over time making it impossible to assess
market efficiency as all losses are generally referred to as “post-harvest losses” estimated
across the countries studied at between 20 to 30%.
At the retail level, a variety of agencies have responsibility for retail markets infrastructure
without reference to the nuances of agricultural marketing. Today, in any ideal system,
infrastructure does not stand alone but should be linked by information technology for
efficiency of access and driven by grades and standards for ensuring delivery of quality
produce.
The five major actors in any functioning wholesale system are farmers, wholesalers, storage
brokers, retailers and final consumers. This analysis will make two basic assumptions in
examining the adequacy of marketing infrastructure and they are:
i. Any intervention to improve infrastructure should target either improvements in
market efficiency or market effectiveness; and
ii. A common vision of an ideal marketing network for the particular territory should be
implanted within all of the agencies that hold responsibility or impact agricultural
marketing.
Fig. 2 above represents an ideal network on the basis of which adequacy will be assessed.
Twenty (20) characteristics that are being used to assess adequacy are as follows:
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page ix
1. There is an active group of farmers or farmer organizations who consistently supply
the market with bulk quantities;
2. There is an active group of wholesalers who purchase farmers goods in bulk
quantities;
3. There are collection points (wholesale markets) conveniently located based on the
road network and the location of the production areas;
4. Markets are suitably located given traffic and other considerations;
5. There is a Market Information System that connects all the players;
6. Trading takes place on the basis of grades and standards;
7. There are packing and cooling facilities available for fresh produce preferably
centrally located or close to collection points;
8. Retailers are located in approved, safe, convenient areas with adequate number of
stalls to service the vendor population;
9. Physical conditions in the retail markets are conducive to safe convenient trading;
10. The availability of facilities within the market area for overnight storage;
11. Opening hours (days and times) are convenient to customers;
12. The availability of security for both goods and users;
13. The availability of parking for both vendors and customers;
14. The availability of sanitary facilities for both vendors and customers;
15. Managers and Supervisors are trained in the basics of agricultural marketing and/or
produce trading;
16. The agencies responsible for markets have a shared vision of how the marketing
system should best work in order to facilitate all users;
17. Maintenance programmes are in place for the facilities;
18. Training is carried out in various aspects of produce handling, food safety etc. for
vendors;
19. Transport vehicles and certified as a part of the overall effort to combat praedial
larceny; and
20. The experiences of both the players and the customers are monitored at all points of
the network in the interest of improvement.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page x
Market visits, discussions with marketing officials, discussions with users, as well as focus
group sessions with farmers, vendors and even agro processing groups were the major
methods of primary data collection. The data capture instrument utilized is found at
Appendix 1. Secondary data collection was via published papers and internet resources.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 1
SECTION 1:
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
Source of Image: https://www.google.tt
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 2
1.0 MACRO LEVEL COUNTRY DATA
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is a twin-island country off the northern edge of South
America, lying just off the coast of north-eastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the
Lesser Antilles (See Fig. 3 above). It is geologically a part of South America as it lies on the
continental shelf. However usually considered part of the Caribbean, it shares maritime
boundaries with other nations including Barbados to the northeast, Grenada to the
northwest, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west. The country covers
an area of 5,128 square kilometres (1,980 sq. miles) and its economy is built on foreign direct
investment from international businesses, particularly in the area of energy, and has one of
the highest per capita incomes in Latin America.
The country enjoys political stability. Its economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged
slightly over 8% per year, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same
period. However, GDP has slowed down since then and contracted during 2009-2012 due to
depressed natural gas prices and changing markets. Growth had been fuelled by investments
in liquefied natural gas, petrochemicals, and steel with additional upstream and downstream
industries.
Fig. 3: The Country Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 3
Trinidad and Tobago is the leading Caribbean producer of oil and gas, and its economy is
heavily dependent upon these resources. It also supplies manufactured goods, notably food
products and beverages, as well as cement to the Caribbean region.
Oil and gas account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports, but only 5% of employment.
Oil production has declined over the last decade and the country focused the majority of its
efforts on natural gas. The administration (2010 – 2015) worked to arrest this decline by
opening bid rounds and providing fiscal incentives for investments in on-shore and deep
water acreage to boost oil reserves and production. Although Trinidad and Tobago enjoys
cheap electricity from natural gas, the renewable energy sector has recently garnered
increased interest. The country is also a regional financial centre with a well-regulated and
stable financial system. Other sectors such as Agriculture, information and communications
technology, and shipping are currently seen as the future drivers of change as the focus is on
economic diversification.
2.0 CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURE TO THE ECONOMY
Since the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is dominated by the petroleum industry, it is
therefore very susceptible to external shocks induced by movements in energy prices. This
reality has long since signified the need for economic diversification hence the national
economic policy and strategy place great emphasis on growth of the non-oil foreign exchange
earnings and relatively labour-intensive sectors of the economy, such as tourism, agriculture,
agro-processing, and financial services.
Primary agriculture is not an important economic driver but a socially important sector and
accounts for 16.7% of the land area. Agriculture’s contribution to GDP on average is less than
1%, but a significant employer (5.0% of employed persons) and key to the rural socio-
economy.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 4
Agro-industries (food, beverage and tobacco) however are more significant contributors to
GDP (3.1% in 2004) and manufacturing (45.2%). The country is a net food importer but a net
exporter of beverages and tobacco products.
2.1 Basic Agricultural Sector Profile
The profile of the sector relevant to our study is described under the following headings:
1. Land Use;
2. Number and Size of Farms;
3. Profile of Farmers and Farming Associations (including Female Entrepreneurs);
4. Marketing of Farm Produce; and
5. Status of Agro-Processing Associations.
2.1.1 Land Use
Fig. 4: Percentage Change of Land Use in Trinidad and Tobago
over the Period 1990 to 2011
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
Agricultural land(% of land area)
Arable land (% ofland area)
Permanentcropland (% of
land area)
Forest area (% ofland area)
15.0
7.0 6.8
45.8
13.1
6.84.9
45.6
10.5
4.9 4.3
44.1
Land Use Indicators
1990 2000 2010-2011
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 5
Table 1: Statistics of Land Use in Trinidad and Tobago1
No. Land Use Indicators Timeline (Decades)
1990 2000 2010-2011
1. Agricultural land (sq. km) 770.0 670.0 540.0
2. Agricultural land (% of land area) 15.0 13.1 10.5
3. Arable land (hectares) 36,000.0 35,000.0 25,000.0
4. Arable land (hectares per person) 0.0 0.0 0.1
5. Arable land (% of land area) 7.0 6.8 4.9
6. Permanent cropland (% of land area) 6.8 4.9 4.3
7. Forest area (sq. km) 2350.0 2340.0 2256.8
8. Forest area (% of land area) 45.8 45.6 44.1
The most recent estimate of land use was based on a study undertaken in 2011 by the World
Bank. This study indicated that land under agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago declined from
770 sq. km. to 540 sq. km. over the last two (2) decades. See Fig. 4 and Table 1 above.
2.1.2 Number and Size of Farms
Agriculture is administered in Trinidad by county. The seven (7) administrative county
districts are shown below in Table 2 below along with the estimates of crops occupying the
farm areas monitored by the Extension Services.
Data supplied by the Regional Administration Division (North and South) – Extension
Services, Ministry of Food Production (See Table 3 below) show the number of active farmers
and farmer associations by county district.
1 Source from www.tradingeconomics.com – World Bank Indicators of Land Use: Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 6
Table 2: Estimated Acreages Under Production by County
(Source Extension Services, Ministry of Food Production)
Type of Crops (% Land Area Occupied)
No. County V T RC M CO RI W CN
1. St. George West 18 11 1 68 1
2. St. George East 36 35
3. St. Andrew / St David 23 3 15
4. Caroni 23 30 25 22
5. Nariva / Mayaro 7.2 40 32 8 13
6. St Patrick
7. Victoria 26 13 13 13
V - Vegetables; T – Tomatoes; RC – Root Crops; M – Mixed Crops ; CO – Cocoa;
RI – Rice; W – Watermelon CN – Coconut
2.1.3 Profile of Farmers and Farming Associations
Table 3: Farmers and Farming Associations
No. County No. of Farmers Approx. No of
Associations
1. St. George West 3,629 9
2. St. George East 2,157 14
3. St. Andrew / St. David 3,351 12
4. Caroni 6,032 26
5. Nariva / Mayaro 1,075 9
6. St Patrick 811 5
7. Victoria 2,040 9
8. TOTAL 19,095 84
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 7
2.1.4 Marketing of Farm Produce
A map of the channels through which locally grown produce are marketed suggests
approximately ten (10) major players form the value chain. Fig. 5 below describes the flow
through these major channels and points to the importance of infrastructure at different
stages of the value chain.
Fig. 5: Produce Flow through the Major Markets
Packinghouse
Wholesale market
Marketing Association
Roadside market
Local market
Wholesaler
Food Service (Hotels,
restaurants, supermarkets)
Retail Markets
(Hotels, Restaurants,
Supermarkets
Wholesaler
Retailer (Public
Markets, Road Side
Stalls)
PRODUCERS
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 8
Wholesale Markets
The wholesale markets of Trinidad are the Northern Wholesale Market at Macoya and the
Southern Wholesale market in Debe. These markets provide major assembly and price
setting points and are the nodal points for the distribution of locally grown produce.
Retail Markets
There are fourteen (14) of these markets spread along the major thoroughfares following the
pattern of development of the major population centres.
Farmers Markets
These markets are for farmers to sell their produce directly to the public. Generally, smaller
farmers, and those with specialized produce use their facilities.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets provide a one-stop facility for the consumer to get all their food items inclusive
of fresh produce. Most supermarkets in the country sell fresh produce. Produce is washed,
graded and packaged for easy purchase by the consumer. These outlets provide an
opportunity for marketing of Protected Agriculture produce at a premium price. What is
required is consistency in supply and quantities.
Hotels, Restaurants and other Institutions
These outlets also provide another marketing point for Protected Agriculture produce.
Similar to supermarkets, they can sell their produce at a premium price; however supplies
and quality must be consistent.
Distributors
The rapid expansion of both international and local fast food outlets has created the need for
bulk supplies of fresh produce. Distributors provide this service through imports, as well as
purchases from local suppliers. Companies such as HADCO and Ibrahim’s are well
established distributors in the Trinidad market.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 9
Other Marketing Channels
Other marketing channels we observed were:
1. Farm Gate - Less than 10% of sales are farm gate sales where wholesalers and distributors
purchase produce directly from farmers.
2. Road-Side Vending - There is always a need to monitor this development in Trinidad as a
proliferation of these outlets can occur as happened in the past along major routes
throughout the country. There have been mishaps associated with these outlets as
commuters stop to access them.
3. Internet Marketing - Internet marketing of fresh produce is relatively new to Trinidad.
Only one company is well established and their customers require a higher quality
product delivered to them and they pay premium prices.
4. Contract Marketing - Contract marketing has not taken off as it should considering the
large number of processors and fast food outlets. It is an area of research and
development currently being pursued by CARDI.
2.1.5 Intermediaries and Agro-Processing Associations
The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association list approximately thirty (30) major
agro-processors operating in Trinidad and Tobago – see Appendix 2. Reviews of the source of
raw materials for these processors suggest that most processors import their raw materials. A
survey conducted two years ago (Tropical Greenhouse Growers Manual for the Caribbean by
Rowe, Paul, Sealy, Mohammed, et al 2013) suggests that raw material came from Guyana,
Grenada, St Vincent and much of it in partially processed form from the United States.
Processing companies and supermarkets lamented the fact that there was no large scale
collection area/packing house that would allow farmers to bulk material and allow them a
point at which supply can be regularly sourced. It was estimated that these processors supply
around 8% of the processed foods consumed in Trinidad and Tobago. NAMDEVCO, in
addressing the absence of these collection points, has continued its thrust to open packing
house facilities in production areas.
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Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 10
However, these facilities are still largely involved in the transfer of produce from wholesaler
to retailer and processors must compete with the wholesale/retail margin and engage in spot
trading as opposed to having regular supplies with contractual arrangements at negotiated
prices which can compete with imported semi-processed raw materials.
2.2 Implications of the Overview for Markets and Marketing
The fact that Trinidad and Tobago is driven by revenues from oil and gas has remained a
major challenge to economic diversification, as well as a disincentive for investments in
agriculture. Given the relatively small contribution agriculture makes to GDP, there has been
the cry over the years that the state needs to give greater priority to agriculture. The presence
of several support institutions in Trinidad and Tobago has not resulted in any sustained focus
on agricultural production and agro processing from local sources. The major institutions
that have provided either human resources or technical support for improvements in
agricultural marketing are:
1. UWI – Faculty of Agriculture;
2. Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI);
3. The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI); and
4. Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF).
Despite the efforts of these institutions, five (5) of the major trends that statistics continue to
reveal are:
1. Land area dedicated to agriculture is decreasing;
2. The contribution of agriculture to GDP is consistently low;
3. The domestic production and marketing system is far from being able to supply even
10% of domestic needs;
4. The quality of domestic market infrastructure remains low and the amount of food
imported (both fresh and processed) remains unacceptability high from a food security
standpoint.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 11
SECTION 2:
PROJECT FINDINGS
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 12
3.0 MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS, MARKET MODELS AND MARKETING
INFRASTRUCTURE
Agricultural marketing in Trinidad and Tobago was associated for many years with the
Central Marketing Agency (CMA) which was transformed in 1989 to the National
Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) a more facilitating
agency. The stated role of NAMDEVCO today is “to foster the development of a sustainable,
competitive sector by the provision of programmes that will provide safe, healthy foods to
the local and international markets, build capacity of our farmers, and provide market
information for timely decision making and marketing services”.
The Corporation manages wholesale markets and collects retail and wholesale prices from its
two (2) fresh produce wholesale markets in Trinidad and Tobago and over 80 different retail
outlets including supermarkets, municipal markets, farmers’ markets, road-side vegetable
stalls and mini-marts throughout Trinidad. This information is fed into its central database
called the National Agricultural and Marketing Information System (NAMIS).
While the agency is asked to lead the thrust to improve market efficiency and effectiveness,
like in other territories, it is not responsible for the management and maintenance of the
retail market infrastructure of the country that services the final consumers. Retail market
infrastructure is managed by the Ministry of Local Government through the regional
corporations.
3.1 The National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation
(NAMDEVCO)
NAMDEVCO offers a number of marketing support services in the attempt to fulfil its
mandate. These services are as follows:
1. Identifying Local and Export Market Opportunities
Identification of potential buyers
Provision of local and export prices
Links to required services such as freight, financing and credit insurance
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 13
2. Developing Value Added Products
Development of Investment profiles
Establishing links with service providers
Pilot Projects
3. Generating Market Intelligence/Market Reports
Market intelligence reports - USA and Canada
Daily wholesale price reports - fresh produce and seafood
Weekly retail price reports - fresh produce, grocery items, seafood and meats
Generating historic price reports:
o Fresh produce - wholesale and retail
o Sea food - wholesale and retail
o Grocery items- retail
o Meats - retail
o US market prices - hot pepper, pumpkin and papaya
4. Providing Quality Assurance Services to Farmers
Farm certification and monitoring
Building capacity of our farmers
5. Promotion and exhibitions - local and international
NAMDEVCO manages wholesale facilities, packing houses, one retail facility, as well as
farmers markets located throughout the country. These facilities include:
1. Two (2) wholesale fresh produce markets - Northern Wholesale Market in Macoya and
Southern Wholesale Market in Debe (See Figs. 6 and 7 below);
2. Two (2) wholesale sea food markets - Port of Spain Wholesale Fish Market and Orange
Valley Wholesale Fish Market;
3. One (1) retail market - Valencia Retail Facility;
4. Six (6) farmers markets - Debe, Macoya, Chaguanas, Diego Martin and Point Fortin;
and
5. One (1) packinghouse (Piarco) - this serves for the processing and packaging of food
products for local and export markets.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 14
Fig. 6: NAMDEVCO Northern Wholesale Market -f Macoya on a trading day
Fig. 7: The Layout of the NAMDEVCO Southern Wholesale Market - Debe
on a Non-Trading Day
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 15
Table 4: Market Hours of NAMDEVCO’s Northern Wholesale Market
No. Activities Day(s) Time
1. Wholesale Entry - Farmers /
Sellers
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2. Wholesale Entry - Buyers Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3. Wholesale Entry – Trading Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
4. Farmers Market – Farmers /
Sellers
Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5. Farmers Market – Trading Sunday 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The market hours of NAMDEVCO’s Northern Wholesale Market are listed in Table 4 above.
Farmers can access the market at a daily fee of TT $10.00.
The layout of the market includes the following areas:
1. Auction Centre;
2. Cafeterias;
3. Dropped-Produce Shed;
4. Maintenance Facilities;
5. Parking Facilities;
6. Public Restroom Facilities; and
7. Four (4) Trading Bays – two wholesale bays and two retail bays.
In order to ensure fair trading, scales used for weighing are monitored by NAMDEVCO and
certified by an Inspector of Weights and Measures. The stipulation is that they must be so
positioned so that the weight displays are visible to buyers.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 16
3.2 Ministry of Local Government – Retail Market Infrastructure
Fig. 8: Map of Trinidad and Tobago indicating Location of Municipal (Public)
Markets
Municipal markets in Trinidad are located in the following towns:
1. Arima; 2. Rio Claro;
3. Chaguanas; 4. San Fernando;
5. Mayaro; 6. Sangre Grande;
7. Point Fortin; 8. San Juan;
9. Port-of-Spain; 10. Siparia; and
11. Princes Town; 12. Tunapuna.
And in Tobago:
1. Scarborough; and
2. Roxborough.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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These markets in Trinidad are managed by the Ministry of Local Government through the
Regional Corporations. In Tobago, they are managed by the Tobago House of Assembly
through the Marketing Division. Their locations are shown in Fig. 8 above. Our choice of
markets for the analysis was based on those markets that serve areas with the highest
population density. Therefore, the following markets in the main population centres were
chosen: the north – Port of Spain, in the south – San Fernando, near east – Arima and the
Far East – Sangre Grande.
The titles of the four (4) municipal markets that were studied in Trinidad are:
1. Port-of-Spain Central Market;
2. San Fernando Central Market;
3. Arima Public Market; and
4. Sangre Grande Public Market.
A snapshot of these markets is shown in Fig. 9 below.
Fig. 9: A Snapshot of the Four Municipal Markets Studied
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 18
Table 5: Description of Municipal Markets Studied in Trinidad
No. Markets Market Description Opening Days &
Hours
1. Port of Spain
Central Market
Located on the Beetham Highway, Port-of-
Spain, a main artery into Port of Spain
Wide two-storey market building with
barbed wire fencing
Secure facilities and storage rooms
Vending signs displayed around the market
building
Numbered, concrete, tiled-covered stalls
along both sides inside of the market
Non-numbered, removable vending tables
Fairly high building, well-ventilated
Central market police post and abattoir
located nearby
Small food court
Exposed, unsafe drainage
Fairly adequate parking facilities
On Saturdays and
Sundays from 5:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2. San Fernando
Central Market
Located at Mucurapo Street, San Fernando
in the heart of the city.
Wide two-storey building – first floor for
retailing and second floor for wholesaling
and packaging of goods
Removable wooden vending tables
Manager’s office located at the second floor
of the main market building
Fish sales and food processing unit located
at the rear end of the building
On Mondays to
Saturdays from
5:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
On Sundays
from 6:00 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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Table 5: Description of Municipal Markets Studied in Trinidad
(Cont’d)
No. Markets Market Description Opening Days &
Hours
3. Arima Public
Market
Located at the corner of Hollis Avenue &
Pro Queen Street, Arima
The market is closed for sanitizing on the
3rd Monday of every month
Numbered concrete stalls
Small driveways for drop-offs of
agricultural produce, on the eastern and
northern side of the market
Disposable bins located inside the corners
of the building
Vending regulation signs displayed at
eastern side of the market. However, most
vending activities take place outside of the
market, especially on Saturdays
Adequate drainage surrounding the market
On Mondays to
Fridays from
6:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
On Saturdays
from 5:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
On Sundays
and Public
Holidays from
5:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m.
4. Sangre Grande
Public Market
Located on Cunapo Southern Main Road,
Sangre Grande
One hundred and forty-four (144) concrete,
tiled-covered, built-in vending booths at
the main market building – for the retailing
of wet and dry goods
Small driveway for drop-off points
Exposed drainage between the main
market and clothes stalls
On Saturdays
from 5:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m.
On Sundays
from 5:00 a.m.
and 12:00 p.m.
Table 5 above descries these markets and their operating days and hours.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 20
3.3 The Tobago House of Assembly – Retail Market Infrastructure
The Scarborough and Roxborough markets are operated by The Tobago House of Assembly
(THA) Department of marketing, in the Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing
and the Environment. These facilities have been in an unsatisfactory state for many years. “It
has undergone some extensive weathering, and the designated market area has become
exceedingly challenging for the patrons in terms of space. The markets have been the subject
of discussions for improvements but recently (April 2015), the THA shelved plans of a new
Scarborough Market due to economic consideration. The current facility opens on Fridays
and Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
3.4 Market Developments
Recent developments in Trinidad, involve the opening of private farmers markets and
expansion of packing houses.
3.4.1 San Antonio Green Market
Located at Santa Cruz, Trinidad, “The Green Market” provides a venue for the sale of fresh
produce (including unusual indigenous fruits, vegetables, herbs and seasonings), specialty
foods (pastelle, payme, cocoa powder, goat’s milk) and artisanal items (wooden bowls and
platters, handmade soaps, etc.). This private farmer’s market was intentionally created using
low impact historical architecture that blends into the natural landscape so that visitors,
shoppers and patrons can amble through the landscape and observe actively growing plants
and fruit trees. See Fig. 10 below The Green Market promotes healthy food through farmer
and consumer education such as reducing the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and
fertilizers and genetically modified seeds, and building a community of eco-conscious
consumers who will support healthy eating and life choices. Environmental protection and
preservation is also a major theme of the market. The Green Market is open on Saturdays
from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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Fig. 10: Images of San Antoniou Green Market
(Source: https://www.google.tt)
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 22
3.4.2 NAMDEVCO’s New Packinghouses
NAMDEVCO has expanded the number of its packinghouses – one in Brechin Castle Couva,
and the other in Brickfield, Tabaquite. These new, state-of-the-art facilities will assist farmers
across the country by providing storage and processing facilities. These packinghouses will
provide a one-stop destination for the proper post-harvest handling and processing of fresh
and minimally processed produce to meet local and international market requirements. In
keeping with the Ministry of Food Production’s Action Plan 2012-2015, special attention will
be paid to the following crops at each packinghouse:
Brechin Castle Packinghouse - cassava, hot pepper, pumpkin and leafy vegetables; and
Brickfield Packinghouse – tomato, hot pepper, papaya, sweet pepper and pimento.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 23
SECTION 3:
ANALYSIS
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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4.0 MODEL FOR COMPUTATION OF THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION AND
ECONOMIC VALUE ADDED OF MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE
With regard to economic contribution of public markets and related
infrastructure (scope of works item 3) this statement was interpreted to mean all “markets
and related infrastructure”. From our research on economic contribution of infrastructure,
we selected three (3) references which we thought useful. They are as follows:
1. The Effect of Infrastructure on Long Run Economic Growth – David Canning
(Harvard) and Peter Pedroni (Williams Business School) (2004);
2. The Economic Impact and Financing of Infrastructure Spending – Isabelle Cohen,
Thomas Freiling & Eric Robinson (Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy)
(2009); and
3. An Economic Analysis of Transportation Infrastructure Investment – (U.S National
Economic Council/ President’s Council on Economic Affairs) (2014).
In examinations of the linkages between infrastructure and economic development based on
both formal and empirical research and informal case studies suggest that economic benefits
are derived from investments in infrastructure only to the extent that they generate a
sustainable flow of services valued by users. Therefore, an analysis of the contribution of the
structure to economic growth should consider the impacts of services as actually perceived,
not only as indirect indicators that measure only aggregate provision of infrastructure
capital. However, macro and industry level research both suggest a positive and statistically
significant relationship between increases in infrastructure investment and economic output.
Canning and Pedroni suggest the following relationship:
EC= f (G, C, W, T)
Table 6 below describes the variables in the relationship between infrastructure and
economic development for estimating the value of the economic contribution of market
infrastructure.
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Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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4.1 Economic Contribution
Table 6: Description of the Variables in the Relationship between Market
Infrastructure and Economic Development
No. Character Explanation
1. G Gross Domestic Product
2. C Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to GDP
3. P Percentage in Contribution of the Agricultural Sector to
GDP (C/G)
4. W Contribution of Wholesale & Retail Trade of All Goods GDP
5. T Contribution of Transport, Storage and Communications to
GDP
6. EC Economic Contribution of Market Infrastructure, that is,
P*(W+T)
Cohen et al suggests the following:
In the short-run, a dollar spent on infrastructure produces roughly double the initial
spending in ultimate economic output;
The biggest effects of infrastructure spending occur in the manufacturing and business
services sectors; and
In good economic times, spending on infrastructure construction generates a larger
return. Yet even in a recession, the overall effects of initial spending still double output
as they ripple through the economy.
Tables 7 and 7.1 below represent the data from the Central Statistical Office Reports that was
used in our analysis. The following patters emerged for Trinidad and Tobago:
Average increases of 6% in Contribution of Agriculture to GDP (C);
Average increases of 6% in Total GDP (G);
Average increase of 4% in Distribution of Trade (D); and
Average increases of 4% in Transport, Storage and Communication (T).
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 26
2Table 7: Current Economic Contribution of Market Infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago2
Million TT$ Million US$
No. Year Contribution
of
Agriculture
Total
G.D.P
%
Contribution
Wholesale &
Retail Trade
of All Goods
(W)
Transport,
Storage and
Communications
(T)
Total (D+T) Economic
Contribution
in Market
Infrastructure
(1 US = 6.334
TT)
1 2009 721.80 121,281.30 0.6% 17,934.90 7,194.60 25,129.50 149.56 23.61
2 2010 816.00 131,198.00 0.6% 17,942.10 6,903.10 24,845.20 154.53 24.40
3 2011 902.80 150,886.50 0.6% 19,449.20 8,290.60 27,739.80 165.98 26.20
4 2012 880.70 149,326.60 0.6% 21,180.20 8,744.50 29,924.70 176.49 27.86
5 2013 927.80 157,417.80 0.6% 22,281.60 8,889.30 31,170.90 183.72 29.00
6 2014 983.47 166,862.87 0.6% 22,950.05 9,244.87 32,194.92 189.75 29.96
Table 7.1: Projected Economic Contribution of Market Infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago
Million TT$ Million US$
No. Year Contribution
of
Agriculture
Total
G.D.P
%
Contribution
Wholesale &
Retail Trade
of All Goods
(W)
Transport,
Storage and
Communications
(T)
Total (W+T) Economic
Contribution
in Market
Infrastructure
(1 US = 6.334
TT)
1 2015 1,042.48 176,874.64 0.6% 23,868.05 9,614.67 33,482.72 197.34 31.16
2 2016 1,105.02 187,487.12 0.6% 24,822.77 9,999.25 34,822.03 205.24 32.40
3 2017 1,171.33 198,736.35 0.6% 25,815.68 10,399.22 36,214.91 213.45 33.70
4 2018 1,241.61 210,660.53 0.6% 26,848.31 10,815.19 37,663.50 221.98 35.05
5 2019 1,316.10 223,300.16 0.6% 27,922.24 11,247.80 39,170.04 230.86 36.45
2 Data taken from Central Statistical Office: GDP of Trinidad and Tobago 2009-2013 at market prices (current prices)
Assumptions: Increases in the following: 6% in contribution of agriculture; 6% in total GDP; 4% in W; 4% in T
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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Table 8: Current Economic Value Added of Market Infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago3
Million TT$ Million US$
No. Year Contribution
of Agriculture
Economic
Contribution
in Market
Infrastructure
Post-Harvest
Losses (at
25%)
Allocation of
Expenditure
to Line
Ministry
Investment in
Market
Infrastructure
Economic
Value Added
of Market
Infrastructure
(1 US = 6.334
TT)
1 2009 721.80 149.56 180.45 1,367.49 1.89 328.11 51.80
2 2010 816.00 154.53 204.00 1,580.83 1.94 356.59 56.30
3 2011 902.80 165.98 225.70 1,555.15 1.72 389.95 61.57
4 2012 880.70 176.49 220.18 1,692.37 1.92 394.74 62.32
5 2013 927.80 183.72 231.95 2,134.75 2.30 413.37 65.26
6 2014 983.47 189.75 245.87 2,232.69 2.27 433.35 68.42
Table 8.1: Projected Economic Value Added of Market Infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago
Million TT$ Million US$
No. Year Contribution
of Agriculture
Economic
Contribution
in Market
Infrastructure
Post-Harvest
Losses (at
25%)
Allocation of
Expenditure
to Line
Ministry
Investment in
Market
Infrastructure
Economic
Value Added
of Market
Infrastructure
(1 US = 6.334
TT)
1 2015 1,042.48 197.34 260.62 2,469.90 2.37 455.59 71.93
2 2016 1,105.02 205.24 276.26 2,667.49 2.41 479.08 75.64
3 2017 1,171.33 213.45 292.83 2,880.89 2.46 503.82 79.54
4 2018 1,241.61 221.98 310.40 3,111.36 2.51 529.88 83.66
5 2019 1,316.10 230.86 329.03 3,360.27 2.55 557.34 87.99
3 Data taken from Ministry of Finance and the Economy Budget Estimates 2010-2015. Line Ministry: Ministry of Local Government.
Assumptions: Annual increases of the following: 8% in allocation of expenditure to line ministry. Investment in market Infrastructure is determined
by the allocation of expenditure in agriculture
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Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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Tables 7 and 7.1 above illustrate the current and proposed statistics on economic
contribution (EC) of market infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago. Based on these
statistics, as agricultural production in Trinidad and Tobago increased by 6%, it remains
stagnant at 0.6% in its contribution to the Country’s GDP. However, the economic
contribution in market infrastructure will increase by 4% in the year 2015 and in projected
contributions to 2019.
4.2 Economic Value Added
With regard to economic value added of public markets and related infrastructure, value
added refers to the additional or incremental value created by an activity or a business
venture. Economic value added (EVA) is a refinement of this concept – it measures the
economic rather than accounting profit created by a business after the cost of all resources
including both debt and equity capital have been taken into account. Economic value added
is a financial measure of what economists sometimes refer to as economic profit or
economic rent.
Tables 8 and 8.1 above showed the current and proposed statistics on economic value added
(EVA) of market infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago. These statistics built on our
proposal of looking at EVA in the following context (See Table 9 below).
EVA = EC + I – P
Table 9: Description of the Variables Considered in the Calculation of
Economic Value Added of Market Infrastructure
No. Element Explanation
1. EVA Economic Value Added of Market Infrastructure
2. EC Economic Contribution of Market Infrastructure
3. I Value of Investment set for market infrastructure
4. P All losses after harvesting (transport, storage, inefficient
communication, etc.)
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In improving EVA, therefore, the actions would involve increased investment in an
infrastructure network that leads to a reduction in P and increased efficiency in C (the
contribution of Agriculture to GDP). The data in Table 8 above shows a pattern of increase
of 5% in EVA over the period of 2009 - 2014.
The data also suggest that if agricultural production in Trinidad and Tobago increases by
9%, the economic contribution of market infrastructure will increase by 10-11% in the years
2015 to 2019. However, as agricultural production increases, more post-harvest losses will
be reported by market users if appropriate investment is not made in infrastructure.
5.0 IMPACT OF INFRASTRUCTURE ON FOOD SECURITY AND POVERTY
REDUCTION
Fig 11: Food Security Pillars
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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5.1 Food Security
The internationally accepted definition of food security suggests that the concept must be
viewed in terms of food availability, food access and food utilization (See Fig. 11 above).
Infrastructure contributes to food security primarily by making access easier and secondly
by facilitating availability. Utilization, however, requires a separate educational component
to ensure that the ultimate goal of proper nutrition is met.
Investments in infrastructure leading to increases in EC and EVA will ultimately improve
the Country’s food security status as more appropriate market infrastructure means more
access to food by consumers especially if accompanied by increases in agricultural
production.
Table 10: Generic Approach of Poverty Reduction Programmes
Phase 1. Input Projects and programmes e.g. expansion of
market infrastructure to facilitate movement of
agricultural produce
Phase 2. Process Programme implementation
Phase 3. Output Access roads, markets, packing houses, etc.
Phase 4. Outcome Reduction in post-harvest losses; easier flow of
produce; job creation in both operation and
maintenance of infrastructure
Phase 5. Impact Increased farm incomes as rural persons may
move above the poverty line as defined in the
particular territory
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Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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5.2 Poverty Reduction
Poverty reduction programmes usually have a generic approach which starts with
determining the most appropriate economic areas where projects can be implemented to
create sustainable economic activity and long-term employment. In economies like
Grenada, where agriculture is still an important mainstay and women earn their livelihood
through small scale processing, infrastructure can definitely impact poverty by facilitating
increases in the incomes of farmers, farm workers, small-scale vendors and processors. In
addition, there is the multiplier effect that expansion in infrastructure has through the
creation of maintenance and other service type jobs (See Table 14 above).
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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6.0 ASSESSMENT OF ADEQUACY
Table 11: Adequacy Assessment Tabulation on Public Markets
No. Factor Port-of-Spain San Fernando Arima Sangre Grande
1. An active group of farmers or farmer organizations who
consistently supply the market with bulk quantities
4 4 3 3
2. An active group of wholesalers purchase farmers goods in
bulk quantities
2 2 2 2
3. Collection points (wholesale markets) are conveniently
located based on the road network and the location of the
production areas
2 2 2 2
4. Markets are suitably located given traffic and other
considerations
1 1 2 1
5. There is a Market Information System that connects all the
players
2 2 2 2
6. Trading takes place on the basis of grades and standards 0 0 0 0
7. There are packing and cooling facilities available for fresh
produce preferably centrally located or close to collection
points
1 1 1 1
8. Retailers are located in approved areas with adequate
number of stalls to service the vendor population
1 1 2 1
9. Physical conditions in the retail markets are conducive to
safe and convenient trading
0 1 2 1
10. The availability of facilities within the market area for
overnight storage
1 1 1 1
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 33
Table 11: Adequacy Assessment Tabulation on Public Markets (Continued)
No. Factor Port-of-Spain San Fernando Arima Sangre Grande
11. Opening hours (days and times) are convenient to
customers
3 3 3 3
12. The availability of security for both goods and users 1 1 1 1
13. The availability of adequate parking for both vendors and
customers
0 0 0 0
14. The availability of adequate sanitary facilities for both
vendors and customers
1 1 2 1
15. The agencies responsible for markets have a shared vision
of how the marketing system should best work in order to
facilitate all users
1 1 1 1
16. Managers and Supervisors are trained in the basics of
agricultural marketing and/or produce trading
1 1 1 1
17. Maintenance programmes are in place for the facilities 0 0 0 0
18. Training is carried out in various aspects of produce
handling, food safety, etc. for vendors
1 1 2 1
19. Transport vehicles carrying agricultural produce are
certified as a part of the overall effort to combat praedial
larceny
0 0 0 0
20. The experiences of the players in the marketing system are
monitored at all points of the network in the interest of
improvement.
1 1 1 1
TOTAL 23 24 28 23
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 34
Table 12: Adequacy Assessment Tabulation on
NAMDEVCO’s Wholesale Markets
No. Factor Northern Wholesale
Market - Macoya
Southern Wholesale
Market - Debe
1. An active group of farmers or farmer
organizations who consistently supply
the market with bulk quantities
4.0 4.0
2. An active group of wholesalers
purchase farmers goods in bulk
quantities
4.0 4.0
3. Collection points (wholesale markets)
are conveniently located based on the
road network and the location of the
production areas
4.0 4.0
4. Markets are suitably located given
traffic and other considerations
3.0 4.0
5. There is a Market Information System
that connects all the players
4.0 4.0
6. Trading takes place on the basis of
grades and standards
0.0 0.0
7. There are packing and cooling facilities
available for fresh produce preferably
centrally located or close to collection
points
1.0 0.0
8. Retailers are located in approved areas
with adequate number of stalls to
service the vendor population
1.0 1.0
9. Physical conditions in the retail
markets are conducive to safe and
convenient trading
3.0 3.0
10. The availability of facilities within the
market area for overnight storage
2.0 2.0
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 35
Table 12: Adequacy Assessment Tabulation on
NAMDEVCO’s Wholesale Markets (Continued)
No. Factor Northern Wholesale
Market - Macoya
Southern Wholesale
Market - Debe
11. Opening hours (days and times) are
convenient to customers
3.0 3.0
12. The availability of security for both
goods and users
3.0 3.0
13. The availability of adequate parking
for both vendors and customers
2.0 4.0
14. The availability of adequate sanitary
facilities for both vendors and
customers
2.0 2.0
15. The agencies responsible for markets
have a shared vision of how the
marketing system should best work in
order to facilitate all users
3.0 3.0
16. Managers and Supervisors are trained
in the basics of agricultural marketing
and/or produce trading
3.0 3.0
17. Maintenance programmes are in place
for the facilities
1.0 1.0
18. Training is carried out in various
aspects of produce handling, food
safety, etc. for vendors
1.0 1.0
19. Transport vehicles carrying
agricultural produce are certified as a
part of the overall effort to combat
praedial larceny
0.0 0.0
20. The experiences of the players in the
marketing system are monitored at all
points of the network in the interest of
improvement.
2.0 2.0
TOTAL 46 48
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 36
Table 13: Summary Adequacy Assessment
No. Factor Score Remarks
1. Northern Wholesale Market -
Macoya
42 NAMDEVCO Managed
2. Southern Wholesale Market -
Debe
48 NAMDEVCO Managed but more purpose
built
3. Port-of-Spain Retail Market 15 The oldest market serving the capital city
and competes with the city’s budget for all
its other projects
4. San Fernando Retail Market 16 Old market located in the city centre
serving mainly walk-in traffic
5. Arima Retail Market 19 Physical structure much too small for the
customer demand. More than 50% of the
vendors have portable structures erected
outside the main structure
6. Sangre Grande Retail Market 14 Old market, overcrowded in a location no
longer suited to agricultural trade
Market infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago was assessed using the adequacy assessment
framework (See Tables 11 – 13 above). Retail markets generally scored well below the
minimum of 40 since most are in need of some kind of upgrade or are located in major
thoroughfares without parking access etc. Additional issues are listed in Table 14 below. The
assessment showed a significant difference between adequacy of wholesale and retail
markets with wholesale market infrastructure scoring significantly higher. This is not
surprising as policy has never sought to identify the retail market infrastructure as a key
variable in the attempts to improve agricultural marketing. Studies by Thippaiah and R.S.
Deshpande in published work entitled “An Analysis of Market Infrastructure, Prices and
Terms of Trade” in the Indian journal of agricultural economics showed that a lack of
attention to infrastructure can cause distorted results when attempting to improve
agricultural marketing into consideration an effort is made here to analyse the availability of
marketing infrastructure in terms of density of markets per hectares of gross cropped area
in the country and particularly in Caribbean States.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 37
Table 14: Marketing Infrastructural Issues to be addressed
No. Area Challenges
1. Physical
Infrastructure
1) The need for proper security measures at the public markets due
to increases of praedial larceny
2) Lack of national documentation on the size of the structure of
public markets
3) Inadequate packing and cooling facilities for agricultural
products
4) Inadequate parking facilities for vendors and customers at the
public markets
5) Need to improve the general level of sanitation of the market
space
2. Management
Framework
1) The quality of the record keeping needs to be improved,
especially the cost of maintenance so that better decisions can be
made regarding the budget
2) No shared common vision among Regional Corporations on how
the marketing system should best work in order to facilitate all
users
3) Occasional maintenance programmes are in place for facilities at
the public markets
4) Lack of regular coordination among the Regional Corporations
re addressing market management issues
5) Minimum training exists on various aspects of produce
handling, food safety, etc., for vendors
6) Need for placing effective monitoring systems at all points of the
marketing network, in the interest of improvement for market
users
7) Need for setting structured grades and standards of trading
goods
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 38
Table 14: Marketing Infrastructural Issues to be addressed (Continued)
No. Area Challenges
3. Estimate of Economic
Contribution
No documentation on the economic contribution of market
infrastructure, as well as the current inefficiencies in the agricultural
marketing system
4. Country Marketing
Network
1) Lack of documentation on recommendations for improving the
Country’s marketing network
2) Need of proper registration and recording of information of the
number of wholesalers/farmers engaged in the marketing
network.
5. Feedback on Policy
Recommendations
No documentation on policy recommendations for improving the
Country’s marketing infrastructure.
6.1 Infrastructure and Emerging Trends
The information in Table 14 above suggests that the following challenges need to be
addressed:
1. The need for improved security measures since cash is the basis of most transactions;
2. Updating of key information on market usage such as increase in the number of users
over time, demand for vending space, demand for parking facilities, and overall
quality of services offered;
3. The provision of packing and cooling facilities for processors and exporters of
agricultural products;
6.2 Management Arrangements
The following challenges were identified with regards to management arrangements:
1. The current information system does not allow the cost effectiveness of market
operations to be assessed.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 39
2. In general, the day-to-day management of markets has no bearing on their role as
part of a system that should bring high quality produce and services to the customer.
The position described as Clerk of Markets does not require any knowledge of
agricultural marketing, grading and standardization and the objectives of this
position are not tied to the goals of the Ministry of Food Production.
3. No shared common vision among regional corporations on how the marketing system
should best work in order to facilitate all users;
4. Occasional as opposed to permanent maintenance programmes in place;
5. The need for regular coordination among the regional corporations re addressing
market management issues;
6. Compulsory training in various aspects of produce handling, food safety, etc., for
vendors as part of sharing the responsibility for the upliftment of the services
provided by the facility;
7. Acceptance of the responsibility for monitoring at all points of the marketing
network, in the interest of improvement for market users; and
8. A commitment to the introduction of grades and standards in the trading of goods.
6.3 Impact of Infrastructure on the Viability of Small Farmers including
Female Entrepreneurs
By estimating the economic contribution of public markets and related infrastructure to the
agricultural sector and the overall economic output, this study focused on quantification of
the economic impact of inadequate market infrastructure on the output and incomes of
small farmers. In addition, attention was paid on the economic role of women in the
marketing system and the extent to which inadequacies of marketing infrastructure impact
on their livelihoods. In the case of the former, given the sector profile and the level of
entrepreneurship enhanced infrastructure will definitely have a positive effect on the
marketing system. Actual quantification of the economic contribution of women remains a
challenge.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 40
7.0 STUDY LIMITATIONS
The following limitations were identified in assessing market infrastructure in Trinidad and
Tobago:
1. It was surprising that the majority of officials did not have basic data e.g. the size of
their facilities, number of users or even developmental plans. We were left to estimate
or actually do our own measurements;
2. The management of many retail markets is politically sensitive. Therefore, requests
for information is therefore often treated with suspicion as it is seen as “spying” for
the other side so as to show up inefficiencies;
3. Difficulty in collecting documents from the relevant marketing agencies even after
many promises;
4. Little documentation on improvements in the marketing system of Trinidad and
Tobago; and
5. No publication of recent agricultural census from the Central Statistical Office (CSO).
Due to the on-going dialogue about the condition of the Tobago markets, no assessments on
the adequacy of market infrastructure were done at the public markets in Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 41
SECTION 4:
RECOMMENDATIONS
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 42
8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations on improving the agricultural market infrastructure in Trinidad and
Tobago are made under the following six (6) areas:
1) Marketing policies and market infrastructure;
2) Mechanisms for developing market infrastructure;
3) Combining / optimizing the types of markets;
4) New arrangements for the management of infrastructure;
5) Formalizing linkages to other sectors of the economy; and
6) Possibilities for increasing the viability of small farmers including female
entrepreneurs.
8.1 Marketing Policies and Market Infrastructure
1. Implementing a policy that connects all of the agencies that impact agricultural
marketing – an Agricultural Marketing Coordinating Committee (AMCC). The focus
of this policy will be to introduce the concept of a seamless marketing system that is
designed to ensure market effectiveness and efficiency through coordination of the
efforts, as well as the budgets of NAMDEVCO and the Regional Corporations.
2. Re-examination of how municipal markets are managed and a restructuring of the
human resource arrangements in these markets;
3. The development of standards for market operations which addresses the day-to-day
issues that impact the users of the facilities such as:
i. Safety,
ii. Security,
iii. Sanitation,
iv. Parking;
v. Access & opening hours; and
vi. Traffic management re access at entry and exit of markets days.
4. Certification of Transport Vehicles – identification of vehicles that transport
agricultural produce, is part of the overall effort to combat praedial larceny.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 43
8.2 Mechanisms for Developing Market Infrastructure
1. Periodic Assessment of the Needs of the Entire Marketing System
An assessment of the needs of the marketing system based on the Ideal Network (Fig.
2) should be a responsibility of the AMCC.
2. Consultation with Users for the Design of Future Market Facilities
Consumers today have grown accustomed to a “mall-type experience”. The design and
construction of future market infrastructure should consider the expectations of
consumers, as well as built-in Internet-based technologies that will facilitate trade in
agricultural produce.
3. Provision of Training Initiatives in Produce Marketing
As a method of involving vendors in better maintaining market infrastructure regular
training and in produce marketing should be conducted for farmers, vendors and other
users within the marketing system. Training can be done on various aspects of the
market system such proper handling, packaging, storage, and food safety.
8.3 Combining/Optimizing the Types of Markets
1. Development of Public / Private Arrangements for the New Markets
Stronger collaboration between farmer associations and state-owned agencies, as well
as private investors should see more relevant and better managed markets. The models
developed from this collaboration could be adjusted to suit rural or urban communities
depending on their needs.
2. Development of Private Auctions
These are private auctions serve the purpose of offering for sale large blocks of produce
and products are sold to the highest bidder. Produce auction markets offer the
following benefits:
Fixed days and times for sale and delivery;
Ability to group produce into lots for quicker sale; and
Ability to “test market” new products or sizes of produce for wholesale.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 44
Producers who are committed to market their produce by grade can easily set up produce
auctions.
8.4 New Arrangements for the Management of Infrastructure
1. Creation a Market Management Division in Regional Corporations – This
will facilitate regular communication and cooperation between the existing CEO’s of
the municipal corporations and the Market Management Division, on the current
operations of public markets. The Division will have the mandate to address the
current issues and implement actions that will lead to continuous improvement of the
public markets. This Market Management Division will be responsible for sharing the
common vision of how the marketing system should best work in order to facilitate all
users;
2. Establish a Forum involving Regional Corporations and Marketing
Agencies – This will mean regular communication between the regional
corporations and marketing agencies, such as NAMDEVCO and farmer associations.
Having a structured forum will also aid in attracting private investors and bring new
technology to market infrastructure; and
3. Data Collection on Users – This includes registration and recording of
information on the number of wholesalers, farmers and vendors engaged in the
marketing network, and customers, as well as a documented feedback system that
captures users views of required upgrades.
8.5 Formalizing Linkages to Other Sectors of the Economy
1. Local Agro Tourism – The market for agro-tourism initiatives especially in Tobago
should be explored e.g. craft shops, green farmer’s markets and facilities like the
Belmont Estate of Grenada where most of what is consumed is grown on the farm
and it becomes an important visitor stop; and
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 45
2. Increasing the Impact on Local Communities – In order to improve access to
agricultural produce, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Food
Production should collaborate in a drive to create more local marketing and
processing with the attendant benefits of local job creation.
8.6 Possibilities for Increasing the Viability of Small Farmers including
Female Entrepreneurs
1. Group Marketing Arrangements – These arrangements can be made among
farmer associations. These arrangements will see small farmers, as well as female
entrepreneurs in the rural communities, clustering their produce for sale where
difficulties are seen in the distribution of small quantities of agricultural produce to
central marketing points on a daily basis; and
2. Establishment of Rural Assembly Markets – These markets can be a simple
covered area located in production areas and primarily serving as places where
farmers can meet with traders to sell their products. These markets can be operating
at occasional, weekly or on a permanent basis.
9.0 ESTIMATED DEVELOPMENTAL AND ASSOCIATED COSTS (US)
Perhaps the major challenge of tropical markets across the Caribbean is ironically the lack of
use of enclosed space. Trading markets, key parts of market infrastructure, have been
traditionally constructed as enclosed concrete buildings with the roof levels at various
heights. While walls are necessary for protection, an architect impression of a tropical
market will no doubt involve space, colour, high ceilings, and maximum access to vendors
by customers, adequate parking and customer friendly interior.
Like in other countries studied women form a major part of the marketing system especially
at the retail marketing level. Generally more attention needs to be paid to the provision of
ergonomic facilities for these female entrepreneurs as in the design and physical layout of
facilities their needs are not sufficiently considered.
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 46
It may be useful, therefore, to think of future designs of markets with these ideas in mind,
and in particular what was referred to earlier in this report as the influence of the modern
mall. Markets are also sites visited by tourists and a well-designed, clean, modern market is
perhaps much a tourist attraction as a historic site. Such a facility will also allow authorities
to insist that those who trade outside the market use the facility.
The artist’s impression as shown in Figs. 12 - 14 below are circular in nature eliminating the
concept of “front” and “back” as vendors normally jostle for “front” stalls. The design should
also minimize the amount of vendors who move to the pavement to maximize their access to
passers-by. The design shown can be scaled to suit the particular country. Table 15 below
shows average construction cost per square foot in US dollars for the countries studied.
These figures may serve as an initial guide for officials contemplating new market
infrastructure.
Table 15: Construction Cost for the Countries Studied
No. Country Construction Cost/Square Foot (US$)
1. Grenada $125 - $200
2. Barbados $215 - $300
3. Guyana $70 - $100
4. St Kitts/Nevis $128 - $180
5. Trinidad & Tobago $102 - $150
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 47
Fig. 12: Artist Impression of a Possible Market Design
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
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the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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Fig. 13: Artist Impression of a Another Possible Circular Market Design
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 49
Fig. 14: Artist Impression Possible Elevation for a Circular Market Design
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 50
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 51
APPENDIX 1: SURVEY INSTRUMENT
PART 1 – DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
1. Date DD / MM / YYYY Time:
……………………….. …………………….
2. Country: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Name of Interviewee:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..….
4. Organization: ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….……
5. Position: ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….………..….
6. Gender: Male Female
7. Telephone Contact:
Home: ………………………………………..............
Work: ……………………………………………………
Mobile: ………………………………………………….
8. Email address:
…………………….………………………………………
…….………………………………………………………
…….……………………………………………….………
PART 2 – PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
2.1 Number of Structures:
2.2 Type of Structures: No. No.
Wholesale Retail
Packing House Other Please Specify
(Please provide details of the above in a separate document or please refer to any document or
publication on the above)
First Name Middle Name Surname
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
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2.4.3 Infrastructure Details: Paved Unpaved
Sheltered Not Sheltered Marked Unmarked
2.4.3 Facilities: Yes N0 Toilet Well Maintained Fee for Use Bathroom Running Water
2.4.4 Availability of Parking (Area available)
2.5 Number of Users: Friday To Sunday Monday Tuesday to Thursday
Vendors ……………………… ……………….. …………………………….
Customers ……………………… ……………….. …………………………….
2.6 Logistics: 2.7 Security: Yes N0
Vendors Customers Goods
2.8 Ratio of Male to Female Vendors:
PART 2 – PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE (CONT’D)
2.3 Size(s) of Structures:
2.4 Layout (Key Details):
2.4.1 Stall Design(s) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2.4.2 Available Storage Facilities …………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 53
GENERAL COMMENTS – PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Suitability of location, etc., Opening hours
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 54
PART 3 – MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
3.1 Which organization (s) is/are responsible for managing the country’s markets?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.2 What is the organizational structure of the body/bodies that is/are responsible for managing
the country’s markets?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.3 What are the general management arrangements for all agricultural markets in the country?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.4 What factors will influence the design of agricultural markets in the future?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.5 Are you a member of any agricultural associations : Yes No
If yes, please name: ………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 55
GENERAL COMMENTS – MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 56
PART 4 – ESTIMATE OF ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
4.1 Are you aware of any data which quantifies the economic contribution of agricultural markets?
Yes No
If yes, please share.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
If no, do you have any basis of such an estimate
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
4.2 Do you have any data of the role of women in the marketing system?
Yes No
If yes, please share. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………
If no, do you have any basis of such an estimate?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………
4.3 Do you have any data that quantify the current inefficiencies in the agricultural marketing
system?
Yes No
If yes, please share. If no, how do you think this could be developed?
4.4 Do you have any data or references on the impact of these inefficiencies on the actors of the
system?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 57
GENERAL COMMENTS – ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 58
PART 5 – COUNTRY MARKETING NETWORK
5.1 Are you aware of any data that provide recommendations for improving the country’s’
marketing network?
Yes No
If yes, please share.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
5.2 What are your recommendations for improving the country’s marketing network?
GENERAL COMMENTS – COUNTRY MARKETING NETWORK
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 59
PART 6 – FEEDBACK ON POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Are you aware of any policy recommendations for improving the country’s marketing
infrastructure?
Yes No
If yes, please share.
6.2 What policy recommendations would you make for improving the country’s marketing
infrastructure?
GENERAL COMMENTS – POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 60
PART 7 – NOTES (FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 61
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF KEY AGRO PROCESSORS
No. Company Address Town Phone Contact
1 B & J Foods 64 Forth Street Tumpuna Road (868) 643-0253
2 C.A. Correia Trinidad Limited 5A Old St. Joseph Road Laventille (868) 623-4860
3 Caribbean Specialty Food #67 Hillsdale Crescent Mt. Hope (868) 638-4286
4 Caribbean Spices Ltd 6 Nacir Street Preysal (868) 636-6658
5 Charles Candy Company Limited P.O. Box 1138 (868) 638-6461
6 Chatak Food Products Frederick Settlement Industrial Estate (868) 645-9648
7 Chief Brand Products Limited Uriah Butler Highway Charlieville, P.O. Box 1042 (868) 665-4144
8 Fresh Start Limited #25 Senior Street via Manning Street (868) 637-4902
9 Garden Fresh Produce 80 Sunkist Drive Philippine (868) 653-3200
10 Kitch Mix Food Products Limited Building 18 F O'Meara Industrial East (868) 646-3618
11 KMC Associates 2 Torquoise Drive Diamond Vale (868) 632-0824
12 Leela Cubair 1 1/4 mm Chin Chin Road Cunupia
13 Mega Foods Company Limited Lot 1C O'Meara Industrial Estate (868) 642-9064
14 Michael's Marketing Agency 15 Woodpecker Lane River Estate (868) 637-0926
15 Mountain Fresh #42 Main Road Williamsville (868) 655-2063
16 Fresh Start Limited 25 Senior Street Diego Martin (868) 637-4902
17 National Canners Limited Churchill Roosevelt Highway Arima (868) 642-3091
18 National Fruit Processors Limited 1A Century Drive Trincity Industrial Estate (868) 662-5470
19 Paramin Women's Group #2 Tangerine Drive Santa Rosa Heights (868) 628-1008
20 Rainbow Country Food Products Limited 4 Temple Street Mt. Lambert (868) 675-2303
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 62
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF KEY AGRO PROCESSORS (Cont’d)
No. Company Address Town Phone Contact
21 RHS Marketing #5 Frederick Settlement Caroni (868) 662-8381
22 Royal Castle Limited 65 Western Main Road St. James (868) 622-1000
23 Sesame Foods Limited 319 Mission Road Freeport (868) 673-0015
24 Tai Pan Industrial Ltd 5 B Trincity Industrial Estate Macoya Road (868) 645-1239
25 The Caribbean Coffee House Limited 17B Diamond Vale Industrial Estate (868) 637-6235
26 Tobago Agro Processors Information Tobago Tobago (868) 310 0612
27 Tropical Fruits 15 Dinoo Road Charlieville (868) 665-6763
28 Tro-Pickle Foods #17 Nelson Road Freeport (868) 673-4204
29 Turban Broad Producers Limited 188 Eastern Main Road Tunapuna (868) 663-0324
30 VEMCO Limited Lot 9A, Diamond Vale Diego Martin (868) 623-0443
31 Willies Homemade Ice Cream L.P. 32 Arena Road Freeport (868) 673-0537
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 63
APPENDIX 3: ADEQUACY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
System
1. There is an active group of farmers or farmer organizations who consistently supply the market
with bulk quantities
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Small groups 3
Groups exist that provides steady supply 4
Active organized groups exists ready for
expansion
5
2. There is an active group of wholesalers who purchase farmers goods in bulk quantities
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Small groups 3
Groups exist that provides steady supply 4
Active organized groups exists ready for
expansion
5
3. There are collection points (wholesale markets) conveniently located based on the road network
and the location of the production areas
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
A few exists 3
Currently such points are being built 4
Structured network exists 5
4. Markets are suitably located given traffic and other considerations
Criterion Rating
Inappropriately located 2
Located in a very congested area 3
Located in an area with potential for
improvement
4
Well Located with adequate parking facilities 5
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 64
5. There is a Market Information System that connects all the players
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
An Information System is being built 3
Currently such a system exists 4
MIS exists and is being developed and improved 5
6. Trading takes place on the basis of grades and standards
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Grades and standards are being discussed with
farmers and users
3
Currently such a system exists 4
Grades and standards exist and are being
developed and improved
5
Facilities
7. Packing and cooling facilities are available for fresh produce preferably centrally located or close
to collection points
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Some exists 3
Currently such facilities are being built 4
Facilities are available 5
8. Retailers are located in approved, safe, convenient areas with adequate number of stalls to
service the vendor population
Criterion Rating
Mainly street vendors 2
Applies to a few vendors (10-15%) 3
Vendors are buying - in to using the designated
locations
4
Vendors are generally well located 5
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 65
9. Physical conditions in the retail markets are conducive to safe convenient trading
Criterion Rating
Not conducive 2
Applies to a few areas (10-15%) 3
Improvements are currently being made 4
Vendors are generally well located 5
10. The availability of facilities within the market area for overnight storage
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Some exists 3
Currently such facilities are being built 4
Structured storage exists 5
11. Opening hours (days and times) are convenient to customers
Criterion Rating
Not convenient 2
Fairly convenient 3
Convenient 4
Very convenient 5
12. The availability of security for both goods and users
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Minimum security exists 3
Currently improved security is being considered 4
Adequate security exists 5
13. The availability of parking for both vendors and customers
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Minimum parking exists 3
Currently improved parking is being considered 4
Adequate parking exists 5
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 66
14. The availability of sanitary facilities for both vendors and customers
Criterion Rating
None Exists 2
Minimum facilities exists 3
Currently improved facilities is being considered 4
Adequate facilities exists 5
Management
15. Managers and Supervisors are trained in the basics of agricultural marketing and/or produce
trading
Criterion Rating
No training is done 2
Minimum training exists 3
Currently improved training is being considered 4
Adequate training exists 5
16. The agencies responsible for markets have a shared vision of how the marketing system should
best work in order to facilitate all users
Criterion Rating
No common vision exists 2
Vision exists among different agencies 3
Currently discussions on a common vision is
occurring
4
Vision is clear and shared 5
17. Maintenance programmes are in place for the facilities
Criterion Rating
None exists 2
Occasional maintenance takes place 3
Currently maintenance programmes are being
put in place
4
Adequate maintenance programmes exist 5
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 67
18. Training is carried out in various aspects of produce handling, food safety, etc. for vendors
Criterion Rating
No training is done 2
Minimum training exists 3
Currently improved training is being considered 4
Adequate training exists 5
19. Transport vehicles and certified as a part of the overall effort to combat praedial larceny
Criterion Rating
No 2
Some certification is being considered 3
Current certification system partially effective 4
Adequate certification and monitoring exists 5
20. The experiences of both the players and the customers are monitored at all points of the network
in the interest of improvement.
Criterion Rating
No 2
Some monitoring being considered 3
Currently monitoring system partially effective 4
Adequate monitoring exists 5
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 68
APPENDIX 4: LIST OF MARKETING OFFICIALS INTERVIEWED
No. Name Position and
Organization
Contact
Number
e-Mail Address
1. Mr. Ganesh
Gangapersad
Chief Executive
Officer -
NAMDEVCO
(868) 647-3218/
3467/ 3866/
7576/ 1340/
7907/ 2368
(868) 679-8412
contact@namdevco.com
2. Mrs. Beverly
Haywood
Senior Planning
Officer – Ministry of
Local Government
(868) 628-5220 bevhaywood2@hotmail.com
3. Mr. Calvin
James
Deputy Chief
Executive Officer -
NAMDEVCO
(868) 647-3218/
3467/ 3866/
7576/ 1340/
7907/ 2368
(868) 679-8412
contact@namdevco.com
4. Dr. Govind
Seepersad
Senior Lecturer –
UWI Department of
Agricultural
Economics and
Extension
(868) 645-2002
5. Mr George
Osborne
Manager – San
Fernando Central
Market, Ministry of
Local Government
868 652-2026
Trinidad and Tobago Country Report
Assessment of the Adequacy of Agricultural Market Infrastructure and
The Development of Recommendations for Improvement with Specific Focus on
the Needs of Women and Small Farmers
Page 69
APPENDIX 5: REFERENCES
1. Canning, D; Pedroni, P. The Effect of Infrastructure on Long Run Economic Growth.
(2004). Havard and Williams Business Schools.
2. Cohen, I; Freiling, T; Robinson, E. The Economic Impact and Financing of
Infrastructure Spending. (2009). Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy.
3. An Economic Analysis of Transportation Infrastructure Investment. (2014) U.S
National Economic Council/ President’s Council on Economic Affairs.
4. Boehlje, M. Economic Value Added. Centre for Food and Agricultural Business, Purdue
University.
5. Kentucky Produce Auction Report. Cooperative Extension Service: University of
Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
6. World Bank Indicators of Land Use – Trinidad and Tobago (2011). Trading Economics
in World Bank.
7. Preliminary Findings of Agricultural Data in Trinidad. Extension Division of the
Ministry of Food Production.
8. Gross Domestic Product of Trinidad and Tobago 2009-2013 at Current Market Prices.
(2015). Central Statistical Office of Trinidad and Tobago.
9. Trinidad and Tobago Budget Estimates of Expenditure 2010-2015. (2015). The
Ministry of Finance and the Economy.
10. Thippaiah, P; Deshpande, R.S. An Analysis of Market Infrastructure, Prices and Terms
of Trade. (1998). Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics.
Recommended