4-H Tobago County Goes Green with Hydroponic Farming Initiative

In a major step towards sustainable agriculture and food security, 4-H Tobago County, over the Easter school vacation, received three hydroponic systems across the island—benefiting two secondary schools and one ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) centre. This green initiative strongly pushes toward modern farming methods and youth involvement in agriculture.

Hydroponics, a soilless farming technique that uses nutrient-rich water to grow plants, allows for faster growth, reduced land use, and efficient water consumption—an ideal model for Tobago’s future food systems. By introducing this method to students, 4-H is planting more than crops; it’s sowing knowledge, responsibility, and resilience.

With Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill exceeding TT$7 billion annually, encouraging homegrown food production is no longer optional—it’s urgent. Teaching farming practices from an early age not only boosts agricultural interest but also equips a generation to feed the nation and ease dependency on imported goods.

This initiative by 4-H Tobago County is a forward-thinking step that proves the future of farming begins with the youth—and the time to grow is now.

In the TTT-NOW Morning Show clip, Gamali Waldron, 4-H County Coordinator for Tobago, shares the significance of this initiative to food security and sustainability. Much thanks to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the major stakeholder for this initiative.