Hot Pepper Pilot Project in Dominica
The Hot Pepper Pilot Project in Dominica is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Caribbean. Launched in early 2025, this project aims to diversify agricultural production, enhance farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the agro-processing sector by focusing on cultivating and commercialising hot peppers.
Objectives of Dominica’s Hot Pepper Pilot Project
- Diversification of Agriculture: Introduce hot pepper cultivation to reduce reliance on traditional crops and mitigate market fluctuations and climate change risks.
- Income Generation: By tapping into local and regional markets for hot peppers and related products, farmers can generate new revenue streams.
- Capacity Building: Equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt sustainable agricultural practices will ensure the long-term viability of hot pepper farming.
Key Activities and Training
As part of the project’s implementation, several training sessions have been conducted to ensure participants are well-prepared for hot pepper cultivation:
- Soil Media Preparation: In January 2025, a training session focused on creating and managing soil media suitable for hot pepper cultivation. This session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge on soil preparation techniques to ensure successful crop growth.
- Harvesting and Production: On August 10, 2021, a webinar titled “Hot Pepper – Harvesting & Production” was held as part of the PPCR Project / CARDI Climate-Smart Agriculture Webinar Series. This session provided insights into best practices for harvesting and production, aligning with climate-smart agriculture principles.
Expected Outcomes of the Hot Pepper Pilot Project
The Hot Pepper Pilot Project is anticipated to achieve several positive outcomes:
- Enhanced Agricultural Resilience: Diversifying crop production can reduce farmers’ vulnerability to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions.
- Economic Growth: Introducing hot peppers is expected to open new markets locally and regionally, increasing farmers’ incomes and contributing to the economy.
- Knowledge Transfer: Farmers will adopt improved agricultural practices through targeted training sessions, leading to better crop yields and sustainable farming methods.
Looking Forward
The Hot Pepper Pilot Project is a strategic effort to bolster Dominica’s agricultural sector by introducing a high-value crop with significant market potential. The project seeks to empower farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and stimulate economic development within the island nation through collaboration, training, and support.