YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE Volume 1, Issue 3
June 2012
The concept of Library 2.0 ©
The Road to Economic Prosperity ®
Represent weh yu come from…….
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
The Road to Economic Prosperity
Any economist who argues that (s) he has a complete answer to the causes of poverty should be regarded with tremendous suspicion. The global economy is far too complex, and the discipline of economics is definitely too young for its disciples to know fully what makes some societies poorer than others. However, it is quite evident that there exist a number of factors that may thwart economic growth, some more than others, and thus perpetuate poverty. Though slavery and colonization are among those factors, there is one very important factor that many policy makers have either ignored or have treated with myopia. This factor is generally itemized as production, and more specifically articulated as producing what is valued by others. But, a basic and paramount precondition for efficient production is education. Consequently, the focus of this article will surround that precondition.
I will show, albeit in a general manner, how important education/human capital development is for the long term growth and prosperity of any nation and hence, the reason that Jamaica's current focus should be on educating its people, regardless of the short term cost. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Jamaica's Problem? Many scholars have argued, some blindly, that all a society needs in order to achieve development is to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). If that were the case, Jamaica would have been a highly developed country by now, for it is common knowledge that the country is not deficient in that aspect. In fact, over the period 2003 to 2008, FDI inflows rose from an average of
US$725 million to $870 million. Based on this reality, it is easy to argue that profit repatriation is to blame for the country's repeated records of anaemic growth. But, as a young economist, having aspirations of charting the path for the development of the Caribbean, I am challenged to distance myself from complacency and dogma, paying attention to the basic facts of our economic existence. The truth is, though Jamaica's growth has been adversely affected by both internal and external exploitation, harsh economic climates, and the like, the blatant failure of our policy makers of treating human capital development as a matter of priority has been one of, if not the biggest, roadblocks to alleviating the current level of poverty existing in our society.
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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 This neglect has undoubtedly actuated a myriad of other problems as we know all too well that there is a strong positive correlation between poverty and other economic ills such as crime. With this said, I would like to explain my position of why human capital development, or the lack thereof, has lead to the current level of poverty plaguing our society. To do this, I will use a scenario. For tractability, I will assume that there is a negative relationship between economic development and poverty. This assumption is corroborated by basic economic theory. A Primitive and A Modern Society; The Distinction? Let us visualize two co-existing societies which are at different stages of development, but which started out having the same types and amounts of resource endowment. The first society we will call a primitive society and the other a modern society. The main factor that distinguishes one society from the other is obviously not
resource endowment, for it is categorically stated that resource endowments are equal and identical across both societies. What then may have caused the modern society to become modern while the primitive society lags behind? The simple answer is knowledge creation and the application thereof. Essentially, the modern society is only modern due to its technology, which is an embodiment of its education. Both societies may have started out using paddle boats, for instance, for transportation, but the modern society, through research and development, facilitated by its formal or informal education system, was able to unearth the requisite knowledge for manufacturing aeroplanes, which are a much faster and efficient means of transportation across long distances. Having created aeroplane, the modern society soon finds itself in a position where it has little choice but to explore its environment
a useful resource such as oil, which is necessary for producing jet fuel. The gist is, a single invention often leads to other spill-off products. Also, the need for improving on the processes of aeroplane manufacturing may lead to other technologies and processes that may be of tremendous benefit to the citizens of the modern society. This is an area at which the United States has done an excellent job, for many outstanding consumer products on the American market that can be found in the typical American household, were originally developed for and by the military. And, it is through a rigorous process of research and development that these products are tailored for household use. Such feat would have been virtually impossible had there not been present that rigid structure of research and development, which facilitates knowledge creation. Hence, the importance of education. What do you think would happen in the event that the primitive society does not have an effective education system, but wishes to acquire a faster means of transportation? *Cont’d on pg. 8
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE The concept of Library 2.0…..by Adrian Duncan 'Library 2.0' is a new sensation on the blogosphere, with an army of advocates facing off against those who argue that it is nothing new, and their allies with painful memories of Dot Com hysteria in the 1990s. Ian Davis in an article outlined that “'Web 2.0 is the network of platform, spanning all connected devices” (Davis). Additionally, he explained that “Web 2.0 applications are those applications that make the most of the intrinsic advantages of that platform” (Davis). These applications, he further states, delivers software as a continually-updated service that gets better the more people use it, consuming and remixing data from multiple sources, including individual users while providing their own data and services in a form that allows remixing by others, creating network effects through an "architecture of participation," and going beyond the “page metaphor of Web 1.0 to deliver rich user experiences.” Web 2.0 describes using a range of technologies, services, trends and behaviors that have evolved to create what is sometimes called the read/ write web. Additionally Web 2.0 is about “the internet as a platform for simple light weight services that leverage interactions for communication collaboration and creating and remixing and sharing content” (Becta). The availability and use of Web 2.0 tools and services has lowered the barriers to production and distribution of content. Examples of Web 2.0: Social networking sites, blogs, wikis and social bookmarking. Web 2.0 “characteristics match many of the aims of the personalizing learning agenda allowing learners to take control of their own learning and directly access their own customized sources of information, data, tools and services” (Vyogotsky).
Kevin Curran, Michelle Murray and Martin Christian clarified that “libraries were never the primary source of knowledge but they have always played a major role where people of all ages, gender and religion could go and engage with the various forms of resources” and adds that “Library 2.0 is a concept of a very different library service that operates according to the expectations of today’s library users” (Chad and Miller 4), in this vision, the library makes information available “wherever and whenever the user requires it” (4). With Library 2.0 there is “the emergence of Web-based services that pulls data from a wide range of back-end systems to deliver value to users, when, where and in the form that they require it” (Davis). With this application we are seeing “ad hoc relationships being formed by and for these services at the point of need, rather than the costly and time-consuming human creation of contracts or service level agreements. Shoniwa and Hall in an article helped to clarify the concept as they outlined that Library 2.0 “encourages collaboration and user contribution in a participatory environment” (69) and mainly “describes the principles that are argued to resemble the new web such as the network is the platform, service is a service; users add value and there is continuous reuse of services” (O’Reilly).
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Library 2.0 and its implications for libraries today Michael Stephens and Marie Collins outlines that “societal change affects every profession”. Technology does as well. In the field of library and information science, scholars and practitioners have “long theorized and pondered the state of libraries, user expectations, and the future of library service” (253). Libraries today are changing. Michael Stephens and Marie Collins outlines that “societal change affects every profession”. Technology does as well. In the field of library and information science, scholars and practitioners have “long theorized and pondered the state of libraries, user expectations, and the future of library service” (253). Libraries today are changing. J. M. Maness suggests library 2.0 to be the “application of interactive, collaborative and multimedia web based technologies to web-based library services and collections” additionally he/she outlines that “library 2.0 is alleged to be primarily web-based” and hence said to “involve the implementation of web; particularly Web 2.0 tools”. She/he adamantly states that “this perspective is one that gives the impression that library 2.0 is primarily technology driven” but also suggests that “library 2.0 is not all about technology”. Casey and Savastinuk states that “funding limits and customer demands are transforming staffing levels, service models, access to resources, and services to the public” therefore “administrators and taxpayers are seeking more efficient ways of delivering services to achieve greater returns on financial investments”. In their article, Casey and Savastinuk, discusses the benefits of implementing Library 2.0 into the library system. They outline that “the heart of Library 2.0 is user-centered change” and that “it is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation in the creation of both the physical and the virtual services they want, supported by consistently evaluating services”. They pointed out that technological advancement in the past several years have “enabled libraries to create new services that before were not possible, such as virtual reference, personalized Online Public Access Catalog interfaces, or downloadable media that library customers can use in the comfort of their own homes”.
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
Feature: From a Bird’s view By
Innovative People Coming To A Place Near You "When all think alike, then no one is thinking." — Walter Lippman
IN my line of work, I’ve been opportune to see firsthand how fostering the innate talents of our young can amaze the daylights out of us. At the end of April 2012 were the finals of an innovation competition for high schools, i3 and was it something else. These ninth graders were doing business pitches and making prototypes of their products. Our society does not only have nitwits, as a matter of fact, there are far more than what meets the eye with the average Jamaican. From this vantage point, it seems more persons are just misplaced or misunderstood. There is a version of Einstein in most if not all, all that is required is that the environment or facilities are in place to groom the crafts, the art and the gifts of these spontaneous minds. School age is that time when, we have them nestled within our grasp and thus have the opportunity to have positive influence on the outlook of our “generation next”. So many of today’s children are born with all sorts of deficiencies, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) being only a popular one of many. Instead of having our children running around like headless chickens, there are some programs that are taking them in and placing them under the wings of some upwardly mobile thinkers. This I think is the next phenomenon; this is Vision 2020/2030/ whenever, as long as we keep this up.
wise owl would say when a child is fussy and underperforming in school, “Let him or her go and learn a trade.” For many, these words saved them and their parents much heartache as they found their niche, love, joy and honest bread in an unconventional place. Not everyone was made to be a civil servant or an office worker; some of us have to be as free as birds are. I’m a “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” kind of chick, as many are these days, so I understand how mind numbing a suit and a cubicle can be. So what does a fourteen year old tell his parents when he realizes he doesn’t want to study law, he wants to become a well-established businessman? He chooses his words wisely, explores his options, does his homework and then he does a 50 slide PowerPoint Presentation of his findings to support his arguments. A
One can virtually become their own boss at anything. Partner with another “free-spirited” workaholic, and become joint CEOs or develop a service that is presently lacking in an accessible region. A key characteristic to have is the mindset that it takes constant working at something for it to get to perfection. Being one’s own boss or owning one’s business is sometimes more taxing, physically and otherwise than working for someone else. But the rewards are there for he who sacrifices, to reap and be proud of. Ambition is vital in knowing not to settle for a corner shop when you have the potential to own an enterprise. It may require going back to school, doing some extra work after hours, and it may mean living within a means unplanned for, for a while. These are all small sacrifices for the bigger picture. The world is here for the taking, even at honest living and hard work. “Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture”, Lydia M. Child. And for now, that’s my last coo.
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Ole Time People did say… Di Muor Di Mongki Klaim, Di Muor Im Ekspuoz: The more the monkey climb, the more he exposes himself. Therefore in our pursuits for happiness and success, let us be conscious of ourselves. Let our success be not only in material achievements but more so in personal eing development. Let us strive to work harder on ambitious is always a ourselves than we do our jobs; that when we good trait, especially climb, what is exposed is good character, when it comes to chasing goals and dreams. But very integrity, love and all the things against which often when we plan our dreams and big success, we only there is no rebuke or conceive and look forward to the positive outcomes. shame. Until next time, These include the high status, comforts, luxury, praises, walk good and remember affluence and any other ‘good’ that can be achieved. Oudi an Tengki No Brok No Rarely, we consider that with success comes responsibil- Skwier. ity; and worst of all, criticism. Uol taim piipl yuuz tu se ‘Di forda di mongki klaim di muor im ekspuoz’.
B
There are two main ways of interpreting this proverb. The most common interpretation is to mean that, the more successful and socially mobile – the more BY: Georgette McGlashen you climb the social ladder, ‘step up in life’, the more vulnerable you become to public scrutiny and criticism, as your privacy / private life and self is exposed. Persons Facts you should will question your claim to fame, how did you achieve? Was it legal, morally accepted by society, do you deserve it based on your personality, background, inter-personal skills etcetera, and whatever other criteria they can dream up. The other meaning for this proverb lends itself to ‘self –revelation’. A person may show his or her true self through the pursuit of a matter, for example an argument. A person may have been thought of being a certain type of individual. However in certain situations that individual may be pressed, pressured or is in pursuit of proving a point and inadvertently reveal aspects to themselves that was not previously seen or known by others.
know:
Jamaica’s first known inhabitants were the Tainos of the Arawak people, who were some of the indigenous people of the West Indies. The Tainos named the island ‘Xaymaca’, which means ‘land of wood and water’. The Tainos were peaceful people that farmed, fished and made crafts, and were the originators of the hammock.
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE The Road to Economic Prosperity‌‌.cont’d. fr pg. 3
Since aeroplane is a faster means of transportation, it will be highly valued by the primitive society. This taste will cause the primitive society to purchase the item. By so doing, the primitive society is reduced to a net consumer, and thus becomes heavily dependent on the modern society for goods and services associated with aeroplanes. Technical repair and maintenance services, for example. Money constantly flows from the primitive society to the modern one, putting a strain on the economic and financial resources of the former, while the citizens of the modern society are enriched. The implication of this fact is analogous to zero-sum, for while the modern society becomes richer, the primitive society is left suffering, mainly because it is always on the consumer's side of the market. Consequently, the pocket of the primitive society's government is weakened, unless it is corrected by higher taxes or cuts in capital spending and such, the ramifications of which need no explaining.
What should Jamaica Do? Humans in general are gratified by the promise of quick fixes. But, an issue as sensitive as poverty is one that warrants thorough planning and patience. Based on the above points, it is essential that the nation develops a comprehensive education plan. Yes! This plan will be the focus of my next article. Stay safe! Dwon Serinash Lecturer of Economics (Author of The Money Tree in my Backyard) University of Belize Central America
A wah me do fi deserve dis fada...
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ICTs and its inclusion in the Jamaica Education System Cont’d from pg. 2 COFFEE PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY, THE BYBROOK
FARMING DISTRICT, PORTLAND, JAMAICA INTRODUCTION The Bybrook community is located on the hinterland of Portland very close to the foot of Blue Mountain and possess over three hundred acres of farm land which is dominated by coffee. Due to the heavy dependence of farmers on coffee and the importance of the major export crop, it is important and critical to ensure that everything is done to ensure maximum returns from coffee farming which will result in improved living qualities for residents as well as to maintain the vital contribution coffee has been making to Jamaica’s GDP over the years. This is even more important in recent times when the coffee industry is experiencing a downward slip; government and other related agencies should intervene to help improve and diversify livelihoods especially in rural areas where dependence on coffee farming is greater. Coffee experienced a boom in the 1990s to the early 2000s when things took a negative turn (The Geographical Journal, 2009). This had serious repercussions as many workers within the sector lost jobs and meeting basic needs became increasingly difficult as global prices and demand for coffee reached a record low. Coffee farming in recent times will be looked at in this study using an organized set of research strategies and techniques in a bid to highlight causes for downturn, possibilities for improvements and suggestions from players within the industry focussing heavily
by Odayne Steele
The research carried out was aimed at capturing a general picture of coffee production as well as investigating the effects of the several new developments taking place within the industry. A comprehensive study on the effects of these developments on mainly the farmers but the industry itself was done with the complement of several articles and literature which aided in the indepth analysis of the dilemma. The importance of coffee production to the livelihood of coffee farmers in Bybrook was investigated but was intertwined with a few other research objectives geared towards finding out: The key factors acting to shape the production of coffee in Bybrook. The factors affecting coffee farmers which results in either an increase or a reduction in production. What can be done to improve coffee farming/production and subsequently the livelihood of farmers in Bybrook. Steps which may be taken to reduce the importance or reliance of farmers on coffee and assist in the diversification of livelihoods.
*Con’d on pg 16
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE The concept of Library 2.0 ...cont’d from pg. 5 In an article by J. M. Maness he outlines that “a theory for Library 2.0 could be understood to have these four essential elements:
It is user-centered. Users participate in the creation of the content and services they view within the library's web-presence, OPAC, etc. The consumption and creation of content is dynamic, and thus the roles of librarian and user are not always clear. It provides a multi-media experience. Both the collections and services of Library 2.0 contain video and audio components. While this is not often cited as a function of Library 2.0, it is here suggested that it should be. It is socially rich. The library's web-presence includes users' presences. There are both synchronous (e.g. IM) and asynchronous (e.g. wikis) ways for users to communicate with one another and with librarians. It is communally innovative. This is perhaps the single most important aspect of Library 2.0. It rests on the foundation of libraries as a community service, but understands that as communities change, libraries must not only change with them, they must allow users to change the library. It seeks to continually change its services, to find new ways to allow communities, not just individuals to seek, find, and utilize information. He further reiterated that “Library 2.0 is a user-centered virtual community”. He added that it is a “socially rich, often egalitarian electronic space”. In addition, he outlined that “while Librarian 2.0 might act as a facilitator and provide support, he or she is not necessarily primarily responsible for the creation of the content”. With library 2.0, Maness observes that “users interact with and create resources with one another and with librarians”. In some ways, he thinks “it is a virtual reality for libraries, a Web manifestation of the library as place”. Furthermore, a library's presence on the Web in Library 2.0 includes the presence of that library's constituency and utilizes the same applications and technologies as its community, a concept Habib (2006) recognizes in a very useful model for Library 2.0 in regards to academic libraries. Michael C. Habib further elaborates on Library 2.0 and describes it similar numerous authors as “a subset of library services designed to meet user needs caused by the direct and peripheral effects of Web 2.0 services leveraging concepts of the Read/Write Web, the Web as Platform, The Long Tail, harnessing collective intelligence, network effects, core datasets from user contributions, and lightweight programming models”. This he outlines is “broad enough to account for all effects of Web 2.0 on the library world” he further explains that there is one way that “Web 2.0 concepts and methods might affect libraries through direct application of these concepts and methods to library services” (24). Giving an example he revealed that this could be by allowing user tagging in the OPAC as well as by direct use of Web 2.0 services to provide library services. Further elaborating on his point, Michael Habib outlined that this would include “setting up an account with a commercial photo sharing site, such as Flickr, to share library photos with patrons” (24). Additionally, this might affect libraries through “cultural or behavioral changes brought on by Web 2.0 services” by this he means “many Web 2.0 tools are social or collaborative in nature, their effects often extend deeply into users’ lives, affecting how people work, communicate, and socialize” (24).
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ICTs and its inclusion in the Jamaica Education System Cont’d from pg. 2
The concept of Library 2.0 ...by Adrian Duncan An example of this would be promoting library events to young adults through a MySpace or a Facebook account. In his final point, he postulated that “Web 2.0 services might affect the environment in which libraries function”. This he thinks would include “changing information literacy courses to account for changes in the information landscape, such as Wikipedia muddling issues of authority.” Wikipedia he outlines “employs the principle of collective intelligence toward the writing of an encyclopedia, a reference tool”. Furthermore, each article can be written by any number of unidentified authors. This method eliminates the traditional methods for determining authority. Wikipedia users are not only able to read articles, but also edit them. Authors such as Habib, postulates that one way to determine the effects of Web. 2.0 on libraries is to take each of the seven principles of Web 2.0 and answer it as a question. He further explains how these principles can be found in the usage of Flickr. As Flickr enables “users to contribute, organize, share and discuss photos” which would be beneficial to libraries as they are now able to post photos of library sponsored events as well as allows for users to “discuss and share photos in ways that were previously unavailable” (25).
Furthermore, a failure to provide an organizational presence on facebook can result in missed marketing opportunities as there is no cost for licensing software. The usage of Twitter: This benefits the library as they are being a part of an active community of practice can help an individual’s development. The ability to share successes can help to promote a library and having a pool of experts can be beneficial when seeking help and advice. Furthermore, a failure to permit motivated individuals to use twitter to support their professional activities may demotivate them and result in a failure to exploit the benefits of a community of practice.
Practical examples using Library 2.0 The usage of facebook by a library: The purpose is to promote libraries additionally facebook users can become fans of a library’s page that establishing a relationship with the organization. Information on news, events and so on can be provided without the need to set up and maintain a web presence. The facebook wall, allow users to send messages and establishes a dialogue with the library through the messenger service offered by facebook.
*Cont’d on pg. 13
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Yu fi proud a yu complexion...
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Pa
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE Jamaica’s National Heroes
We thank you for the actions you’ve taken to make this our country an independent one.
Pa
YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
The concept of Library 2.0…..by Adrian Duncan
Conclusion With Library 2.0, libraries move beyond the notion of ‘libraries without walls’, in which they offered a “destination web site that attempted to reproduce the total library experience online” (Chad and Miller 8). Instead, relevant aspects of that library experience should be reproduced wherever and whenever the user requires them, without any need to visit a separate web site for the library. Information on loans, for example, should be available from within a local authority portal or a university Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) or Course Management System (CMS). Currently, the problems involved in the library 2.0 applications remain in the implementation of technology, resource construction and usage, librarians' adaptability, and orientation of research and development. Library 2.0, then, is not only an extension of the “rebooting” of the Web; it is an application of the philosophies surrounding what makes Web 2.0 work. The term, coined by librarian Michael Casey in September 2005, led to extensive discussions, heated debate, and ongoing discourse online, in professional journals and at conferences and workshops to date. Furthermore, Library 2.0 ensures that information resources managed by the library are available at the point of need, and that barriers to use are minimized. In Library 2.0, there is an active presumption that use and re-use of resources is both permitted and actively encouraged.
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Jamaican Rastafarian culture
The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, is a spiritual movement. It arose in the 1930s in Jamaica, a country with a predominantly Christian culture where 98% of the people were the black descendants of slaves. Most of its adherents worship Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia (ruled 1930–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent, or the reincarnation of Jesus. Members of the Rastafari movement are known as Rastas, or Rastafari. The Rastafari movement encompasses themes such as the spiritual use of cannabis and the rejection of western society, called Babylon (from the metaphorical Babylon of the Christian New Testament). It proclaims Africa (also "Zion") as the original birthplace of mankind, and from the beginning of the movement the call to repatriation to Africa has been a central theme.
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COFFEE PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY, THE BYBROOK FARMING DISTRICT, PORTLAND, JAMAICA by Odayne Steele Information was garnered mainly through questionnaires, expert interviews were conducted and several interactions with farmers also helped to provide useful additional data. All the information gathered were contextualized in relation to the Bybrook District (study area). Interpretations and in-depth analysis was then carried out from the data collected by highlighting correlations between questions as well as up to date, related literature and articles published in media such as The Gleaner, The Observer and other credible related articles. Coffee dealers and the Coffee Industry Board (CIB) also helped to give direct, credible information relating to general coffee production which aided understanding and assisted the researcher in arriving at viable conclusions. Summary Many literatures relating to coffee farming indicated that there are factors beyond farmers’ control which often affect their production activities and may reduce the efficiency of achieving their livelihoods; the most influential being climate (Di Properzio). In his article, ‘Climate Change: Are growers ready?’ Properzio mentioned that coffee-growing areas such as the tropics, are among the areas most susceptible to change in climatic conditions and these changes even when not drastic, may result in transforming traditional growing areas into areas less suitable for coffee farming. The issue of markets for coffee was looked at in 2010 by the agriculture ministry and saw several articles and commentaries being produced on the topic. It has been found that developments in Jamaica’s markets for coffee (Japan, etc) have been showing signs that the country’s exports may be drastically reduced. There is however both positive and negative developments taking place simultaneously which may result in mixed reactions about the whole ‘coffee business’. The most
alarming statistic yet is that Japan, Jamaica’s largest market for coffee (receives about 85% exported coffee) have demanded forty percent (40%) less coffee in 2010 than in previous years (Collinder, 2010d). This in itself is a major blow to the Jamaica coffee industry that will now have to invest more in finding both additional and replacement markets willing to strike deals. According to Minister of agriculture (Christopher Tufton) in the Observer article entitled ‘Coffee Industry at a crossroad’ (Observer, Dec.2010b), efforts are being made to diversify export markets. He stated that some prospective markets include North America, European and Chinese markets as well as pursuing additional strategies to revive the dwindling Japanese market. Negotiations and programs with all these prospective markets have commenced with the aid of agencies such as the... two years commencing January of 2011 (JIS News, 2010).
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COFFEE PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY, THE BYBROOK FARMING DISTRICT, PORTLAND, JAMAICA by Odayne Steele ...Jamaica Tourist Board collaborating with USAID to assist in the United States and various coffee corporations in China are in dialogue with the Agriculture Ministry and the Coffee Industry Board (JIS News, 2010). According to the same article, success has begun as the Hangzhou Coffee and Western Foods have committed to buying 70-100 tonnes of coffee per annum for the first two years commencing January of 2011 (JIS News, 2010). The Observer also reported on Wednesday, September 8th 2010 (Observer, 2010c) that total coffee export was down 58% for the first six months of the year. This reduction has resulted in a domino effect impacting negatively on the country’s GNP as well as on the farmers’ ability to earn a substantial living. In the article, farmers complained that this will greatly affect their abilities to effectively finance the crop for the coming year. There has not just been a reduction in the amount of coffee being ordered but there is also reduction in prices. Another article ‘It’s looking grim for coffee reapers’ (Observer, 2010d) focused on the record low prices coffee workers of all sorts would have to contend with. In the article, regulators suggested that coffee grower should reduce pickers’ wages by 25-30% as they themselves would be receiving less (for their farm gate price) per box. This cut would see coffee pickers earning $600 per box while dealers would pay growers $1500 per box. One farmer explained that this made no sense as it cost as high as $4,500 per bag for the best fertilizer and fifteen (15) bags are needed for the year on his one (1) acre farm (Collinder, 2010a). He added that the condition was ‘worse than slavery.’ In a response to this situation, Chris Gentles stated “All the players in the industry, from the farmers to the dealers will have to recognize that we have to find a way to reduce production costs” (Observer, 2010d). This statement may indicate that there is no sign especially in the near future that coffee prices increase and farmers may have to find alternative ways of doing things. Another shock also has to be absorbed by the coffee sector as its largest market, Japan, stated that they will be requiring more environmentally friendly production from Jamaican farmers. Dr. Christopher Tufton and head of the CIB, Christopher Gentles both signed the contract with Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, Hiroshi Yamaguchi on June 17, 2010 (Collinder, 2010b). This may now put more pressure on coffee farmers as they may have to find alternative (which may be more expensive) ways of getting the most from their crops. There have been glimmers of hope in the midst of the negative developments which may serve to encourage coffee farmers and give some positive prospects for the future. One such prospect is the previously mentioned signing of the agreement between the CIB and the Hangzhou City Coffee and Western Cuisine Association which requires the country to send 7,000 kilograms of coffee valued at US$1.7 million to China over a 12-month period (Gleaner, 2010). The Agriculture Ministry also recently announced an emergency loan valued at $310.5 million in order to cover working capital requirements and to avoid further disruptions to the export of the beans to assist struggling ‘cash-strapped’ coffee dealers (Observer, 2010a). This was necessary as advanced payments which were usually received from Japan were halted in light of the global economic downturn. The loan will be made
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YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE
COFFEE PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY, THE BYBROOK FARMING DISTRICT, PORTLAND, JAMAICA Major Findings Demographic profiles and basic data for the fifty (50) respondent coffee farmers. Several conclusions may be made based on the numerous findings of the study. The desired aim of the investigation was to effectively determine the characteristics of coffee production and to analyse the factors influencing it in Bybrook District. Findings have indicated that coffee farming has satisfactorily met the needs and expectations of several farmers involved in its production while falling short in meeting the demands of others. It was found however, that coffee farming and its effectiveness is dependent on a myriad of factors several of which are outside the control of those involved. It therefore involves an obvious amount of risk which has to be overcome before maximum rewards may be achieved. It was found that the efficiency of coffee farming and the factors involved are also dynamic and varies also with time and farmers made it clear that in past times coffee farming was more productive. Resulting from this study however, it may be concluded that coffee farming as it stands is not very effective in meeting farmers’ needs and consequently improving quality of living. There is great potential in coffee production to do this but the entire system and regulatory bodies involved such as the CIB and Ministry of Agriculture will have to play a more critical role, consulting with farmers and other actors to reduce top-down planning and reform the system.
Issues relating to addressing the issue of rising production costs (fertilizer, equipment and pests) should be high on the list of priorities. When considering the uncertainty involved, these influential entities (planners and farmers) should explore alternatives to coffee farming by introducing skill and other agricultural reform and techniques which may come in handy should coffee returns fail to improve. It is crucial that government consult with farmers to come up with meaningful alternatives as it may be seen from the suggestions made by farmers that very little attention is being placed on opportunities outside of coffee production. With this, it should be remembered that several uncontrollable factors are involved such as market demands and climate change which may get progressively worse. In the meantime, government and coffee dealers may need to concentrate on increasing farmers’ profits by providing subsidies for production costs, seeking to diversify international markets and lobbying for improved prices.
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COFFEE PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY, THE BYBROOK FARMING DISTRICT, PORTLAND, JAMAICA From the investigation, it was found that the living costs coupled with production demands far surpasses the returns of majority of these farmers directly resulting in the reduced efficiency of coffee farming as a livelihood. It may also help if the government and other key player understand that improving the efficiency of the farmers will directly result in improving the productivity of the industry overall. It would be good to conduct a follow up study to compare the state of the industry as well as to see new developments in a few years. A larger sample size could be used; also a few more case studies could be useful to provide grounds for comparison.
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