Trinidad and Tobago

Investigating the applicability of smart irrigation technologies for a small developing island in the Caribbean

The project looks at the possibility of introducing and implementing smart irrigation technologies in a Caribbean country – Trinidad and Tobago. The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has placed high on its agenda an increase in food production for the island. Last year however, the dry season in Trinidad was one of the worst ever and it was made clear that it was necessary to look at ways to get water reserves in place and utilize water effectively so that farmers would not suffer the harsh consequences if a drought occurs similar to the one of 2010.

Smart irrigation technologies would provide a relief in such circumstances and so this proposal would look at the prospect of implementing such technologies in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally these are new-found farmers with little experience and smart irrigation systems based on rule base knowledge using an AI technique called fuzzy logic (designed by experts) would greatly assist them in caring for their crop. Canada is highly ranked for its work in irrigation and it would be beneficial for a Caribbean country to learn some lessons from them.