Publié le 16/07/2025, mis à jour le 04/03/2026
Pilot project to "train the trainers" in hydroponics in Sint Maarten schools
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Context
The territory of Sint Maarten is marked by limited agricultural activity, and relies heavily on food imports to meet the needs of the population. This dependence exposes the population to fluctuations in global market prices, and to risks in the event of natural disasters, which could interrupt supplies.
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Stakes and objectives
Faced with the scarcity of arable land, high vulnerability tohurricanes and the lack of freshwater resources, the development of alocal agriculture is difficult. As a result, hydroponics, which involves growing plants above ground using a nutrient solution represents a promising alternative for dealing with this shortage. The government of Sint Maarten has therefore set about implementing a pilot project in nine schools on the island to promote hydroponic agriculture among younger generations and community members.
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This Green Overseas Program facility supports the Sint Maarten government project by contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture, in particular through the promotion of hydroponic agriculture and raising awareness of this innovative method among the younger generation.
As part of the project, hydroponic systems were installed in nine schools on Sint Maarten - including seven elementary school and two secondary schools. NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) systems with 150 and 300 plants were built, enabling structured production tailored to the schools' capacities. In all, almost 100kg of vegetables were produced during the first monitoring period.
The project alsointegrated a "Train-the-Trainers"program structured into four modules. This approach made it possible not only to train 16 teachers and 11 community members, but also to ensure a sustainable transfer of knowledge and gradual autonomy for the schools.
The project also integrated a "Train-the-Trainers"program structured around four modules.
By developing local technical capacities and promoting food production directly within the schools, this initiative is helping to strengthen food security, promote healthier eating and, ultimately, reduce Sint Maarten's dependence on food imports.
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There are 4 training modules that have been recorded during the training in Sint Maarten:
- Module 1: Introduction to hydroponic systems
- Module 2: Water quality and nutrient management
- Module 3: Plant biology and pests
- Module 4: Farming and financial tools
