RECONCILING ADULT EDUCATION NEEDS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SMALL SCALE FISHERIES

The critical role of fisheries to food security and coastal livelihoods, as well as its impact on dwindling marine resources, motivate an examination of the degree to which education and training needs in the fisheries sector are met. This paper investigates the specific case of Trinidad and Tobago small scale fishers, a particularly vulnerable population whose livelihoods are bidirectionally linked to sustainable development. The challenges of declining fish stocks, increasing market prices and the fierce competition presented by technology-based fishing techniques, present a persuasive case for context-appropriate education and training for Trinidad and Tobago small scale fisherfolk. Research was conducted to examine the training needs of these fisherfolk, as articulated by key industry stakeholders, including the fishers themselves; and to set these needs off against available training provisions. A reconciliation strategy for education and training was developed to respond to the needs of the industry as well as to the Caribbean priorities of sustainable development and fisheries management.