FAO introduces National Land Bank Information System to strengthen agricultural development in Saint Lucia

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development and the Department of Crown Lands, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has completed a key training programme on the National Land Bank Information System software. The training, held on 23 and 24 June, marks a significant step forward in Saint Lucia’s efforts to modernize land management and expand access to agricultural land across the island.

While the land bank approach is not new to Saint Lucia, this initiative represents a major advancement in the country’s digital infrastructure for land governance. The system is designed to centralize and streamline land-related data—particularly parcels suitable for agricultural production—while improving transparency, automating core functions, addressing informal land use challenges and supporting sustainable land allocation strategies. Key personnel from across government departments—including the Crown Lands Section, Engineering, Physical Development and Urban Renewal, and the Soils and Agronomy Unit—participated in the comprehensive training sessions.

“Our recent training sessions were instrumental in equipping participants with the practical skills necessary to harness the full potential of the National Land Bank Information System,” said Stephen Alleyne, FAO Training Facilitator. “With the successful delivery of both the training and the software, it is now in the hands of government entities to fully utilize and optimize their performance. The enthusiastic engagement from all attendees underscores the collective commitment to leveraging this technology for improved land management.”

Echoing this sentiment, David Desir, Commissioner of Crown Lands, emphasized the system’s broader impact:

“The system is a vital tool that will empower our people by providing greater clarity and assurance regarding land access and management. It is poised to significantly enhance our ability to effectively manage lease agreements, track payments and foster increased agricultural engagement—especially among our youth. This system represents a crucial step towards more organized and equitable land utilization across Saint Lucia.”

Solovov Alexander, Presenter, highlighted the system’s technical capabilities:

“The Saint Lucia National Land Bank Information System is designed for comprehensive land and lease management, offering robust functionalities—from application processing and parcel tracking to automated invoicing and payment recording. Its architecture supports a streamlined workflow, enabling efficient data collection and the generation of essential reports. The system’s flexibility also allows for future enhancements and integrations to meet evolving land administration needs.”

The Department of Crown Lands is currently piloting the system. Upon full rollout, its implementation is expected to: improve efficiency in identifying and allocating land for agricultural development; enhance data management and accessibility for land-related information; support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable land use and agricultural planning; and promote a more transparent and equitable process for land allocation.