Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean is one of the most food dependent regions in the world. With an annual food import bill estimated at USD 6 billion, much of the data is pointing to the fact that the Region is operating below its potential to feed itself. Low production and productivity, animal and plant pests and diseases, heightened food price inflation, increased frequency and intensity of natural hazards, climate variability and extremes compounded by global conflicts present a clear and continuing threat to the achievement of food and nutrition security in the Region.
The 7th Caribbean Food Security & Livelihoods Survey Regional Report states that as of April 2024 approximately 3 million people out of 7.1 million (43%) in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean are food insecure.
The highest proportion of food insecure households was found amongst those with lower incomes and with
disability/chronic illness. Choosing cheaper unhealthier meals, using savings to put food on the table and going without
meals for extended periods of time are some of the negative coping strategies people have adopted. Ansari Hosein,
Executive Director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) notes that this is
unacceptable for a Region that has an abundance of natural resources, a favourable climate and human capital which
directly supports the production of healthy, wholesome food.
On the occasion of World Food Day 2024, the Institute remains committed to working together to ensure all people have
access to healthy, safe and affordable food. To achieve this, we will continue to leverage our partnerships and pursue
projects and other initiatives that will provide the science based solutions needed to transform and reposition Caribbean
agriculture. For the new Strategic Period, which began in the last quarter of 2024, emphasis is being placed on improving
the productivity and utilization of local commodities, climate proofing and building resilience, harnessing digital
technologies, increasing youth involvement, knowledge generation and information sharing.
At the same time we will continue to advocate for increased investment in agriculture research. As it is only through
innovative solutions, can productivity be boosted and the livelihoods of our producers and processors be safeguarded.
Through collective action, we can build a productive, sustainable and resilient food system that will ensure we achieve
our short term and long term food and nutrition security targets, concluded Hosein.
