C’bean pushes for scaled-up agricultural irrigation investment at investment forum

A team of Caribbean ministers and high-level delegates made a compelling appeal for increased investment in food and agriculture during the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum 2025 held in Rome, Italy from October 14 to 16.

The delegation comprising of Floyd Greene, Minister of Agriculture of Jamaica; Michael James, Chief Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados; and Mr Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agriculture and Agro-Industries, CARICOM Secretariat, engaged in a series of high-level discussions with four of the world’s most influential development banks. The critical topics of irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture topped the agenda, recognised as vital to boosting regional food production, reducing import dependence, and creating sustainable employment.

The Caribbean team held talks with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank, securing commitments to explore financing opportunities. CAF, having financed over US$200 billion in projects across the region, described the Caribbean as a “strategic priority”. The bank offered technical assistance and pre-feasibility grants of up to US$1 million to help countries develop bankable projects. Meanwhile, CDB, the region’s own development bank, reaffirmed Jamaica’s position as its largest shareholder and beneficiary, expressing readiness to extend highly concessional loans with long repayment terms and low interest rates.

The investments in irrigation projects will support the beneficiaries to cope with climate change effects by using digitalised irrigation systems to promote sustainable agriculture, to improve agricultural productivity through year-round access to sustainable water for irrigation, to improve water management practices, and to strengthen capacities for irrigation and crop cultivation, while managing irrigation more efficiently, leading to significant water savings and reducing environmental impacts. These investments also align with CARICOM’s 25 x 2030 goal to reduce food imports by 25 per cent by 2030, which will be supported by increasing local agricultural production in each country across the region.

These projects collectively represent a regional investment of US$19.2 million and are expected to provide irrigation water to 764 hectares, directly benefiting 635 agricultural families and approximately benefiting 4 000 people indirectly. This regional initiative will enable farmers to increase yields, extend production cycles throughout the year (by facilitating irrigation during dry seasons), and expand irrigated areas. Additionally, it will enhance climate resilience, promote water conservation, and improve irrigation efficiency.

This initiative proposes irrigation projects in each of the participating countries. The Barbados project will construct an irrigation pond at the Spring Hall/Chance Hall watersheds, located on the island’s north coast. In Jamaica, the project aims to develop an irrigation network utilising surface water from the White River in the Lucky Hill Pen area, in the island’s northeast. Meanwhile, the project in St Vincent and the Grenadines involves rehabilitating most of the irrigation infrastructure in the Rabacca region along the eastern coast of St Vincent Island.

In underlining the importance of securing financing opportunities for irrigation, Minister Greene stated, “Our reality is shaped by water scarcity, climate uncertainty and the urgent need to build resilient food systems. Irrigation is the backbone of agricultural transformation.”

During his presentation, James underscored, “We must increase what we produce locally. The only way we can do that is by using irrigation and not doing otherwise.”

The IDB presented a suite of support options, from large-scale public loans to private-sector investments through IDB Invest, and innovation pilots under IDB Lab. The One Caribbean Initiative was highlighted as a key platform for launching new regional projects. The World Bank, meanwhile, introduced its AgriConnect Programme, aimed at doubling agribusiness investments in small island states. Jamaica underscored its Hand-in-Hand Investment Note as a national priority, opening the door for World Bank backing.

Private-sector partners such as RAESA and IrrigOptimal also demonstrated cutting-edge irrigation technologies. Yet, the most significant outcome of the week was the growing momentum among the three Caribbean governments and the major development banks. The next step involves Jamaica, Barbados, and St Vincent and the Grenadines selecting which of the development banks will receive their Investment Notes.

These engagements mark an important step forward in mobilising the financing needed to build a more resilient, self-sufficient, and food-secure Caribbean.

(PR)