By Saskia Warrick
The Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey, conducted jointly by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and CARICOM, has highlighted a critical need for international support to accelerate progress towards Zero Hunger and build sustainable food systems in the region.
The survey’s findings indicate that 43 percent of the population—approximately three million people across 22 countries and territories—are currently food insecure.
This figure remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, global economic volatility, and lingering impacts of the pandemic.
With the Atlantic hurricane season set to begin on June 1, the threat of natural hazards further endangers food security for those living in the Caribbean.
In response, CARICOM and the WFP are calling for substantial investments in disaster management to foster resilient food systems.
Regis Chapman, the WFP Representative and Country Director for the Caribbean Multi-Country Office, emphasized the urgent need for impactful investments in various sectors.
“In the face of persistent food insecurity, impactful investments in agriculture, finance, and social protection are urgently needed. Robust investments in disaster management are critical to fostering resilient food systems. Every individual in this region deserves consistent access to nutritious and affordable food for their families,” Chapman stated.
While levels of food insecurity have seen a decline over the last two years, dropping from 4.1 million in 2022 to three million in 2024, farmers continue to struggle with inflation.
Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the importance of continued investment in regional food systems.
“Continued investment in our regional food systems as SIDS is critical if we are to transform the regional food security position into one that creates equitable wealth and economic prosperity. The collective efforts of the region must address food production, distribution, food transportation, movement of capital, reform of sanitary and phytosanitary challenges, improving the use of technology, and promoting investment to position the region to becoming more food secure,” Cox asserted.
These investments are expected to place the most vulnerable populations at the forefront, aiming to strengthen resilience at the individual, community, and systemic levels.
The call for action comes ahead of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which will take place from May 27 to 30 in Antigua and Barbuda.