Prioritise sustainable practices
An essay by Kasheka Grant, grade 10 student of St Mary High School
“THE GREATEST threat to achieving food security is climate change and its impact on agriculture.” – Ban Ki-moon
Jamaica is highly dependent on natural resources, and like its neighbours, vulnerable to natural disasters – such as hurricanes and flooding – and the effects of climate change especially along coastal sectors and livelihood activities. It is an upper middle-income economy that is nevertheless struggling due to low growth, high public debt, and exposure to external shocks. Food production from the agricultural sector currently contributes about seven per cent to the country’s GDP and employs close to 18 per cent of the workforce. Major export commodities include sugar, banana, coffee, and cocoa. Other local produce - primarily vegetables, cassava, poultry, and livestock - is important for the domestic food market. Similarly, the fisheries sectorwhich also contributes to local seafood security - has been an important protein source and is well integrated with tourism livelihoods in some regions. Fisheries also contribute tremendously to foreign earnings. Both fisheries and agriculture account for the majority of rural livelihoods. Jamaica faces very serious threats from hotter temperatures, droughts, and floods linked to climate change, and an existential threat due to sea level rise.
According to National Geographic Society, “Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns” while food security is defined by Oxford Languages as the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, and nutritious food.
The impact on food security in Jamaica as a result of climate change has been tremendous, affecting agricultural productivity and the availability of safe and nutritious food. Some contributing factors are rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, changes in pest and disease patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and rising sea levels.
Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns affect crop growth and reduce productivity. Droughts can cause water shortages, leading to lower agricultural output and decreased food production. The dependence on rain-fed agriculture leaves crops vulnerable to irregular rainfall patterns and continued droughts, which can disrupt farming cycles and lead to crop failure and reduced revenues. This can greatly affect food production and distribution and ultimately result in reduced food availability and increased food prices.
Last year, there was severe drought in the Corporate Area, which resulted in water shortages, and in the rural areas, drought affected growth of crops, and this forced the prices up as more effort and money were spent to bring those crops to fruition.
Climate conditions exert a significant influence over the spreading, life cycle duration, infestation pressure, and the overall occurrence of the majority of agricultural pests and diseases. Climate change alters the distribution and life cycles of pests and diseases, making it more difficult to control them. This can lead to the destruction of crops and livestock, further affecting food production and food security. An article published in The Gleaner on August 15, 2023, highlighted farmers being urged to manage pests amid the hot weather conditions. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority mentioned in the article that “prolonged dry conditions associated with high temperatures currently being experienced in Jamaica have resulted in a noticeable impact on crops and livestock production”. It also made mention of notable increases in the population of pests such as whiteflies, aphids, plant hoppers, as well as mites on several crops. The agency noted that high temperatures trigger the rapid build-up of pest populations as a shorter time is required for the completion of their life cycle. Farmers were provided with recommendations to mitigate against these occurrences.
The country has also experienced an increase in extreme weather events. Hurricanes, for instance, can cause widespread damage to crops, livestock, infrastructure, storage facilities, disrupting food production and distribution systems. Furthermore, the island’s coastal areas are in danger of sea-level rise, which can pollute freshwater sources and salinise farmland, making it less suitable for agricultural uses. Unfortunately, these climate-related challenges have negative implications for food security in Jamaica. A reduction in agricultural productivity eventually leads to higher food prices, which can pose challenges for vulnerable residents and intensify issues related to hunger and malnourishment. Further, the reliance on food imports makes it susceptible to fluctuations in global food prices.
Rising sea levels and storm surges also pose a threat to coastal communities and agricultural lands as coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion can contaminate freshwater sources, rendering them unsuitable for irrigation and leading to the loss of fertile agricultural land.
To address these issues and enhance food security, various measures over time have been undertaken in Jamaica. These include, but are not limited to; promoting climate-smart agriculture techniques such as agroforestry, precision farming, and sustainable land and water-management practices. Additionally, diversifying crops, integrating early warning systems and improving irrigation infrastructure are vital steps in adjusting to the changing climate. Jamaica is also investing in renewable energy sources to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change. The Government is working on strategies and programmes designed to promote sustainable farming practices, supporting small-scale farmers, and improving agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
It is important for us to come on board and assist in prioritising sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in adaptive strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security. Together we can make a difference in ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system for the future.
This is the fourth in a series of winning essays from Highgate Youth Climate Change Expo & Fair organised by Peace Corps Jamaica. Send feedback to jamaica@peacecorps.gov and follow them on Facebook: PeaceCorpsJamaica; X, formerly Twitter: PC_Jamaica; Instagram: peacecorpsjamaica or their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatWPfugeTaZ90flVSXBdRA.