Transforming food security: Regional imperative for the Caribbean
IN RECENT days, the Caribbean region has taken a monumental step towards addressing one of its most pressing challenges, ensuring food and security for its people. The launch of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 38th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC38) in Guyana serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the entire region. As the FAO representative in Jamaica, I am compelled to underscore the importance of regional collaboration in combating food insecurity against the backdrop of the unique challenges faced by the Caribbean.
The Caribbean, despite making significant strides in reducing hunger on a regional scale, stands at a critical juncture. The recent increase in the number of undernourished individuals from 14.7 per cent to 16.3 per cent in 2022 serves as a stark reminder that the journey towards food security is far from over. This shift in the narrative calls for a renewed commitment to transformative actions at the regional level.
The FAO Regional Conference, scheduled for March 18-21 in Guyana, provides a strategic platform for Caribbean nations to come together, share experiences, and chart a collective path forward. The conference’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture, resilience building, and regional cooperation aligns seamlessly with the needs of the Caribbean. It is an opportunity for heads of state, ministers, and authorities from 33 countries to engage in dialogue and shape policies that will drive tangible change.
Jamaica, like its Caribbean counterparts, faces unique vulnerabilities, limited arable agricultural land, exposure to extreme weather events, and specific food security and nutrition challenges. These vulnerabilities underscore the urgency of regional collaboration. The FAO Regional Conference is not merely a meeting; it is a catalyst for coordinated efforts that can unlock the potential for sustainable agriculture and food security in the Caribbean.
CONCRETE RESULTS
The Guyanese Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha’s call for concrete results and a committed programme for the region resonates deeply. As we engage in dialogue, it is crucial to translate commitments into actionable initiatives that will make a meaningful impact on the ground. The Caribbean cannot afford to merely acknowledge the challenges; it must collectively address and overcome them.
Minister of foreign affairs in Guyana, Hugh Todd, at the event launch, rightly emphasised the need to prioritise the transformation of agri-food systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. The upcoming conference i n Guyana offers a platform to do just that, to harmonise efforts, share best practices, and lay the foundation for sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
As we gather in Guyana, it is imperative to recognise the collaborative efforts already under way in the region. Initiatives like the CARICOM 25 by 2025, the Central American Dry Corridor projects, and CELAC’s Food and Nutrition Security Plan 2024-2030 are examples of progress. However, the FAO regional conference provides an opportunity to elevate these efforts, fostering deeper collaboration and ensuring that no one is left behind.
This regional conference is not just a meeting of minds; it is a call to action. It is a recognition of the shared destiny of Latin America and Caribbean nations and the understanding that, in unity, lies the strength to combat food insecurity. We are working to ensure that this conference will mark a turning point for the Caribbean, a moment where regional collaboration transforms from rhetoric to reality, creating a resilient and food-secure future for all.