The Food and Agriculture Organization explained that an increase in the intensity and frequency of droughts in the Caribbean is expected due to climate change. Therefore, countries must improve their ability to cope with this and other problems related to climate, to ensure food and security for the population.
The Caribbean faces significant challenges in terms of drought, according to a new study by the organization. This is particularly worrying because most agriculture in the Caribbean is rainfed and the region already suffers annual droughts that impact agriculture, water resources, and cause a significant number of forest fires.
Droughts can affect the agricultural sector in various ways, by reducing crop yields and productivity, or causing the premature death of livestock and poultry.
The FAO defines Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts and Nevis as water-scarce countries.
However, according to Deep Ford, FAO Regional Coordinator in the Caribbean,
these problems can be overcome by a strong political will that encourages the participation of all stakeholders in policy and planning processes, enabling sustainable development of water supplies to face the challenges ahead.”