Food insecurity on the rise in the Caribbean, according to World Food Programme

Nearly 3.2 million residents across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean are experiencing food insecurity.

This is based on the latest Food Security and Livelihoods Survey conducted jointly by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The report highlights that by 2025, approximately 30 percent of the Caribbean population reported consuming less food than usual, a figure consistent with the upward trend observed over the past four years. This rise is largely attributed to escalating food prices driven by global geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions.

The Caribbean region faces unique challenges in ensuring food security, stemming from its geographic isolation, limited local resources, and heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts. According to the WFP, these factors collectively hinder the ability of many nations to produce sufficient food locally, making them heavily reliant on imports.

Brian Bogart, WFP’s Representative and Country Director for the Caribbean, emphasized the region’s vulnerability: “The Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards and supply chain disruptions, which can cause rapid increases in food prices. It’s deeply concerning that many people are struggling to afford the food they need. Strengthening and diversifying supply chains and trade routes across the region is essential. These efforts will help make food more accessible and affordable, while supporting faster recovery in times of crisis.”

The report underscores that rising food costs are a significant concern, with inflation in food prices consistently outpacing general inflation rates. An alarming 94 percent of survey respondents reported increased food expenses in recent months. Additionally, about one-third of households have faced income reductions or job losses, further straining their capacity to access adequate nutrition.

Local agricultural production is also under pressure from soaring operational costs. Farmers report substantial increases in prices for essential inputs: 85 percent have seen higher costs for animal feed, tools, and machinery; 81 percent face increased fertilizer prices; and 73 percent are affected by rising seed costs. These challenges are particularly acute given the region’s heavy dependence on imported agricultural supplies.

Ambassador David Prendergast, CARICOM’s Director of Sectoral Programmes, highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches in addressing food security: “As we commence our successor programme 25 by 2025+5, we must stress the importance of data to inform our strategic interventions in achieving greater food and nutrition security.”

The report emphasizes that investments in adaptive social protection systems and emergency preparedness are vital to mitigate the impacts of future shocks that threaten food access. Establishing resilient social safety nets can protect vulnerable populations during crises, but their effectiveness depends heavily on accurate and timely data. To this end, a recent launch of a real-time food security monitoring system by CARICOM and WFP aims to identify emerging needs early and facilitate prompt decision-making.

This comprehensive survey is made possible through support from the Government of Canada and the European Union. It forms part of a broader partnership between CARICOM and WFP dedicated to understanding, monitoring, and combating food insecurity across the Caribbean’s English- and Dutch-speaking nations.