How are irrigation needs and agricultural vulnerability in the Caribbean affected by climate change?

Climate change has been altering the Caribbean’s precipitation patterns, causing some islands to experience more intense rainfall while others suffer from droughts. This variability increases reliance on irrigation, especially in areas where rainfall becomes less predictable or insufficient. Climate change has also increased pollution, watershed degradation, and saline intrusion, affecting crops, increasing risks of food insecurity, and reducing smallholder livelihoods. The vulnerability of rural households is worsening the severity of these challenges, and response capacities are aggravated by increasing intensity of hurricanes and thunderstorms that cause sudden and long-lasting material, human, environmental, social, and financial losses.

What investments the Caribbean Regional Initiative propose?

The Caribbean Regional Initiative, involving three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, Barbados, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, will be presented at the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Rome from October 14-16, 2025. This initiative proposes irrigation projects in each of the participating countries. The Barbados project will construct an irrigation pond at the Spring Hall/Chance Hall watersheds, located on the island’s north coast. In Jamaica, the project aims to develop an irrigation network utilizing surface water from the White River in the Lucky Hill Pen area, in the island’s northeast. Meanwhile, the project in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines involves rehabilitating most of the irrigation infrastructure in the Rabacca region along the eastern coast of Saint Vincent Island. 

How these investments address climate change, support sustainable agriculture, and help meet development targets?

The investments in irrigation projects will support the beneficiaries to cope with climate change effects by using digitalized irrigation systems to promote sustainable agriculture, to improve agricultural productivity through year-round access to sustainable water for irrigation, to improve water management practices, and to strengthen capacities for irrigation and crop cultivation, while managing irrigation more efficiently, leading to significant water savings and reducing environmental impacts. These investments are framed within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly aligned with SDG target 6.4 that aims at achieving sustainable water use in all sectors and reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity. These investments also align with CARICOM’s 25 x 2030 goal to reduce food imports by 25% by 2030, which will be supported by increasing local agricultural production in each country across the region.

What is the total estimated investment for the Caribbean Regional Initiative?

These projects collectively represent a regional investment of USD 19.2 million and are expected to provide irrigation water to 764 hectares, directly benefiting 635 agricultural families and approximately benefiting 4,000 people indirectly. This regional initiative will enable farmers to increase yields, extend production cycles throughout the year (by facilitating irrigation during dry seasons), and expand irrigated areas. Additionally, it will enhance climate resilience, promote water conservation, and improve irrigation efficiency. 

How is the Caribbean Regional Initiative supported by FAO–CARICOM partnership? 

The FAO–CARICOM partnership plays a pivotal role in the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, helping CARICOM Member States strengthen policies, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance disaster preparedness in food systems. Through targeted technical expertise, robust capacity-building programs, and investment facilitation, FAO and CARICOM collaborate to foster climate-smart agriculture, promote inclusive economic growth, and build resilience across the region. By integrating innovation, expanding access to resources, and supporting smallholder farmers, this joint effort aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure Caribbean for generations to come.