FAO working to advance food security in SVG and the Region

by Eldonte Samuel

IN RECENTYEARS, food security in the Caribbean has faced significant challenges, primarily due to adverse climatic events, an increasing spread of pests and diseases, and the scarcity of land and water resources in certain areas. These factors have resulted in considerable economic loss for farmers and other stakeholders.

DR COLLEEN PHILLIPS – Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) National Correspondent in St Vincent

During the launch of this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), this month, Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Ceasar, asserted that the nation was on the brink of food insecurity, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024.

Under the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future: Leave No One Behind,” World Food Day 2024, was observed on October 16,during the 18th edition of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). It may have illustrated a particularly dire circumstance had SVG indeed found itself in a state of food insecurity.

“One of the thematics we want to look at is precisely protected agriculture, looking at vertical agriculture more than anything else, within schools.” stated Dr Colleen Phillips, the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) National Correspondent in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Dr Phillips, who was at the agriculture expo held at the Kingstown Cruise Ship Terminal from October 7-11, 2024, elaborated that the FAO has been actively collaborating with SVG’s agricultural sector. This partnership includes a disaster risk management programme, wherein eight individuals received training in drone operations, alongside another 12 who were taught to assess data gathered by the drones. “After Beryl, we employed the drones to quickly assess the extent of the damage,” she told SEARCHLIGHT.

She emphasised the seriousness of educating young individuals about agriculture starting from the level of the preschool.

“It is important that they understand that [agriculture] doesn’t have to be a hoe and hot sun.We are looking at featuring hydroponics [and] aquaponics, where we can grow food in shaded areas, in a small space, “ she pointed out.

“It is that concept we need to push so that people would utilise the little spaces in their backyard and grow food,” asserted Dr Phillips, who conveyed that imparting this knowledge to children at an early age would foster a lasting cultural appreciation for agriculture.

She recounted her experience teaching her son to cultivate tomatoes from the age of three, stating, “He learned to grow, wash, and consume the tomatoes—he looks forward to it. He is now nine years old, and it is impossible to offer him food without vegetables. He understands how it comes and he respects food”.

The focus of the 2024 CWA was around the concept of ‘Climate-smart agriculture,’ which aims to enhance agricultural production amidst the challenges posed by climate change, through the use of modern techniques.

Dr. Phillips expressed optimism regarding the adoption of hydroponics and aquaponics, both of which are innovative methodologies that utilise water instead of soil for cultivation. Hydroponics may use water, gravel, or sand as substitutes, with plants receiving essential nutrients through fertilizers dissolved in water. On the other hand, aquaponics operates on a renewable cycle where plants get nutrients from fish by-products while simultaneously purifying the water.

The FAO representative shared several fact sheets outlining measures individuals can implement to safeguard their agricultural systems and mitigate the destructive consequences of hurricanes. Furthermore, the FAO has formed partnerships with countries frequently impacted by climate change to implement Renewable Energy Technology Solutions (RETS), including SVG.

Dr Phillips also said initiatives through FAO, are underway to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Caribbean. An August 2022 FAO report indicates that IUU fish constitutes between 20 to 30 per cent of all fish landings in the region, valued at approximately $750 million annually.

The FAO, in partnership with the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), remains hopeful that through the implementation of various policies and collaborative efforts at the regional and international levels, they can substantially reduce the occurrence of IUU fishing throughout the Caribbean.