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Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in the region, affecting the livelihoods of 3.7 million people, some 52 percent of the English-speaking Caribbean. The consequences of food insecurity are well-documented in terms of hunger and malnutrition, however, its impact on other aspects of society is often overlooked. This concern was brought to the forefront during the Central Bank of Barbados’ Caribbean Economic Forum, “Addressing Food Security in the Caribbean.”
During the discussion, panellists Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director, World Food Programme Caribbean Multi-Country Office; Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary-General, Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, CARICOM Secretariat; and Michael McLaughlin, Co-Founder and Volunteer Secretary-Treasurer, Trees That Feed Foundation spoke to the fact that food insecurity hampers efforts to eat healthy, having negative implications for the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
“People are struggling to put a nutritious meal on their table three times a day, every day,” disclosed Chapman, citing a May 2023 survey his organisation conducted in conjunction with CARICOM. “Around 97 percent of people have flagged that food prices have increased… Prices have been going up and people are feeling that. To make ends meet, around three quarters of respondents are using their savings.”
The limited access to affordable, nutritious foods often results in individuals and families relying heavily on highly processed, calorie-dense foods that are often cheaper and more readily available. These foods are frequently high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, leading to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other diet-related health problems.
Cox supported this view, saying that “given the inflationary impulses that have been impacting the region and the people, you will find that we will have not just food security challenges but nutritional security challenges.” As families are forced to “cut and contrive” to address the increased cost of fruits and vegetables, the lack of variety in diets leads to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
According to a 2020 Global Nutrition Report, Barbados still experiences an undernutrition burden among its under-five population. Various deficiencies and compromised immune systems result from the consumption of a narrow range of foods.
For many, living with food insecurity creates a chronic state of stress and anxiety, affecting not only their physical but also their mental health. Uncertainty about where the next meal will come from or how to afford nutritious food for their families can lead to emotional distress, especially for single mothers. This pattern perpetuates a cycle of poor nutrition, adversely impacting both physical and mental well-being. BioMedCentral reveals that “Food insecurity is associated with a 257 percent higher risk of anxiety and a 253 percent higher risk of depression.”
Beyond the physical and mental health effects is the very real possibility of reduced educational attainment in the long-term as people face the decision between buying a bag of groceries or a bag of books for school.
Chapman revealed that “58 percent [of respondents] are reducing expenditure on health and education. So, those people who are able to stay food secure or even just be moderately insecure are doing so at the expense of their future.”
Continued financial constraints make the pursuit of higher education financially unfeasible for many individuals as students may struggle to afford tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, and other educational expenses. Limited resources force families to divert funds to pay for basic needs rather than invest in education.
This can also be true at the national level. In countries like Barbados where healthcare is heavily subsidised. High incidences of non-communicable diseases, which can often be the result of food insecurity, leave governments with less resources to spend on other sectors such as education.
To address the issue of food insecurity and ensure access to nutritious food options, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Investing in sustainable agricultural practices, including supporting local farmers and promoting organic farming techniques increases the availability of fresh, locally grown produce and reduces our dependence on imports. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), under the Mexico-CARICOM-FAO Initiative Cooperation for Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change in the Caribbean (Resilient Caribbean Initiative), is currently implementing a Water Energy Food (WEF) Nexus subproject in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The WEF Nexus project will assist farmers in increasing their crop yields and enable them to earn more income while improving their quality of life.
Developing efficient distribution networks to ensure equitable access to nutritious food reduces food waste and increases the likelihood of fresh produce reaching communities in a timely manner. The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) seeks to facilitate dialogue among its member states, striving to enhance regional trade relations through initiatives such as the 15th Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean held in May of 2023. The ACS has promoted trade facilitation, the removal of barriers, and the harmonisation of regulations to develop a well-functioning transportation network. Its work to improve the maritime and air transport infrastructure and promote the development of sustainable transportation systems is paramount to moving the region forward.
By combining these efforts and more the region can work towards a future where everyone have access to an adequate and nutritious food supply, enabling them to thrive and pursue holistic lives without the burden of food insecurity.
Watch the July Caribbean Economic Forum: