22 June 2016: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has published a report titled, ‘Drought Characteristics and Management in the Caribbean,’ which estimates that between 1970 and 2000, the Caribbean region suffered direct and indirect losses of between US$700 million and US$3.3 billion due to natural disasters associated with weather and climate events.
The report reviews the latest evidence on the impact of drought on agriculture, and water and food security, as well as the steps being taken to plan for and manage drought in the region.
While the Caribbean has always experienced intense dry seasons, particularly in years when El Niño climate events are present, the report notes that droughts are becoming more seasonal in nature, with drought-like events occurring every year. It describes the likely impact on small-scale, family farmers, who primarily grow rain-fed crops, noting that low water levels are leading to increased production costs and rising food prices due to the need to invest in irrigation.
The report states that the Caribbean region currently accounts for seven of the world’s top 36 water-stressed countries, with further pressure on fresh water supplies likely as irrigation use becomes more widespread in the region. Among other anticipated repercussions, the report highlights increased vulnerability for livestock as grazing areas change in nutritional value, with more low quality, drought tolerant species dominating during such dry spells, as well as the increased likelihood of livestock disease outbreaks.
Drawing on the experience of the severe drought in 2009-2010, the report observes the need to introduce more strategic planning and management measures to avert the potential disaster that could result by the end of the century from a drier Caribbean region. The publication notes that while there are many plans in place, most have been poorly implemented or are in need of review. The report also emphasizes the need for strong political will and the full participation of diverse actors in policy and planning processes to build resilience against the impacts of drought. [UN Press Release] [Publication: Drought Characteristics and Management in the Caribbean]