Following a recent survey by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 2.8 million or nearly 40 per cent of the English speaking Caribbean is suffering with food insecurity. When comparing the results of the recent survey to the results of the last survey in 2020, food insecurity in the region has increased by 72 per cent.

Furthermore, the rise in food insecurity may be considered as one of the lasting impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with a significant decrease in food consumption and a substantial increase in poor eating habits. This may also be as a direct result of high food prices and the current war in Ukraine.

According Shaun Baugh, Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Development Programme Manager at the CARICOM Secretariat, “Having the opportunity to assess how the pandemic has impacted the livelihoods and food security of more than 20,000 respondents across the past two years has provided the CARICOM Secretariat with invaluable data that is being used to inform regional priorities in the short and long term.”

While food insecurity may be alarming, CARICOM and WFP continue to play their parts and plead with governments to be proactive in finding sustainable solutions for families. This would be important in improving the resilience of food systems within the region.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that the pressure of food insecurity is real. However, with proper strategies and better access to food, the Caribbean region can combat yet another crisis.