Dayton Campbell | Call to action to combat food insecurity

A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) paints a stark picture of food insecurity in Jamaica. The findings are sobering: over half of the population — 55.1 per cent — faced moderate or severe food insecurity between 2021 and 2023. This puts Jamaica among the Caribbean nations with the highest prevalence of food insecurity. Equally concerning is the revelation that more than one-fifth of Jamaicans could not afford a healthy diet in 2022.

Food insecurity, as defined by the FAO, is more than just hunger. It represents restricted access to food due to financial or resource limitations, disrupting eating habits and compromising nutrition and well-being. This is not merely a statistic. It reflects the daily struggles of countless Jamaicans who are making impossible choices between food, healthcare, and other necessities.

ROOT CAUSES

Jamaica’s high dependency on imported food, volatile global markets, and the impact of climate change have exacerbated this crisis. According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), the country imported over US$1 billion in food annually before the pandemic, leaving us vulnerable to price shocks and supply-chain disruptions. Meanwhile, local farmers face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, high production costs, and limited access to credit.

Compounding the issue is the rising cost of living. Inflation has driven up the prices of basic commodities, pushing healthy diets out of reach for many families. The situation demands urgent and comprehensive action, not platitudes or short-term fixes.

VISION FOR FOOD SECURITY

To combat food insecurity, a strategic, multifaceted approach that addresses immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable food systems needs to be put in place. Here are 10 ways in which this can be achieved:

1. Invest in local agriculture: Jamaica must prioritise local food production by providing farmers with better access to resources such as affordable financing, modern equipment, and improved seeds. Expanding irrigation systems and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture are critical to boosting productivity. Additionally, retaining our most productive soils for agriculture rather than yielding to housing demands will contribute to food security and sustainable land use.

2. Strengthen food distribution networks: Too often, farmers struggle to get their produce to market, leading to food waste and financial losses. Building more farm-to-market roads and investing in cold storage facilities can improve distribution and reduce post-harvest losses.

3. Ensure access to high-quality seeds and seedlings: Research should be conducted to ensure that farmers are given pathogen-free, high-yielding seeds and seedlings to increase yield and productivity on our arable spaces. This will enhance food-production efficiency and long-term sustainability.

4. Diversify crops and promote climate-resilient farming: Climate change poses a significant threat to food security. We must encourage crop diversification and adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as water harvesting and agroforestry, to mitigate these risks.

5. Leverage technology and innovation: Agriculture has changed and continues to change. The world is moving ahead with or without us. Smart farming techniques, mobile applications for market access, and blockchain for suppl- chain management can modernise agriculture and improve efficiency. We have to recognise and employ these technology-driven techniques if we are to achieve the level of growth and development in the sector. Similarly, this is one of the only ways that we will be able to attract young people and new investors. It is imperative that technology and digitalisation be at the forefront in the delivery of technical service and technical information to small farmers and our agro processors if we are to be efficient and competitive

6. Expand school feeding programmes: A well-nourished child is better equipped to learn and thrive. Expanding school-feeding programmes using locally sourced produce can improve nutrition for vulnerable children while creating a stable market for farmers. As such, it requires a rethink public-procurement approach that gives a fair chance for our farmers to be able to supply schools.

7. Support small farmers and agro processors: Small farmers and agro-processors are the backbone of rural economies. Tailored support, including training and market access, will enable them to contribute meaningfully to national food security.

8. Improve post-harvest management and storage: Better post-harvest management and adequate cold storage will ensure stability in supply during peak and trough periods, reducing food waste and price volatility.

9. Review tax policies on healthy foods: It is important to revisit the tax structure on healthy foods to make fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious options more affordable for all Jamaicans. This could be one of the critical pillars in our agricultural investment strategy.

10. Implement policies to mitigate praedial larceny: Over time, praedial larceny has been a deterrent to existing farmers and a disincentive to new entrants. Implementing policies to combat this issue will protect farmers’ livelihoods and encourage investment in agriculture.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The Government cannot do it alone. Food security is a national priority that requires collaboration between policymakers, private-sector stakeholders, non-governmental organisations, and citizens. By working together, we can ensure that no Jamaican goes to bed hungry. We must be committed to this.

This is not just a crisis. It is a call for leadership. It is unacceptable that in a country with fertile land, talented farmers, and a rich agricultural heritage, over half the population struggles with food insecurity. The Government must move beyond rhetoric and implement decisive, evidence-based policies that prioritise the well-being of the people.

Food security is more than an economic issue. I is a matter of national dignity and survival.

Dayton Campell is opposition spokesperson on agriculture. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com