Policy responses to GEC impacts on food availability and affordability in the Caribbean community

Abstract

This paper examines the range of global environmental change (GEC) issues that pose potential threats to the Caribbean region, with adverse consequences for food availability and affordability. Although GEC effects are beginning to manifest themselves globally, the region is yet to initiate action with regards to policy options and adaptation responses. This lack of response to date may be attributed to political leaders’ pre-occupation with the current challenges confronting the region-economic decline, increasing debt, loss of livelihoods, increasing incidence of poverty and food insecurity. GEC would only serve to further exacerbate an already dire situation. The paper firstly presents a description of the economies and agricultural systems of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It then examines the multiple stressors to the food systems, including recent GEC events and impacts, changes in food availability and changes in food affordability. Some livelihoods and some population subgroups, which are particularly vulnerable to these GECs, are then highlighted. The discussion concludes by exploring potential policy options and adaptation strategies for the region to counteract added GEC stress, in light of some similar global experiences.