Impacts of Vulnerabilities and Climate Change on Sustainable Agriculture for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS)

Abstract

Climate change is a critical environmental issue that poses significant threats to mankind including its effects on sustainable development and food and nutrition security. Agriculture is recognised as the single most effective means to poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. Despite the CSIDS region’s slow economic development from agriculture, it continues to be a major impetus for sustainable development. It is imperative that a diversity of strategies and adaptation measures be taken in addressing the challenges associated with climate change and in particular its specific impacts on the agriculture sector in CSIDS. This chapter highlights and discusses the major vulnerabilities and constraints in achieving sustainable agriculture most commonly faced by CSIDS and present the opportunities and options that can allow for sustainable farming systems and sustainable agriculture. Some strategies and solutions discussed include improving seeds and plant genetic material, irrigation, plant protection, new crops, post-harvest handling and agro-processing, animal production and health, marketing and credit, institutional and human resource development, as well as technical co-operation and information systems. In order for these strategies to be successful, further research and partnerships between CSIDS and the developed world should be encouraged, in order to help attain sustainable agricultural development and improve food security of this particular group of countries.