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6. Sustainable Agriculture

Overview

• To build sustainable resilience for the livelihoods for women and youth it is critical that sustainable
agricultural practices pervade all elements of crop or animal selection, growing, harvesting and selling.

• Solutions are dependent on a mix of cultural, economic, geographic, historical, political, and social-
structural factors

• The Caribbean will be impacted by a progressively drier and warmer climate
This will reduce crop productivity and increase instances of crop failure. Similarly, increased rainfall
and storms and rising sea levels are affecting soil erosion and suitability, increasing susceptibility of

crops to disease and pests. Climate variability is making it difficult for farmers to plan and discouraging
participation in agriculture. See SAC Sustainable Agriculture Report for specific details per country.

• Women and youth will be disproportionately affected
This is due to their un-equal assets and informal roles and rules that favour men. These include small

plots more vulnerable to flooding and limited information and finance for investment in resilient crops
and practices

• Sustainable agriculture practices have the potential to positively impact incomes
But only with the right engagement with women and youth to address critical needs such as time
saving, family health, food and personal security. Sustainable practices can also re-ignite interest in

agriculture, particularly from youth.

Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project

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