Envisioning Food Security in 2030 The Case of the Caribbean

Food security will be a critical factor in avoiding human deprivation in 2030 in the Caribbean region. A rising world population will generate increased food demand by approximately 50 percent. At the same time, supply constraints are emerging that threaten to dampen productivity and increase real food prices. Climate change is likely to increase agricultural yield variability, while changing dietary preferences due to rising income will shift demand patterns for certain commodities that are particularly energy and water intensive. Rising food safety concerns creates the need for better grading, certification, and inspection services, all of which add to costs and increase the complexity of the supply chain. The Caribbean states with few exceptions are mostly net food importers and face a host of challenges to maintain or improve food security over the coming years. This article highlights how new transformative technologies will likely impact agriculture and argues the need for Caribbean states to adapt ...