The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has renewed its commitment to advancing food and income security in the Caribbean through sustainable irrigation investments. At the closing session of the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum during the 2025 World Food Forum, CDB Vice President for Operations, Dr. Isaac Solomon, underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient water infrastructure to bolster smallholder farmers and strengthen national food systems across the region.
The Forum, held under the theme “Enhancing Food and Income Security Through Sustainable Irrigation Investments in Caribbean Countries,” brought together ministers, technical experts, and development partners to explore innovative strategies for water management in agriculture. Dr. Solomon emphasized that reliable irrigation has the potential to double or even triple agricultural productivity, enabling crop diversification and consistent, year-round production that moves farmers beyond dependence on rain-fed crops to higher-value produce such as fruits and vegetables.
Drawing on findings from a joint CDB–Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) study, Dr. Solomon noted that droughts in the Caribbean are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a major threat to rural livelihoods and regional food security. With only about 4% of arable land currently irrigated, the Bank is calling for increased concessional and grant financing to expand irrigation infrastructure and reduce the sector’s vulnerability to climate shocks.
He further stressed that future irrigation projects must be adapted to local conditions and climate projections to ensure sustainability. These initiatives should integrate modern technologies, prioritize water conservation, and strengthen governance and management of water resources. Inclusivity remains a core principle of the Bank’s strategy, with a focus on ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups are actively involved in and benefit from irrigation investments.
As part of its efforts to improve regional coordination, the CDB announced plans for a regional knowledge platform that will provide farmers with mobile access to localized best practices and promote integrated water resources management for sustainable and equitable water use.
Dr. Solomon concluded by urging Caribbean nations to adopt comprehensive, climate-smart approaches to irrigation that use water resources efficiently to mitigate the effects of droughts and build resilient agricultural systems. Through its Rebirth Vision, the CDB continues to advocate for solutions that integrate infrastructure, governance, and technology to achieve lasting improvements in food and water security across the Caribbean.
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