CDB calls for urgent investment in irrigation to boost Caribbean food security

Published on October 27, 2025

The Caribbean Development Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food and income security across the region through sustainable irrigation investments.

Speaking at the closing of the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum at the recent 2025 World Food Forum, the Bank’s Vice President (Operations), Dr. Isaac Solomon, emphasised the urgent need for climate-resilient water infrastructure to support smallholder farmers and strengthen national food systems.

“Reliable irrigation – as evidenced from irrigation projects we have supported in several countries – can double or triple agricultural productivity,” said Vice President Solomon.

“It enables crop diversification and year-round production, allowing farmers to move beyond rain-fed subsistence crops to higher-value fruits and vegetables.”

Dr. Solomon highlighted findings from a joint CDB - Food and Agriculture Organization study which revealed that droughts are increasing in frequency and intensity across the Caribbean, threatening rural livelihoods and food security.

With less than 4% of arable land in the region currently irrigated, the Bank is advocating for greater concessional and grant financing to support infrastructure development.

CDB also announced its work on a regional knowledge platform to provide farmers with mobile access to location-specific best practices and called for integrated water resources management to ensure sustainability and equitable access.