Climate Change and its Impact on Tobago's Food Security

Thousands showed up for Tobago’s annual World Food Day (WFD) two-day exhibition observed on October 19th-20th, 2016, held at the Dwight Yorke Stadium Parade Ground, has become a staple on the Tobago calendar. Celebrated under the themed “Climate is Changing, Food and Agriculture Must Too”, the event highlighted the importance of farmers and their role in achieving food security. It also provided a platform for entrepreneurs, academic and research institutions to showcase their products and ongoing research.

Tobago House of Assembly officials cut the ribbon to open the 2016 World Food Day Exhibition at the Parade Grounds, Bacolet. From left -Secretary of Finance and Enterprise Development, Joel Jack; Chief Secretary Orville London, Secretary of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment (DAMME), Godwin Adams; and Assistant Secretary, DAMME, Hayden Spencer. (Photo courtesy Elon A. Mc Curdy)

School children  showing their plants

According to the Food and Agriculture (FAO) in its WFD message, "one of the biggest issues related to climate change is food security." Many of the world’s poorest whom are farmers, fishers and pastoralists are the ones being affected the hardest by higher temperatures and an increasing frequency in weather-related disasters. The FAO also noted that "the global population is growing steadily and is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050." In an effort to meet such a heavy demand, there is great need for agriculture and food systems to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and become more resilient, productive and sustainable.  

Shirely Mapp a farmer from the Belle Gardens

District at the exhibition who stated that she has less food this year because of changes in the climate in Tobago and the old cut and burn is no longer working. Also, the limited water in Tobago has affected crops tremendously and even though some farmers are planting near the river the water level has decrease. In an effort to adapt to the change she has introduced the drop system and is building more shade houses. Ms. Mapp noted that there has been meetings in the District to educate farmers of the effects of climate change.

Shade house built from bamboo at the exhibition

As seen in the photo left, farmers have to find sustainable ways for growing food in a means of adopting practices that produce more with less in the same area of land and use natural resources wisely. This means reducing food losses before the final product or retail stage through a number of initiatives including better harvesting, storage, packing, transport, infrastructure, market mechanisms, as well as institutional and legal frameworks.

Another farmer interviewed, Mr. Roland Murray noted that pest has been affecting his crop and that this a sign of the times. He further noted that the genetic seeds on the markets can be a contributing factor. According to Murray, insects have destroyed over 2 (two) hectares of corn because he didn't spray it. Overtime he realised that the pest were resisting the chemicals and that Round Up is no longer as effective as previous years.

By strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers, countries can guarantee food security for the planet’s increasingly hungry global population also reduce emissions. In its WFD message, the FAO called on countries to address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development. The event was hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment (DAMME) attracted a wide demographic of people, including school children who learn about Tobago’s natural resources.