Caribbean Development Bank urges investment in irrigation systems region-wide to support food security

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security and income stability across the region through strategic investments in sustainable irrigation projects. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum during the 2025 World Food Forum, Dr. Isaac Solomon, the Bank’s Vice President of Operations, highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient water infrastructure to support small-scale farmers and strengthen national food systems. The forum, themed ‘Enhancing Food and Income Security Through Sustainable Irrigation Investments in Caribbean Countries,’ brought together government officials, technical experts, and development partners to discuss innovative water management strategies in agriculture. Dr. Solomon emphasized that reliable irrigation systems can significantly boost agricultural productivity, enabling crop diversification and year-round production. He cited findings from a joint study by the CDB and the Food and Agriculture Organization, which revealed that droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in the Caribbean, threatening rural livelihoods and food security. With less than 4% of the region’s arable land currently irrigated, the CDB is advocating for increased concessional and grant funding to expand infrastructure. Dr. Solomon stressed that irrigation projects must be tailored to local conditions, incorporating advanced technologies, water efficiency, and robust governance practices. The Bank also announced plans to develop a regional knowledge platform to provide farmers with mobile access to location-specific best practices. Additionally, the CDB called for integrated water resources management to ensure sustainability and equitable access. In his closing remarks, Dr. Solomon urged Caribbean nations to adopt comprehensive, climate-smart irrigation strategies to mitigate drought impacts and build resilient agricultural systems. As part of its Rebirth Vision, the CDB continues to promote solutions that combine infrastructure development, policy reform, and technological innovation to achieve sustainable progress in food and water security.