Agriculture specialists are raising urgent concerns about Antigua and Barbuda's food security, warning that a prolonged El Niño-driven drought — compounded by rising fertiliser costs and scarce water resources — could push the nation's already elevated food import bill even higher before year's end.
According to Antigua Observer, experts interviewed on the issue are sounding the alarm over the confluence of challenges now facing the local agricultural sector. The warning comes as the twin-island nation continues to grapple with the effects of an extended dry period linked to the El Niño weather pattern.
Rising fertiliser prices have added further strain on local farmers already struggling to maintain viable crop production under drought conditions. Limited water resources are compounding the crisis, making irrigation increasingly difficult and threatening yields across the agricultural sector.
As reported by Antigua Observer, a media consultant was among those who spoke to the publication about the growing risks to food security. Officials and specialists are pointing to the potential for the country's food import dependency to worsen significantly if conditions do not improve.
Antigua and Barbuda has historically relied on food imports to meet a substantial portion of its domestic consumption needs. Any increase in that dependency carries direct economic consequences for households and the broader national economy.
The warnings serve as a call to action for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and the public to address both immediate and long-term vulnerabilities in the nation's food supply chain.
