Agriculture experts in Antigua and Barbuda are urging the government and relevant agencies to adopt a more proactive and coordinated approach to drought planning, warning that food production remains vulnerable without stronger systems in place.
According to Antigua Observer, specialists are calling for regular multi-stakeholder meetings and improved data collection as essential steps toward safeguarding the country's agricultural sector from the growing threat of drought conditions.
Craig Thomas, the National Specialist for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Antigua and Barbuda, is among those leading the push for reform, advocating for structured dialogue between government agencies, farmers, and regional bodies to better anticipate and respond to drought events.
Experts stress that reactive measures are no longer sufficient given the increasing frequency and severity of dry spells affecting the region. A coordinated framework, they argue, would allow stakeholders to share critical data, align resources, and implement timely interventions before agricultural losses escalate.
Improved data collection, in particular, has been identified as a foundational requirement. Without reliable, up-to-date information on rainfall patterns, soil conditions, and crop performance, experts warn that effective planning remains difficult and that farmers are left exposed to preventable risks.
The call to action reflects broader regional concerns about climate resilience and food security, as Caribbean nations increasingly grapple with the agricultural consequences of shifting weather patterns.
