Antigua and Barbuda has secured an approximately US$9 million grant to fund the construction of dams, water catchment ponds, and related water conservation infrastructure across the country — a development the government is calling a transformative step forward for food security.
The grant comes under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Soil and Water Management Programme. Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., announced the award during Thursday's Cabinet meeting.
The funding will support the government's efforts to strengthen domestic food production by improving water access for farmers and reducing the agricultural sector's reliance on expensive desalinated water. The initiative forms a central pillar of the government's broader strategy to build resilience within the agricultural sector, particularly as the country continues to face recurring drought conditions and prolonged dry periods.
Sites have already been identified for the construction of eight dams and two large-scale "super dams" across Antigua. Together, these facilities will form the backbone of a national water storage network designed to capture and retain rainwater for agricultural use. The programme is expected to significantly expand irrigation capacity and provide farmers with a more reliable and affordable water supply, enabling increased productivity and more consistent year-round food production.
Minister Smith noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has already moved to accelerate implementation. In August of last year, the Ministry acquired a dedicated excavator to expand its capacity to construct dams and water catchment systems, expediting the development of strategically located storage facilities throughout the country.
Cabinet recalled that several months ago it designated water management and conservation a national priority and directed that dam and catchment system development become a key component of the country's food security agenda. The new infrastructure is expected to increase water availability for farming, improve drought preparedness, reduce pressure on potable water supplies, and support the expansion of local food production.
Cabinet welcomed the grant award and commended the Ministry of Agriculture for successfully securing the international support, describing the initiative as one with the potential to reshape the future of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.
