In a significant step toward bolstering food security in the region, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in partnership with the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP), launched the Caribbean Real-Time Food Security Monitoring Dashboard, on Thursday, April 17.
CARICOM SG, Dr Carla Barnett
The digital platform offers live updates on food security conditions across 11 Caribbean nations: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Data is being gathered using a random digit dialling (RDD) method to reach consumers. The surveys focus on collecting information related to demographics, food security, livelihoods, coping strategies, local market conditions, and the primary concerns of respondents.
This methodology enables a robust dataset, offering valuable insights across diverse linguistic and cultural groups.
The dashboard also tracks additional indicators relevant to food security, including weather patterns, hazard risks, population trends, and the broader macroeconomic context.
This will contribute to more informed national planning and more strategic engagement with international development agencies. Governments will be better positioned to identify opportunities for programmes and measures to enhance food security and develop more resilient food systems.
Delivering remarks at the launch event was CARICOM Secretary General (SG) Dr Carla Barnett who highlighted the integral role the innovative dash board will play in improving the regions food security.
“The Caribbean Real-Time Food Security Monitoring Dashboard is more than just a tool; it is a symbol of resilience and determination to foster a food-secure future for the Community. While the platform monitors food security, we remain committed to the broader goal of achieving food and nutrition security for the Region. I look forward to seeing the invaluable insights from the Dashboard, as we work to strengthen our agri-food systems and advance the well-being of CARICOM citizens,” the SG declared.
WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office Representative and Country Director, Mr Brian Bogart, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment towards helping the region achieve its food security targets.
“WFP remains deeply committed to supporting the Caribbean in its efforts to improve food security. This Dashboard reflects our continued collaboration with CARICOM and national Governments, and it reinforces our commitment to building resilient food systems and advancing the goal of zero hunger in the region.”
Mr Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, encouraged the regional public’s participation in the data collection exercise and the dissemination of information on the Dashboard.
In 2024, the Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods survey found that 43 per cent of people were facing food insecurity.
Climate-related events, global economic shifts and supply chain disruptions have negatively impacted the cost of and access to food in recent years.
The information gathered from the dashboard will allow Governments and institutional decision-makers to quickly identify changes in the food security situation and make more informed and timely decisions to support those most in need.
With the increasing threat of natural hazards to the region, the dashboard’s data can be integrated with risk and hazard monitoring systems. This will strengthen anticipatory action and emergency preparedness efforts, ensuring timely support to vulnerable groups.
The Dashboard will provide quick access to food security data to facilitate trend analysis. Over time, as more robust data becomes available, quarterly factsheets will be produced to summarise the information for quick access. The dashboard is made possible through support from the Government of Canada and European Union (EU).
