Food Security in Dominica

Local Farmers in a Rural Farm in Dominica are harvesting Cabbage

Food security in Dominica has emerged as a national priority in the wake of increased climate vulnerability, global supply chain disruptions, and a renewed focus on sustainable development. As a small island developing state (SIDS), Dominica’s food systems are highly sensitive to external shocks. Ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food is now closely tied to the country’s efforts to build resilience and support local livelihoods.

Historical and Geographic Context

Dominica’s volcanic landscape and abundant rainfall offer excellent conditions for agriculture. Historically, the country has relied heavily on agriculture both for domestic consumption and export. However, over the past few decades, the decline of the banana industry and increasing import dependence have made food security a growing concern.

Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and Hurricane Maria (2017) devastated much of the island’s agricultural sector, exposing weaknesses in production systems, rural infrastructure, and national reserves. In response, the government, with support from regional and international agencies, began adopting a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports.

National Policy and Institutional Support

Food security is addressed through multiple government initiatives, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. The ministry’s programs are aligned with Dominica’s National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS) and the CARICOM Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

Key objectives include:

Expanding domestic food production
Improving post-harvest handling and storage
Supporting youth and women in agriculture
Strengthening food safety standards
Promoting sustainable land use and agro-ecological practices

Dominica’s commitment to becoming the first climate-resilient nation in the world is also reflected in how food systems are being restructured to withstand environmental shocks.

Current Challenges to Food Security

Several key challenges hinder Dominica’s progress toward full food security:

Import Dependence: The country imports over 80% of its food, particularly staples like rice, wheat, poultry, and processed goods.
Youth Disinterest in Farming: Agriculture has lost appeal among younger Dominicans, leading to labour shortages and aging farmer populations.
Land Tenure and Access: Fragmented land ownership and lack of clear land titles have slowed commercial and cooperative farming.
Limited Infrastructure: Many rural roads, feeder systems, and irrigation facilities remain inadequate, especially post-hurricane.
Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Flooding, droughts, and strong winds damage crops, erode soil, and disrupt seasonal planting.

Agricultural Interventions and Reforms

To combat these issues, Dominica has rolled out targeted interventions through a range of government and donor-supported projects:

Backyard and School Gardens: Programs promoting household and institutional gardens aim to increase household food autonomy and improve children’s dietary habits.
Support to Farmers: The government provides seedlings, fertilizer subsidies, and equipment grants to small farmers. In 2021, the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project, supported by the World Bank, distributed tools and materials to hundreds of farmers recovering from Hurricane Maria.
Agro-processing and Market Access: Processing facilities for dasheen, bay leaf, and other local crops are being upgraded to add value and extend shelf life. Cooperatives and community-based enterprises are also being supported.
Climate-smart Agriculture: Dominica is investing in practices like water harvesting, drought-resistant crops, and organic farming to adapt to unpredictable weather. Farmers are being trained in contour planting, intercropping, and pest management.
Urban Agriculture: In recent years, Dominica has encouraged agriculture in urban and peri-urban zones such as Canefield, Goodwill, and Picard, using containers and vertical systems to grow vegetables.

Fisheries and Food Security

The fisheries sector contributes significantly to local diets and income generation. Initiatives such as fish aggregating devices (FADs), training in safe fish handling, and rehabilitation of coastal infrastructure have increased access to protein-rich foods. Aquaculture, though still limited, is viewed as a potential growth area.

The government also works with fisher cooperatives in areas like Soufrière, Marigot, and Portsmouth to strengthen community-based fisheries management.

Community-Led Models

Food security in Dominica is not only driven by top-down policy but also by local innovation. The Kalinago Territory, for instance, maintains traditional food systems rooted in cassava production and intergenerational knowledge. Community gardens in areas like Grand Bay, La Plaine, and Belles provide supplemental food and offer social cohesion during times of crisis.

Projects like Village Stays programme also integrate agriculture into tourism, allowing visitors to experience traditional food systems and contributing economically to rural communities.

Import Substitution and Export Potential

The government has set ambitious targets to reduce food imports by 25% in five years. Priority crops for import substitution include onions, carrots, Irish potatoes, and poultry. Simultaneously, Dominica continues to pursue export opportunities in niche markets for cocoa, coffee, hot pepper sauce, and herbal teas.

Infrastructure developments such as the International Airport Project and revitalized port facilities are intended to facilitate better market access for local producers.

Institutional Partnerships

Several international and regional partners play vital roles in supporting Dominica’s food security:

FAO provides technical assistance in data collection, food safety, and land use planning.
IFAD and World Bank fund resilience-oriented projects focused on small farmers.
OECS and CARICOM coordinate regional food trade and harmonized agricultural health measures.
NGOs and private sector actors contribute through training, research, and enterprise support.

Food Security and Health

There is growing recognition in Dominica that food security must also address nutrition security. High rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity have prompted a national conversation on processed food consumption. Government campaigns promote local fruits, vegetables, and reduced sugar intake.

The establishment of the Dominica Social Health Insurance Programme is expected to complement food security by ensuring access to health care, particularly for nutrition-related non-communicable diseases.

Looking Ahead

Dominica’s food security strategy hinges on sustainability, equity, and innovation. Strengthening local production, linking agriculture to tourism and education, and embracing climate-smart practices are the cornerstones of this effort.

As the island seeks to achieve self-sufficiency, food systems are being reimagined to protect both people and the planet, building on Dominica’s natural wealth and community spirit.