Food Insecurity and Climate Change: A Growing Concern in the Caribbean and Beyond

Strategic Insights -

Rising food prices, climate shocks, and mass displacement are significant challenges facing the Caribbean region, with 30% of its population struggling to afford food. The World Food Programme (WFP) highlights the critical need for strengthening and diversifying supply chains and trade routes across the region to make food more accessible and affordable. In Somalia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) notes that almost half the population has been impacted by the climate crisis, uprooting 3.6 million people. The IOM is working to promote land restoration and environmental peacebuilding, while also encouraging Somalis to invest in their own development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards and supply chain disruptions, leading to increased food prices and food insecurity.
  • 30% of Caribbean people reported eating less than usual in 2025, primarily due to increased food costs and global geopolitical factors.
  • The WFP emphasizes the importance of strengthening and diversifying supply chains and trade routes across the region to improve food accessibility and affordability.
  • In Somalia, climate shocks and mass displacement have uprooted 3.6 million people, with almost half the population impacted by the climate crisis.
  • The IOM is actively working in Somalia, promoting land restoration, environmental peacebuilding, and community investment in development projects.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of investing in health systems and policies to support breastfeeding, which protects child health and improves survival rates.
  • Breastmilk provides protection against many common illnesses, and breastfeeding also reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes in mothers.

Statistics:

  • 30% of Caribbean people reported eating less than usual in 2025 due to increased food costs and global geopolitical factors.
  • 3.6 million people have been displaced in Somalia due to climate shocks and mass conflict.
  • Almost half the population of Somalia has been impacted by the climate crisis.
  • The IOM has contributed over $2 million to community development projects in Somalia, with community contributions exceeding $500,000.

Sources:

  • World Food Programme (WFP) - http://www1.wfp.org/
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM) - No specific date
  • World Health Organization (WHO) - http://www.who.int/en/