The former president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr. Agnes Kalibata, says climate change will continue to strain global food systems, and that small island developing states (SIDS) must be prepared for the resulting instability.
She told the audience attending the 50th Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture that many regions are experiencing weather extremes that are disrupting harvests and driving unpredictability in food supply.
She said African farmers have been forced to adjust to changing rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells, with direct implications for productivity and livelihoods.
The lecture, organised by the Central Bank of Barbados, and Kalibata, speaking on the topic, “Feeding Tomorrow: Innovation Meets Climate Reality” said global trends were already reshaping how countries feed themselves.
She said that climate-related disruptions in major food-producing regions can reduce global supply, elevate prices, and create ripple effects that reach import-dependent nations such as Barbados.
She noted that world food markets are increasingly sensitive to shocks, and countries without buffers are most exposed.
Responding to the suggestion that young people are not interested in agriculture, Kalibata said financing for the sector is key.
“It’s only a backyard activity when we can’t harness it. It’s only a backyard thing when we can’t invest in it. It’s only an area where young people don’t go because it doesn’t make sense. So, we have an opportunity to make this sector productive.”
The former agriculture and animal resources minister in Rwanda said Barbados had already taken some policy decisions that other countries could learn from.
She cited the country’s investment in greenhouse production, the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, improvements in school meals, and the protection of agricultural land.
In a post-lecture discussion, Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security, Indar Weir, highlighted his government’s efforts to build resilience, modernise agriculture, and reduce reliance on open-field farming, which is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. He spoke of key initiatives involving aquaponics, the training of young farmers, the introduction of greenhouses in schools, and new vertical farming systems developed with international partners.
Weir said these efforts were already showing early gains and stressed the need for private-sector involvement and a stronger focus on value-added products.
Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge said food security and climate resilience are intertwined with our economic stability and our quality of life.
“They affect everything from household budgets and public health to trade, tourism, and social equity. As a central bank, we recognise that climate risks can quickly become financial risks that affect production, investment, and long-term growth. In recent times, including just last week, we’ve seen first-hand how the unpredictable weather – drought followed by heavy rainfall – has impacted our agricultural outturn,” he said. (CMC)
