Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
Approximately 15% was the decline in crop production caused by the drought, while about 70% of farmers depend on rainfall for productive activity.
2.82 million gallons of water were trucked free of charge by the NIC to farmers, while RADA delivered 1,900 loads of water across eight priority parishes.
J$60 million in additional funding was allocated to RADA to build water catchment points in 25 high-yield farming areas.
35.5% of capacity was recorded at Mona Reservoir on September 16, 2026, a water supply source for Kingston and St. Andrew.
39.8% of capacity was recorded at Hermitage Dam on September 16, 2026, a water supply source for Kingston and St. Andrew.
61% probability is estimated by WMO that El Niño will bring severe droughts to Belize, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, threatening crops and water supplies in countries already facing high imported food prices due to the Iran conflict (The Guardian, 2026).
In the sectoral mapping of PAIs, agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing accounts for 248 PAIs (34.8%), followed by manufacturing (188), tourism (70) and ICT (51); additionally, 32 PAIs in health are identified, according to the report (ECLAC, 2025).
Up to 70% of agricultural productivity growth in Latin America and the Caribbean is reduced when environmental costs are taken into account. The increase in production has been driven mainly by the intensive use of inputs rather than by technological or managerial improvements, highlighting the need for policies that integrate sustainability and innovation. (IDB, 2025)
In “almost all” cases, productive articulation initiatives (PAI) (in the same 20 countries) are managed by a decision-making body averaging 11 people, with composition mainly private sector (72.7%), then civil society (15.0%), public sector (10.2%), and academia (1%) (ECLAC, 2025).
In 2023, the relative internal productivity of the Agriculture sector in Latin America and the Caribbean was 44 (with total productivity coefficient = 100), showing its lag compared to sectors with higher productivity, according to the sectoral graph of the report (ECLAC, 2025).
