BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HUNGER and malnutrition persist in St. Kitts and Nevis, with many residents still going to bed hungry, disrupting efforts to promote healthy living across the Federation. A significant portion of the population continues to struggle with maintaining a balanced diet, highlighting the challenge of food insecurity.
As the Federation joined the global observance of World Food Day today (Oct. 16), the spotlight turned to the ongoing issues of hunger and malnutrition. Minister of Agriculture, Samal Duggins, acknowledged the lingering impact of these challenges on segments of society.
“It is unacceptable that in a world with such abundance, so many still struggle to access the food they need,” the minister stated. He emphasized that the government has taken significant steps to assist the most vulnerable, citing school feeding programs, community initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations as examples of efforts to address food insecurity.
"In St. Kitts and Nevis, the right to food isn't merely a slogan, it's a national imperative. It's about ensuring that every man, woman, and child has access to safe, nutritious, and adequate food. Food that nourishes the body, fuels our potential, and strengthens the bonds of community,"Minister Duggins stressed.
Challenges to Food Security
The minister pointed to several challenges affecting the local food sector, including climate change, rising food prices, and global shipping disruptions, all of which impact what residents can access and consume. The high demand for imported food further exacerbates the problem, leaving residents vulnerable to external factors that affect food availability and affordability.
In response, the government has ramped up efforts to encourage the consumption of locally grown food, aiming to reduce reliance on imports. One of the flagship programmes is the ‘25 by 2025’ Initiative, which seeks to boost local production.
“From our greenhouse villages, to the hatchery project, and the pineapple sucker distribution, we are determined to build a resilient agricultural system that offers diverse, high-value crops,” Duggins explained.
Focus on Sustainability
Reflecting on this year’s theme for World Food Day—“Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”—the minister urged citizens to consider the importance of sustainability within the food sector.
“However, there is so much more to do. We must ensure that no one is left behind. And so, as we reflect on the theme, Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future, we must also think of the sustainability of our food systems,” Duggins remarked.
He called for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, the protection of marine ecosystems, and efforts to reduce food waste as essential components of building a sustainable future.
In observance of World Food Day, a food fair was held at Independence Square, featuring local pork as the highlight of the day’s activities. The event aimed to promote locally produced foods and encourage residents to support the local agricultural sector.
