Turks and Caicos Islands

4.3. Agriculture and Food Security
4.3.1. Background
Climate change related impacts on agriculture have in recent times been the focus of discussion and
research on an international level. It is anticipated that climatic change will diminish agricultural potentials
in some regions thereby affecting the global food system. The IAASTD Global Report (International
Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development, 2009) stresses the need
to adopt a more practical approach to agricultural research that requires participation from farmers who
hold the traditional knowledge in food production.
This research examines the relationship between agriculture and tourism within the framework of climate
change, and seeks to develop adaptations options to support national food security based on experience
and knowledge gained from local small-scale farmers and agricultural technicians. The study is exploratory
in nature and the findings will be assimilated to develop national and regional projects that promote
climate conscious farms and sustainable food production in the Caribbean.
4.3.2. The Importance of Agriculture to National Development
Records from the local chamber of commerce and the department of economic planning and statistics
reveal that there has been chronic neglect and under-investment in the agriculture sector in the Turks and
Caicos Islands over a sustained period of time. National accounts statistics indicate that sector’s
contribution to GDP is about 0.65% (DEPS, 2011).
However, The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands recognizes that a viable agricultural sector will
help to diversify the economy, reduce the impact of external shocks and increase food security. The
government’s plan is to commercialize farming, notably in North Caicos, as a means of creating new
business and employment opportunities (Wetherell, 2010).
4.3.3. An Analysis of the Agricultural Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands
An evaluation of agricultural investment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI Invest, 2004)
shows that the majority of agricultural activity takes place on North and Middle Caicos on small holdings.
About 2.33% of the total land mass is considered to be arable land. North Caicos has about 9,300 acres of
arable land and areas where fresh water may be found. In 2009 the Government established a fully-fledged
Department of Agriculture and a demonstration farm in North Caicos which has exhibited the potential for
local food production, successfully growing crops such as spring onions, peppers, tomatoes, cabbages,
okras, cantaloupe, aubergine, cucumbers, papayas, melons, herbs and condiments (DEPS, 2011). However
an assessment of the agricultural sector conducted by Worden and Worden (2010) suggests that there is
limited agricultural community benefit derived from the not-for-profit Government Farm.
The Department for Economics Planning and Statistics (2009) reports that more than 90% of food currently
consumed in Turks and Caicos is imported from the U.S., Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The annual food
import bill in 2008-09 was approximately US $63 million. The main imports were fruits and vegetables
(28.5%), meals and meat preparations (24%) and cereals (15%).
Mangoes, coconuts, citrus fruits, bananas, plantains, corn and a wide range of legumes are cultivated by
the local population for household consumption. Agro processing and post harvest facilities in the Turks
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