Agroecology and food sovereignty in the Caribbean: Insights from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Sint Maarten

The quest for food self-sufficiency in the Caribbean Islands has been hindered by several historical crises. Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Sint Maarten showcase contrasting food systems despite their climatic similarities. While the food sovereignty movement in Cuba is largely based on agroecology and fully supported by the government, in Puerto Rico, agroecology represents a form of resistance against colonial heritage and simultaneously constitutes a proposal for autonomy. Similarly, in Sint Maarten the lack of government support for food and farming has set fertile ground for a few “rebels” who base their livelihoods on agroecological food production rather than on tourism and services. Going forward with agroecology and food sovereignty in the Caribbean territories requires further focus on documenting how agroecology-based farming systems are serving as vehicles for climate justice, especially when based on climate change-resilient designs of food and farming systems, and disaster risk reduction, and highlighting the important role of animal farming systems. Indeed, food sovereignty is a tool for social justice, particularly where government support is absent, and communities must rely on self-management and self-organization.