Caribbean Development Bank Launches Call for Proposals for European Union-CDB Regional Food Security Programme
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched the call for proposals for the European Union-CDB Regional Food Security Programme, which aims to enhance food system resilience by improving the livelihoods and food security of vulnerable populations in the Caribbean region.
According to L. O’Reilly Lewis, the acting director of projects at CDB, the bank is deeply committed to food and nutrition security in the region. "The Caribbean Development Bank is deeply committed to this objective, and we are excited to continue working with our private sector, development, and finance partners to foster sustainable economic growth through food security," he said.
The programme, which ends in 2027, will invest EUR 19 million and be implemented through vital regional partners, including the CDB, International Trade Centre, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and EU member state agencies (FIIAPP and CPVA). The programme’s general objective is to enhance the sustainability and resilience of food systems in the Caribbean, promoting food and nutrition security, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Key Goals
- Improving food production systems with a focus on gender sensitivity
- Enhancing food processing and distribution
- Expanding social protection systems for agricultural actors
- Ensuring equitable access to nutritious diets across the region
Regional Context
The region has been facing challenges in terms of food security, with the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl in July contributing to deepening social inequalities. The event resulted in massive losses for Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the banana and plantain industries in St. Vincent and the Grenadines suffering losses of up to 98 percent.
Programme Implementation
The project, led by Felipe de La Mota, the Team Leader for Regional Cooperation and Trade Support at the EU Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, forms part of a larger envelope of funds to augment regional efforts by CARICOM and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to clear bottlenecks related to food security.
EU’s Global Gateway
The EU’s global gateway has allocated EUR 19 million to the Caribbean for food production and resilience initiatives.
Conclusion
Food security is a critical issue in the Caribbean region, and the Caribbean Development Bank’s commitment to this objective is crucial. The launch of the call for proposals for the European Union-CDB Regional Food Security Programme is a significant step forward in addressing the region’s food insecurity challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the European Union-CDB Regional Food Security Programme?
The programme aims to enhance food system resilience by improving the livelihoods and food security of vulnerable populations in the Caribbean region. - What is the duration of the programme?
The programme ends in 2027. - What is the allocated amount for the programme?
The programme will invest EUR 19 million. - Who are the programme’s implementing partners?
The programme’s implementing partners include the CDB, International Trade Centre, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, and EU member state agencies (FIIAPP and CPVA).
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