Mustapha calls for urgent action as global conflicts threaten Caribbean food security

Agriculture Minister and Chairman of the CARICOM Ministerial Taskforce on Food Security, Zulfikar Mustapha, is warning that ongoing global conflicts—particularly in the Middle East—are posing serious and immediate risks to food and economic stability across the Caribbean.

Speaking during the Taskforce’s first meeting for the second quarter of 2026, Mustapha stressed that while the region may be far removed geographically, it remains highly exposed to the fallout from international crises.

“We cannot afford to be complacent,” he indicated, as regional representatives met to assess strategies to cushion the impact of global shocks.

Discussions during the meeting revealed a troubling chain reaction affecting Caribbean economies. Rising energy prices, disruptions in fertilizer supply, increased shipping costs, and logistical delays are all contributing to higher food prices, inflationary pressure, and currency instability across member states.

At the center of the talks was the draft Regional Food Security Response Matrix, a framework designed to guide both immediate and long-term responses. The plan outlines urgent coping mechanisms while also pushing for structural changes aimed at strengthening regional resilience.

One of the most pressing concerns identified was the ongoing disruption in fertilizer supply, which continues to drive up production costs and reduce agricultural yields. In response, countries are being encouraged to explore alternative inputs in the short term, while investing in local production and diversifying supply chains for the future.

Shipping challenges were also highlighted as a major vulnerability, with delays in imports driving up food prices. Immediate measures include prioritizing essential goods, while longer-term solutions focus on developing regional shipping systems and establishing strategic food reserves.

Mustapha pointed to Guyana’s efforts to tackle some of these challenges head-on.

“In Guyana, we are advancing plans to establish a fertilizer plant that will serve not just our country, but the wider region,” he said. “We are aiming to have the facility operational by the end of the year and are currently engaging stakeholders through expressions of interest.”

He added that governments across CARICOM have already been taking steps to support farmers and sustain production.

“Over the last two years, we have worked closely with farmers by providing fertilizer and other inputs to reduce costs and increase output. Many countries in the region are doing the same to cushion the impact of global disruptions,” Mustapha explained.

Despite these efforts, the Minister cautioned that the risks remain significant. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict presents broader systemic threats, making it critical for CARICOM states to act collectively.

The meeting concluded with the formal adoption of the Regional Food Security Response Matrix, which will now be presented to CARICOM Heads of Government for further consideration.

The move signals a growing recognition that regional cooperation—and greater self-sufficiency—will be key to navigating an increasingly uncertain global landscape.