Caribbean Hurricane Impact: Food Security Lessons for Malta
Hurricane Melissa has devastated Caribbean food systems, highlighting the vulnerability of small-scale farmers and fishers who are vital to local economies and global food security. In Jamaica, the storm has destroyed crops, fishing equipment, and homes, leaving communities struggling to recover. The impact is particularly severe in St. Elizabeth parish, known as Jamaica’s “breadbasket,” where thousands of livelihoods have been washed away. Women in agriculture, often primary providers for their families, face heightened challenges, exacerbating food insecurity in a region already battling hunger. The story of Hurricane Melissa offers lessons in resilience and sustainability for Malta’s food community. Much like the Caribbean, Malta’s culinary scene depends on local farmers and fishers who provide fresh, nutritious ingredients. Supporting sustainable practices, reducing food waste, and fostering global solidarity can strengthen food systems against climate-related disruptions. Malta’s position as a Mediterranean culinary destination underscores the importance of prioritizing locally sourced, sustainable food to contribute to a healthier, more resilient world.
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Caribbean Farmers and Fishers: Lessons for Global Food Security and Resilience
The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of food systems, particularly in regions heavily reliant on small-scale farming and fishing. For Malta’s food enthusiasts and advocates of healthy living, this story highlights the interconnectedness of global food production and the need to prioritize sustainable practices to ensure long-term food security.
The updates sent via WhatsApp confirmed what Jamaican fisher Prince Davis had feared: Hurricane Melissa had severely damaged his 50-foot fishing boat, leaving a hole in the stern and wrecking the cabin and deck. His father’s boat was missing entirely, and the roof of their shared home in the fishing community of White House in Westmoreland parish had been destroyed. Just days earlier, Davis had traveled to Nicaragua to seek new customers for his fish business. Now, his livelihood, along with that of countless others in his community, hangs in the balance.
“It’s going to be very rough,” Davis shared. “With the damage now, no one will be buying products.”
The effects of Hurricane Melissa have been catastrophic across the Caribbean. With winds reaching 185 mph (298 kph) and storm surges obliterating homes and infrastructure, the storm has claimed lives and livelihoods in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Davis’s predicament mirrors that of tens of thousands of small-scale farmers and fishers who rely on their labor to feed their families, sustain their communities, and contribute to local economies.
For those passionate about food and nutrition in Malta, the story of Hurricane Melissa underscores the importance of supporting small-scale producers, both locally and globally. Much like the artisans and farmers of Malta who grow fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood that grace the tables of local restaurants, these Caribbean farmers and fishers are vital to their communities. Their work is the backbone of food security, providing essential nutrition and supporting sustainable, locally sourced diets.
The Ripple Effect of Natural Disasters on Food Security
In Jamaica, the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa comes just 15 months after Hurricane Beryl caused losses amounting to over $29 million, impacting more than 50,000 farmers and 11,000 fishers. This time, the damage has surpassed expectations. St. Elizabeth parish, known as Jamaica’s “breadbasket,” was left “underwater.” More than 35,000 registered farmers and fishers in the parish have seen their livelihoods washed away.
The timing of the storm has exacerbated the challenges. October rains are traditionally the start of the planting season for crops to be harvested before Christmas, a crucial period for local farmers. Ahead of the storm, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining had urged farmers to harvest crops and move livestock to safety. Fishers were advised to secure their equipment. Yet, the sheer force of Hurricane Melissa left many communities unprepared for the scale of destruction.
For fishers like Davis, losing boats, nets, and traps is just the beginning. Without electricity, ice for preserving catches is unavailable, making it impossible to store fish for sale. The damaged tourism industry further compounds the problem, as fewer visitors means reduced demand for local produce and seafood.
In Malta, where the culinary scene thrives on fresh, local ingredients, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding food systems from climate-related disruptions. Supporting sustainable farming practices, reducing food waste, and championing locally sourced menus are steps that can strengthen food security and promote healthier lifestyles both locally and globally.
Special Challenges for Vulnerable Producers
Hurricane Melissa has highlighted unique challenges faced by women in agriculture. Many female producers in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba are heads of households, relying on small-scale farming and fishing to support their children. The destruction of their livelihoods has compounded food insecurity in a region already struggling with rising hunger rates. According to Lola Castro, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the World Food Program, there were already 10 million food-insecure people across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic before the storm. The situation is likely to worsen.
For readers in Malta who value supporting community-driven food systems, this is a call to action. Just as local female farmers and fishers in Malta contribute to the island’s vibrant food scene, women across the Caribbean play a vital role in providing fresh, nutritious food to their communities. Global solidarity, through donations or advocacy for climate-resilient agricultural practices, can help protect these vulnerable producers.
Lessons in Resilience and Sustainability
In Cuba, the evacuation of 735,000 people prevented any reported deaths from Hurricane Melissa, but the storm worsened challenges in feeding the population. Damage to plantain, cassava, corn, coffee crops, and vegetables across five eastern provinces has left food supplies in jeopardy. While heavy rainfall replenished dams and reservoirs, offering some relief from drought conditions, the country faces a severe economic crisis and spends $2 billion annually importing food.
This is a critical learning moment for Malta and other nations dependent on food imports. Investing in resilient agricultural practices, supporting local producers, and prioritizing sustainable water management can reduce vulnerability to external shocks. Initiatives like the Caribbean Agroecology Institute’s fundraising efforts to support affected farmers demonstrate how communities can come together to rebuild and strengthen food systems after disasters.
The Road to Recovery
Relief efforts in the northern Caribbean are currently focused on immediate needs, such as shelter, healthcare, clean water, and restoring power. However, food producers will soon require financial support to replace damaged equipment, rebuild infrastructure, and purchase new seeds and livestock. In Jamaica, government funds, insurance policies, and catastrophe bonds will help, but small-scale producers often face delays in receiving assistance.
For Davis, the path to recovery is uncertain. As airports reopen, he plans to return to White House to repair his boat and home. Yet, he remains worried about how long it will take for the economy to recover and life to resume as before. “Everyone is picking up the pieces,” he said.
A Call to Action for Malta’s Food Community
For Malta’s food lovers, restaurant owners, and advocates of healthy living, the story of Hurricane Melissa offers valuable insights into the fragility and resilience of food systems. It highlights the importance of supporting local producers, whether they are Maltese farmers growing fresh Mediterranean produce or Caribbean communities rebuilding after a disaster. By prioritizing sustainability, reducing waste, and fostering global connections, Malta can contribute to a healthier, more resilient world—one plate at a time.