Dr. Cliff Riley, breaks down the complex nature of food security and its critical importance to Jamaica's economy and future.

• Food security encompasses three essential components: access, availability, and quality of food
• Jamaica imports over $1 billion worth of food annually, including many staples of the Jamaican diet
• Climate change significantly impacts food security through unpredictable weather patterns and rising temperatures
• Countries should ideally produce 60-70% of what their population consumes to maintain food security
• Food waste is a major issue in Jamaica with 80% of mangoes and 50% of tomatoes being dumped during peak seasons
• Policy frameworks are critical for creating sustainable food systems and supporting agricultural investment
• Water catchment systems represent a significant opportunity to improve agricultural resilience
• Individual actions like backyard gardening and choosing local products contribute meaningfully to food security
• Training and education in agricultural practices are essential for building technical capacity
• Value-added processing could transform wasted produce into year-round available products

Visit the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), International Trade Centre, or World Health Organization websites for more information on food security initiatives.