By S.Browne. Updated 7:38 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Israel Bruce, has outlined measures Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is pursuing to strengthen its preparedness for drought, including improved irrigation, rainwater harvesting, climate-smart agriculture and early detection of drought risks.
Minister Bruce made the presentation on Tuesday, August 25, during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
COP17 is being held from August 17–28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.” The conference brings together governments and other stakeholders to address land degradation, desertification and drought.
Minister Bruce told the ministerial dialogue that drought is a tangible concern for SVG’s agricultural sector, affecting farmers, communities, livestock and the country’s food supply.
“Drought is not just a statistic for us, it is a tangible reality that affects our agriculture, livestock, and national food supply,” Minister Bruce said.
He pointed to the country’s experience during the severe drought of 2009–2010, which resulted in a 20 per cent decline in agricultural production, while drought-related losses reached EC$16 million in 2020.
Minister Bruce said those experiences demonstrate the urgency of strengthening drought resilience before adverse conditions occur.
SVG has been investing in rainwater harvesting, irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture, while also exploring protected agriculture and innovative irrigation strategies to strengthen resilience and reduce production losses.
Minister Bruce said the broader goal is to bring these efforts together within a cohesive national system capable of identifying drought risks early, providing farmers with timely information and mobilising support to prevent total production losses.
“Our goal is to integrate these initiatives into a cohesive national system that detects drought risk early, provide timely information to farmers and mobilize support to avoid total production loss,” he said.
Minister Bruce highlighted the rehabilitation of the Rabacca Irrigation System, which he said is supporting 324 farmers, as an example of the importance of reliable irrigation to drought resilience.
“We are focusing on rehabilitating the Rabacca Irrigation System supporting 324 farmers, highlighting the need for reliable irrigation, a cornerstone to drought resilience,” Minister Bruce said.
He also stressed that drought preparedness must extend beyond crop production to livestock.
“Livestock is equally affected by drought, necessitating a strategic drought plan to ensure water and food security prior to adverse conditions,” he said.
Minister Bruce identified the integration of existing efforts into a cohesive national drought resilience framework and the completion of a clear protocol for responding to drought as key challenges.
The minister also called for stronger cooperation and coordination among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), alongside practical regional action in the Caribbean.
Minister Bruce welcomed the proposed Caribbean Drought Initiative, to be advanced through the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), describing it as an opportunity to strengthen preparedness, attract investment and advance long-term drought resilience.
“For small island developing states like ours, the cost of preparedness is high, but the cost of agricultural loss is far greater,” Minister Bruce said.
He said SVG’s transition towards resilience is continuing and welcomed partnerships to accelerate the process.
“Our transition towards resilience continues and we welcome the partnership to expedite this journey,” Minister Bruce said.
Minister Bruce’s intervention at COP17 focused on the measures SVG is pursuing, the areas where its national drought response still needs strengthening and the importance of regional cooperation. The presentation did not announce new funding or a new drought programme for SVG.
COP17 continues in Ulaanbaatar through August 28.
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