UN Highlights Food Crisis, Displacement and Breastfeeding Needs

Fishers in Grenada, one of the countries included in the food security survey. (file)

Nearly 3.2 million people in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean are struggling to get enough to eat, according to the latest Food Security and Livelihoods Survey conducted by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Across the region, nations face food-related challenges, notably due to geographical remoteness, limited local resources, and exposure to climate change.

“The Caribbean is particularly vulnerable to natural hazards and supply chain disruptions, which can cause increases in food prices,” said Brian Bogart, Head of WFP for the region.

“It’s deeply concerning that many people are struggling to afford the food they need,” he added.

Rising food prices remain a major concern, with food inflation consistently outpacing overall inflation rates. Local food production efforts are also being challenged by increasing operational costs.

In 2025, 30 per cent of Caribbean people reported eating less than usual — a trend notably driven by increased food costs and global geopolitical factors.

As the region significantly relies on imported agricultural inputs, “strengthening and diversifying supply chains and trade routes across the region is essential,” said Mr Bogart.

He added that in a region particularly impacted by climate disasters, “these efforts will help make food more accessible and affordable while supporting faster recovery in times of crisis.”

Climate shocks and mass displacement caused by conflict have uprooted some 3.6 million people in Somalia, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Almost half the population has been impacted by the climate crisis, the UN agency added.

IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels concluded a four-day visit to Somalia this week, expressing solidarity with communities continuing to endure relentless droughts, floods, and conflict.

Ms Daniels noted that communities are finding local solutions to withstand the worst impacts of the climate crisis, but they urgently need international support — especially from the Green Climate Fund.

IOM is active across Somalia in displacement sites, rural, and other fragile areas. Its work includes promoting land restoration and “environmental peacebuilding,” aimed at reducing tensions over shared resources.

Another IOM initiative encourages Somalis to invest in their own development by providing matching funds. Last year, communities contributed over half a million dollars toward projects like solar energy, clean water access, and small-scale farming — investments matched by more than $2 million from IOM.

This Friday (1 August) marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme calls for investing in health systems, policies, laws, and programmes that prioritise women, babies, and breastfeeding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that investing in breastfeeding support is one of the most powerful tools policymakers can use to improve public health, strengthen economies, and secure the well-being of future generations.

WHO explained that breastfeeding protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. For infants, breast milk is more than just food — it also provides protection against common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia, and infections.

Mothers benefit too, as breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

WHO urged governments to allocate dedicated funding for breastfeeding support, including postpartum assistance when new mothers return home, and maternity protections such as paid leave after childbirth.