Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°21

The agrifood sector plays an important role in food supply, rural livelihoods, and economic activity across the Caribbean, with a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that drive production and value chains. Yet, agrifood systems face a combination of structural and environmental pressures, including uneven economic growth, high trade costs, food insecurity, and growing climate-related risks. The region remains highly dependent on food imports and is increasingly exposed to external shocks, highlighting the need to further strengthen local food systems[1].

In this context, agroecology is increasingly identified as a relevant approach to support more resilient and sustainable food systems. Agroecology refers to the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems, promoting diversification, the use of biological processes, and the integration of local knowledge in farm management[2]. It is commonly framed around ten elements: diversity, synergies, recycling, human and social values, responsible governance, resilience, efficiency, co-creation and sharing of knowledge, culture and food traditions, and circular and solidarity-based economic systems[3]. In practice, this may include combining crops and trees, improving soil cover, recycling nutrients, and strengthening on-farm ecological interactions.

Many Caribbean farming systems already incorporate elements consistent with agroecological principles, such as mixed cropping, use of organic amendments, and tree-based production. These practices often reflect adaptive responses to local constraints rather than the application of a formal model, highlighting the need for approaches that are adapted to specific agroecological and socio-economic conditions[4].

Agroecology is therefore best understood as a flexible and context-specific approach that brings together different practices and knowledge systems. Strengthening collaboration between scientific knowledge and farmer experience can help ensure its practical relevance, supporting more productive, resilient, and sustainable outcomes for Caribbean SMEs[5].

This webinar will explore how agroecology can support Caribbean agrifood SMEs in strengthening productivity, resilience, and sustainability through practical and context-appropriate approaches. It will bring together entrepreneurs, technical experts, and ecosystem actors engaged in sustainable agriculture and SME development.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the relevance of agroecological practices for Caribbean SMEs and food systems.
• Identify practical agroecological approaches that can be applied at farm and enterprise level.
• Learn from SME experiences and real-world examples of transition trajectories.
• Recognise key enabling conditions for adopting agroecological approaches (knowledge, finance, and market access) and technology adoption.
• Connect with relevant technical and business support actors.

[1] FAO and CDB. 2020. Study on the state of agriculture in the Caribbean.

[2] FAO. Agroecology Knowledge Hub : What is Agroecology?

[3] FAO. The 10 Elements of Agroecology framework process.

[4] Stark, F. & al. 2017. Crop-livestock integration determines the agroecological performance of mixed farming systems in Latino-Caribbean farms.

[5] Wordsell, L, S. 2025. Has agroecology lost the plot? The fracture between science, movement, and practice in the Insular Caribbean