Food Insecurity Rate Doubled Since the Pandemic

The number of people facing food insecurity in Jamaica has doubled since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This as food prices continue to increase. However, one food manufacturer is suggesting that more focus should be placed on the agro-processing sector.

At least four hundred thousand (400,000) Jamaicans face food insecurity, according to the president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Richard Pandohie. He says there have been increases from January and globally the highest since 2015. He highlights the underlining issues causing the increase.

Pandohie also notes, Jamaica is an import-based economy and the country spends up to 900 million U.S dollars in goods annually. He says as other countries recover from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, this in the interim will see increases.

He suggests that emphasis be placed on the agro-processing sector as a means of capitalizing on the island’s resources and extract expertise from overseas. He however says policies would need to be implemented to gain international attraction.