On the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts, farmers like Meshach Alford face the daily struggle of nurturing crops in bone-dry soil. “I have planted crops, and there has been no water for weeks, for months,” says Alford, who farms 11 hectares in Saint Paul’s. “Even 18 inches deep, the soil is still dry.”
This harsh reality is becoming increasingly common in Saint Kitts and Nevis, a twin-island nation grappling with the growing impacts of climate change. Drought, once a rare occurrence, is now disrupting livelihoods and threatening food security. Rainfall, the islands’ sole source of potable water, has diminished significantly, leaving 80% of Saint Kitts residents facing regular water outages.
Unpredictable Seasons, Uncertain Futures
“What was considered a wet season is no longer a wet season,” says Cheryl Jeffers, Chief Technical Officer in the Climate Action Unit. This unpredictability has left farmers unsure of what to plant and when, compounding the challenges posed by the changing climate.
To address this crisis, the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), in partnership with tech firm HR Wallingford and the Saint Kitts and Nevis Department of Environment, introduced an advanced drought forecasting system. This innovative tool uses satellite data and remote monitoring to predict groundwater availability and create drought risk maps.
Through a collaborative network, the Saint Kitts Met Office shares these forecasts with farmers via WhatsApp. Extension officers follow up with hands-on guidance, helping farmers plan their planting schedules around expected weather conditions.
Technology as a Lifeline
The system, launched in December 2021 after 21 months of development, has already shown promise. “Leveraging climate technologies like advanced weather forecasting is essential to safeguard lives and protect crops in the face of natural disasters,” says Ariesta Ningrum, Director of the CTCN.
This initiative arrives as climate change tightens its grip on the Caribbean. Rising temperatures are altering rainfall patterns and driving sea level rise, making small island developing states (SIDS) like Saint Kitts and Nevis especially vulnerable. According to UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2024, these nations require over $5 billion annually to adapt to climate challenges but currently receive only a fraction of that funding.
Farming in the Face of Scarcity
Alford believes the forecasting system will be a game-changer for farmers like him. “It will help us pre-empt inclement weather and boost our yields,” he says. However, the water scarcity issue extends beyond agriculture. With tourism and housing sectors also vying for limited water resources, competition is expected to intensify.
“We need to make efficient use of all the resources we have,” Jeffers emphasizes. “Access to reliable data is the first step to informed decision-making.”
Scaling Solutions for a Resilient Future
Experts believe the success of Saint Kitts’ drought forecasting system could inspire similar efforts in other vulnerable regions. “This system has the potential to be scaled up, ensuring food security and sustainability in the face of climate change,” says Gina Tsarouchi, a Principal Engineer at HR Wallingford.
As Saint Kitts and Nevis adapt to an uncertain future, the integration of technology, policy, and community action will be crucial. For farmers like Alford, these innovations offer hope amid the challenges of a changing climate. However, securing the necessary resources and funding remains a critical hurdle for island nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis.