Agriculture
The Bahamas has a major problem with food insecurity. Over 90% of The Bahamas' food is imported. Only 3.2% of jobs are in the agriculture sector. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, it was estimated The Bahamas had less than three days worth of food in the country. Food prices are expensive, with a higher than average amount of purchases going towards food costs for families. With little arable land, a lack of agricultural knowledge in the general population, and the potential of devastating hurricanes, many challenges in the agricultural sector exist.
90% of the food is imported (ITA)
Only 3.2% of jobs in the agriculture sector (World Bank)
Less than three days’ worth of food in the country (Ministry of Agriculture Meetings)
What We Do
Our programs are focused on bolstering food production in Abaco through like-minded partners and working directly with farmers. We provide farming resources, create scalable solutions, and further the agricultural education of local farmers. By focusing on sustainable farming solutions that meet the community’s needs, we tackle food insecurity, giving families and communities the power to feed themselves.
Food Production
Growing food locally is critical to creating food security. With our partners, we focus on expanding the production of local, organically grown, farm-to-table produce that is otherwise unavailable in Abaco through hydroponics farming. With a focus on both the larger-scale farmer and the backyard farmer, everyone can play a part to expand their access to fresh vegetables. Hydroponics farming also reduces the need for arable land and is more hurricane resilient, both a major concern for farmers.
Agriculture Training
Most of the local knowledge of agriculture production was lost in the country when the shift in jobs went from agriculture to tourism. We help to expand the agriculture knowledge base through a variety of training, including backyard farming, hydroponics farming, raised garden bed farming, and the needed subjects for a farmer to be successful. We partner with other organizations and the local government to bring the needed subject matter experts to the people desiring to learn.
School-Based Agriculture Projects
Exposing the next generation of young people to the benefits of agriculture is very important. We continue to build relationships with both primary and secondary schools to create school gardens and bring agriculture training to students by providing tools, seeds, or other needed supplies to schools.
Our Impact
12
shade house greenhouses on the island
30%
expansion of partner’s food production
Developed hydroponics training for family production
Support Many Hands for Abaco’s Agricultural Programs!