Getting Ready: Using Participatory Communication and Learning to Improve Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean

Abstract

Rural communities in many parts of the world face increasing challenges to survive due to pressures caused by climate change and globalization. This is especially true in Small Island Developing states (SIDS) such as those in the Caribbean. Climate Change (CC) is forcing communities to adapt quickly not only for their own survival but also for national food security. // But “getting ready” demands new skills and the adoption of new practices, both of which can involve steep learning curves. // Participatory communication can play an important role in making this learning transition easier, and in fact, without it, adaptation is not likely to be sustainable. // This paper shares how Communication for Development, or ComDev, is working to improve food security and help rural communities adapt to climate change in the Caribbean. Through the “Communication for Sustainable Development Initiative” (CSDI)’s Caribbean programme, communities are using participatory video, ICTs, radio and other community media to establish backyard gardens and organic farms – practices that are not only helping to improve household health and nutrition, but also helping to improve national food security.