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Renewable Energy Integration to Boost Food Security

 What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy comes from unlimited, naturally replenished resources, such as the sun, tides, and wind. 

 Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy integration has the potential to significantly improve food security in Jamaica. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, Jamaica can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and invest in sustainable agricultural practices. This, in turn, can lead to increased food production, improved food access, and enhanced economic opportunities for local farmers.

Jamaica & Renewable Energy

Jamaica has significant potential for renewable energy development. The country is blessed with abundant sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. It also has strong wind resources, particularly in coastal areas, and significant hydroelectric power potential. The government of Jamaica has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to generate 50% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Renewable energy integration can have a positive impact on food security in several ways:
  • Increased Food Production: Renewable energy can be used to power irrigation systems, allowing farmers to grow crops year-round and increase overall production. In addition, renewable energy can be used to power greenhouses and other controlled agricultural environments, allowing for the cultivation of a wider variety of crops and improved crop yields.
  • Improved Food Access: By reducing the cost of energy for farmers and agricultural processors, renewable energy can help lower the overall cost of food production. This can lead to more affordable food prices for consumers and improved food access for underserved communities.

There have been numerous Renewable Integration Implementations across the country that have been showing positive results already.

⮚Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems in St. Elizabeth Parish

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has implemented a solar-powered irrigation project in St. Elizabeth Parish, one of the most rural and impoverished areas in Jamaica. The project involves installing solar-powered pumps and drip irrigation systems on small farms, allowing farmers to grow crops year-round and improve their overall productivity. This project has resulted in increased income for farmers and improved food access for local communities.


These are two examples of Drip Irrigation Systems Implemented in Saint Elizabeth Jamaica

Retrieved From: Agrobuzz January 5, 2022- the little park solar-powered Pump Station. YouTube. (2022, January 5). https://youtu.be/xCTTRfvXkfo?si=Sm-Rthjb1HwA-3rP 

⮚Hydroelectric Powered Agricultural Processing Facility in Moore Town, Portland Parish
A hydroelectric-powered agricultural processing facility has been established in Moore Town, Portland Parish. The facility uses a micro-hydro system to generate electricity from a nearby river, which is then used to power processing equipment for fruits and vegetables. This project has resulted in improved product quality and increased sales for local farmers


International Institute for Sustainable Development. (2024, March 12). https://www.iisd.org/ 
Renewable Energy for Agri-Food Systems. (n.d.-b). https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2021/Nov/IRENA_FAO_Renewables_Agrifood_2021.pdf 

AgroBuzz feature - commissioning of the Little Park Solar-powered Pump Station. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. (2022, January 7). https://www.moa.gov.jm/content/agrobuzz-feature-commissioning-little-park-solar-powered-pump-station 

Renewable energy. Energy.gov. (n.d.). https://www.energy.gov/eere/renewable-energy#:~:text=Renewable%20energy%20comes%20from%20unlimited,%2C%20natural%20gas%2C%20and%20oil 
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