The setting

Although the countries of the Caribbean are better known for their lush, tropical vegetation, they suffer from soil and wind erosion.

Agricultural production is often on sloped terrain, thus placing pressure on topsoil quality and triggering erosion.

Water is often unavailable in crucial periods causing crops to wither and decay.

Depletion of organic matter and nutrients from the soil pose fertility constraints and are a major impediment to agricultural production growth.

Recurrent droughts in recent times have also impacted these countries negatively, accelerating land degradation and reducing productivity.