In a major boost for food security and agricultural development, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has secured an approximately US$9 million grant under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Soil and Water Management Programme to fund the construction of dams, water catchment ponds, and other critical water conservation infrastructure across the country.

The announcement was made by Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.

The funding will support the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic food production by improving access to water for farmers and reducing the agricultural sector’s dependence on costly desalinated water.

Anthony Smith, Minister of Agriculture

According to Cabinet, the initiative forms a central pillar of the Government’s broader strategy to build resilience within the agricultural sector, particularly as the country continues to grapple with recurring drought conditions and prolonged dry periods.
The programme is expected to significantly expand irrigation capacity and provide farmers with a more reliable and affordable water supply, enabling increased agricultural productivity and more consistent year-round food production.

Minister Smith also reported that substantial progress has already been made in preparing for the project. Sites have been identified for the construction of eight dams and two large-scale “super dams” across Antigua. The facilities will form the backbone of a comprehensive national water storage network designed to capture and retain rainwater for agricultural use.

Cabinet was advised that the construction of the dams and super dams will substantially increase water availability for farming, improve drought preparedness, reduce pressure on the country’s potable water supplies, and support the expansion of local food production.

The Minister noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has already taken steps to accelerate the programme’s implementation. In August of last year, the Ministry acquired a dedicated excavator to expand its capacity to construct dams and water catchment systems and expedite the development of strategically located storage facilities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet recalled that several months ago it designated water management and conservation as a national priority and directed that the development of dams and water catchment systems become a key component of the country’s food security agenda.

Recognizing that access to affordable and dependable water remains one of the most significant challenges facing the agricultural sector, the Government has continued to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at strengthening food production and building resilience against climate-related impacts.

Cabinet welcomed the award of the US$9 million grant and commended the Ministry of Agriculture for successfully securing international support for what it described as a transformative initiative that has the potential to reshape the future of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda.