Nearly one-third of Caribbean households lack adequate resilience to cope with natural disasters, according to CARICOM’s 2024 Caribbean Food Security & Livelihoods Survey, which was completed across 22 Caribbean countries and territories. Only 8% of households report high resilience capacity, while 32% demonstrate low preparedness for climate-related shocks.
The preparedness gap follows stark income lines: 52% of lower-income households show low resilience compared to just 13-15% of higher-income groups. Financial and institutional capital emerged as the weakest areas, meaning households struggle to access emergency funds or reliable institutional support during disasters.
During 2023, 39% of respondents faced natural hazards, primarily due to heatwaves (22%) and drought (15%), with 60% reporting medium-to-severe livelihood impacts. This occurred as climate risks continue intensifying. 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year on record globally and featured an active Atlantic hurricane season.
Source: Caribbean Food Security & Livelihoods Survey, CARICOM/WFP,
