The consequences of climate change can also be very serious for Suriname. According to the report ‘State of the Climate in Suriname’ produced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the country faces unmistakable challenges that threaten its special character. As a low-lying coastal state, Suriname is very sensitive to natural disasters and climate change.
Estimates suggest that a one-metre rise in sea level would affect more than 6.4 percent of Suriname’s GDP, 7 percent of its population, and 5.6 percent of its agricultural land. Ignoring this reality can lead to serious human and economic casualties, the report said.
“I hold my heart for the future. Climate change is a fact, so we need to be prepared for it. But exactly how we should approach it in order not to suffer major damage remains the big question,” says livestock farmer Reinier Ramond in a serious tone.
He believes that the Surinamese government should provide more information in this area.
“I don’t know what the government’s plans are. I think they should protect us from the consequences. This can already be done through good communication, but I have not noticed much of this so far,” Ramond continues.
He does not have a large farm but fears a huge loss if a major flood were to come.
“When it rains constantly for a few days, I already have a problem. So if there’s a flood, I won’t be spared.”
Ramond points out that chicken, pork, and beef are imported, but the local livestock farmers provide a large part of the local market.
They also export to the Caribbean and other parts of the world, which means money for the government. “We underestimate it. But if the livestock farmers get into trouble, it will certainly have consequences for the community and the Surinamese economy. Do you know how many people eat Surinamese chicken every day?” he notes.
“I think it would be good if the government started a special fund to support livestock farmers who will be in trouble in the future due to the effects of climate change. Otherwise, we’re all going to have to slowly close our doors,” Ramond expressed concern.
President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has, on several occasions, underlined the serious consequences that climate change can have for multiple sectors. For example, the interior and other parts of the coastal area have experienced major flooding several times. However, concrete actions by the government to minimise losses for entrepreneurs have so far not materialised. Ramond: “We are entrepreneurs. We continue to sound the alarm. But we cannot do more than that. We can’t take over the work of the government.”
Climate Change Affects the Entire Caribbean
As we’ve seen, livestock farmers in Antigua and Barbuda are facing challenges as drought conditions persist, leading to downsizing of their operations. Insufficient rain caused by climate change is driving up temperatures and drying up water sources, making it difficult to produce enough feed for the animals. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s transition from an agricultural society to an industrialized one has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of farms and farming land. Despite the tough conditions, livestock farmers remain undeterred. Similar concerns are echoed by livestock farmers in Suriname, a state highly sensitive to climate change and natural disasters. Farmers urge the Surinamese government to take action, emphasizing the need for communication and support to mitigate the consequences of climate change.
To effectively address the challenges faced by livestock farmers due to climate change and drought conditions, a comprehensive approach is needed. Governments should step in and provide support to farmers. This can be done through the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Governments should allocate funding and resources to assist farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions.
This can include establishing special funds to provide financial assistance to farmers affected by climate change, offering subsidies for feed and water expenses, and implementing agricultural assistance programmes that provide technical support and guidance. Governments should prioritise effective communication and information dissemination to farmers, ensuring they have access to up-to-date and relevant information on climate change and its impacts on their livelihoods. By taking these measures, governments can play a crucial role in supporting livestock farmers and safeguarding the agricultural sector against the adverse effects of climate change.
This story was originally published by Wadadli Unplugged, with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture between Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations.