THE BOTTOM, Saba – A report prepared by the advisors of Amsterdam Bureau of Economics, Strong Foundations for Sustainable Growth, concludes that Saba should expand local food production through agriculture, livestock and fisheries as part of a broader strategy to improve resilience and food security.
The findings reflect a wider challenge across small island economies, where high dependence on imports exposes communities to supply disruptions, rising costs and logistical delays.
According to the report, even modest increases in local production could have a meaningful impact by improving food security, supporting small-scale economic activity and reducing pressure on household budgets.
At the same time, the report makes clear that the issue is not only production, but also organisation. It points to the need for improved access to land, stronger technical support and more effective coordination. Storage, logistics and market access are also identified as key constraints, particularly for small producers operating at limited scale.
The report does not suggest that Saba can replace imports entirely. Instead, it outlines a more balanced model in which local production fills strategic gaps and reduces vulnerability. Agriculture, livestock and fisheries are described as sectors with potential, but currently underdeveloped.
Focus on realistic support
For livestock and fisheries in particular, the report stresses the importance of support measures that are realistic and aligned with the island’s scale and capacity.
For Saba, the recommendations point to a broader shift in how food production is viewed, from a secondary activity to a structural component of economic and social resilience. In a context of limited scale and external dependence, strengthening local systems may play a stabilising role alongside continued reliance on imports.
