Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FSCPP)

The Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FSCPP) is a forward-looking national strategy created to strengthen Dominica’s capacity to anticipate, respond to, and recover from food and nutrition security crises. Developed with technical support from the World Bank, this plan is part of a broader regional initiative to improve the Caribbean’s resilience in the face of rising climate risks, economic shocks, and global food supply chain vulnerabilities. Dominica is among 25 countries participating in this World Bank-supported programme.

Purpose and Strategic Vision of Domnica’s Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FSCPP)

Dominica’s FSCPP is designed to enhance the government’s readiness to address crises that could disrupt food systems—whether from hurricanes, pandemics, inflation, or geopolitical conflicts. The plan recognizes that food security is foundational to national stability and sustainable development. By mapping out early warning systems, funding mechanisms, and coordination protocols, the FSCPP ensures a structured and timely national response.

The core vision is to establish pre-defined actions that can be triggered before a crisis worsens, shifting Dominica’s approach from reactive to proactive.

Core Components of the FSCPP

The Core Components of the FSCPP outline the foundational mechanisms Dominica will use to anticipate, respond to, and recover from food-related emergencies with precision and coordination.

1. Crisis Classification and Threshold Indicators

A key feature of the FSCPP is the identification of specific thresholds and indicators that signal when Dominica is approaching or has entered a food and nutrition crisis. These include:

• Rapid price increases for staple foods
• Supply chain disruptions
• Rising rates of malnutrition
• Agricultural production shortfalls due to drought, pests, or storms
• Household income shocks or livelihood losses

Once these thresholds are met, the FSCPP initiates early response protocols to prevent worsening conditions.

2. Early Warning and Data Systems

The FSCPP emphasizes the development of a coordinated data collection and analysis system involving:

• The Ministry of Agriculture
• The Central Statistical Office
• National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO)
• Civil society groups and development partners

These agencies are tasked with real-time monitoring of key metrics and sharing updates with senior officials and stakeholders, allowing timely decisions on mobilization.

3. Operational Protocols and Coordination

The plan outlines the roles of government ministries, private sector partners, and humanitarian organizations in an emergency response. It establishes clear chains of command and communication procedures. This includes:

• Designated response leads at ministry level
• Trigger mechanisms for releasing emergency food supplies
• Pre-approved community outreach strategies
• Support for vulnerable populations (elderly, single-parent households, low-income families)

4. Funding and Donor Mobilization

One of the FSCPP’s strengths is its provision for securing emergency financing. With an official plan in place, Dominica is better positioned to access contingent emergency funds from donors, NGOs, and financial institutions. The presence of a formal strategy builds confidence among partners and accelerates support.

5. Resilience and Long-Term Food Security

Beyond emergencies, the FSCPP aligns with Dominica’s wider food security and climate resilience policies. It supports investment in:

• Sustainable farming practices
• Local food production and agro-processing
• Disaster-resilient supply chains
• Public awareness campaigns on nutrition and preparedness

Stakeholder Involvement and Development Process

The FSCPP was crafted through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy and World Bank technical experts. Workshops, planning missions, and stakeholder consultations helped tailor the strategy to Dominica’s specific vulnerabilities and resources.

Outlook and Importance

As Dominica faces increasing climate threats and global economic uncertainty, the FSCPP stands as a vital tool for safeguarding livelihoods and food systems. It not only improves readiness for future crises but also strengthens the island’s overall resilience and ability to ensure food access for all, even under extreme conditions.