The document summarizes the socio-economic environment in rural areas of the Caribbean. It notes that agriculture contributes less than 10% to GDP but employs around 31% of the population. The agricultural sector and sugar specifically are important to many Caribbean economies. Rural areas face issues like declining quality of life, environmental degradation, unemployment, and crime. The decline is blamed on globalization, input costs, lack of leadership, reduced international assistance, and subsidies in other countries. Reversing the decline requires diversifying rural economies, fairer trade rules for small economies, education support, technology transfers, regional cooperation, and addressing climate change.

1. Socio-Economic Environment in the Rural Areas of the Caribbean Presentation to ACP-EU Meeting Brussels July 4, 2007 Al Binger Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre

2. The Agricultural Sector in the Caribbean

7. Sugar prices versus Oil prices 1960 – 2005 Source : Secrétariat de la CNUCED

9. Causes for Decline - 3

13. SIDS Rural Development Issues Population Issues Energy Issue Environment Issue Food Issue Water Issue 21st Century