Kingstown St. Vincent – Farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines could one day see their crops growing on African soil. Minister of Agriculture Hon. Israel Bruce has revealed that discussions are underway about the possibility of Vincentians leasing lands in Nigeria and Liberia for large‑scale agricultural production.
Speaking at a Cabinet Room briefing on April 7th, Minister Bruce explained that the idea is to explore whether lease arrangements could allow Caribbean farmers to cultivate niche crops on massive plantations abroad. “The whole idea is to see whether or not a lease arrangement is possible where certain niche crops that we have here in the Caribbean could be produced on large, massive plantations, either in Liberia or Nigeria,” he said.
The prospect of land access comes alongside new financing opportunities. The Agricultural Development Bank of Nigeria has offered a facility that Caribbean governments, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can access. This funding could be channeled through the government’s proposed National Development Bank, giving farmers the chance to borrow seed money to strengthen their operations.
Minister Bruce also noted preliminary talks with the African Export‑Import Bank (Afrexim), headquartered in Barbados, which could serve as another instrument to help secure seed financing for agriculture.
For Vincentian farmers, the possibility of leasing land in Africa represents more than policy it is a vision under consideration. If realized, it could mean stronger yields, new markets, and a more secure future for families who depend on agriculture.