Barbados

Barbados is a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean, covering about 430 km². Unlike many Caribbean islands of volcanic origin, Barbados is primarily composed of coral limestone, giving it relatively flat terrain with gently rolling hills. Its tropical climate, moderated by trade winds, has long supported agricultural activity.

Before British colonisation in the 17th century, Indigenous peoples practised subsistence farming. Under British rule, Barbados developed into one of the most important sugar-producing colonies in the Caribbean, based on plantation agriculture. After independence in 1966, agriculture declined in relative importance as tourism and services expanded.
Today, the primary sector contributes less than 2% of GDP, reflecting the country’s shift toward a service-based economy. However, agriculture still plays a role in food supply and rural livelihoods. Around 35–40% of the land is used for agricultural purposes.

Sugar cane remains the most important traditional crop, though production has decreased significantly. Other crops include vegetables, fruits and root crops grown mainly for local consumption.

Livestock farming includes poultry and small-scale cattle production.

Forests cover only a small portion of the island due to its long history of cultivation, though reforestation efforts are ongoing.

Barbados’ surrounding waters support small-scale fisheries, including flying fish, which are culturally and economically significant.

Overall, Barbados’ primary sector reflects its historical plantation economy and limited land area. While tourism and financial services dominate the modern economy, agriculture and fisheries continue to contribute to food security and local employment.

In 2017, Gerold and Klaudia visited Heiko Bammann on Barbados for two weeks. He was a fellow student at the time and now works for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the island. Together, we explored aspects of agriculture, including the breeding station of the Barbados Black Belly sheep. Otherwise, we simply enjoyed the island’s light, water, and air. From there, we continued island hopping to Antigua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Dominica — completing the Lesser Antilles. In 2018, Gerold returned for another eight days to finish his journey through the Lesser Antilles, visiting Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.