Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean and covers about 48,700 km². Its geography includes coastal plains, fertile valleys and mountain ranges such as the Cordillera Central, which contains the highest peak in the Caribbean. The country has a tropical climate with regional variations that support diverse agricultural production.

Before European colonisation, the island was inhabited by the Taíno people, who practised subsistence farming. Following Spanish settlement in the late 15th century, plantation agriculture was introduced, focusing on crops such as sugar cane. After independence in 1844, agriculture remained the backbone of the economy for many decades.
Today, the primary sector contributes around 5–6% of GDP and remains important for employment and exports. About 40% of the land is used for agriculture.

Sugar cane has historically been the most important crop, though its dominance has declined. Other key agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, tobacco, rice and bananas. These crops are grown in both plantation systems and smallholder farms.

Livestock farming, particularly cattle for meat and dairy, is also significant in rural areas.

Forests cover roughly 40% of the country’s territory, though deforestation has been an issue in the past. Forestry supports local timber production and environmental conservation.

The Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coastline supports fisheries, including shrimp, lobster and reef fish. Coastal aquaculture is also developing.

Overall, the primary sector reflects the country’s varied landscape: plantation crops in lowlands, coffee and cocoa in upland areas, cattle ranching and coastal fisheries. Although tourism and services now dominate the economy, agriculture, forestry and fishing continue to play a key role in rural livelihoods and export earnings.

Gerold has visited 2019 the Domincan Republic for one week. He was in the capital Santo Domingo and drove to Haiti by hired car with driver for a day trip.