Why This Success Is Forcing Martinique to Rethink Its Food Future
What if the most inspiring example for Martinique came not from Europe or North America, but from its own Caribbean context? An international scientific study published in 2025 identified Guyana as the only country capable of meeting, through its domestic production alone, the seven food groups essential to a balanced diet. For Martinique, which still imports most of what it consumes, this discovery calls for a rethinking of the foundations of its agricultural policy and its development model.
A study that challenges conventional wisdom
The study published in *Nature Food* compares the production capacities of 186 countries with the nutritional needs of their populations. Its conclusion is clear: Guyana is the only country capable of meeting the needs for all seven essential food groups through its own production alone. This recognition puts food security back at the heart of development policies.
A Caribbean neighbor who has become a role model
Guyana’s success is based on a long-term strategy: agricultural investments, diversification of production, and the development of rice farming, aquaculture, and the livestock sector. Food self-sufficiency appears to be the result of sustained political will rather than simply a natural advantage.
Martinique in the Mirror
The contrast is striking. Despite its strengths, Martinique remains heavily dependent on food imports. This dependence increases its vulnerability to international crises, logistical challenges, and rising prices.
A Social Issue
Food sovereignty extends beyond the agricultural sector alone. It encompasses the economy, employment, health, land use, the environment, public procurement, and consumer habits. Producing more locally also strengthens the region’s resilience.
Guyana is not a model to be replicated exactly, but it does demonstrate that a coherent policy can bring about lasting change in a food system. The real question now is whether Martinique wishes to embark on this transformation.
Coming up: How did Martinique become so dependent on food imports?
Mikaël Glondu-Monnerille
